david
Senior Member
- Location
- Pennsylvania
I'm getting mixed information in regards to weather URD cable is listed as USE and if URD can be installed as a feeder above ground in conduit in a crawl space
I'm getting mixed information in regards to weather URD cable is listed as USE and if URD can be installed as a feeder above ground in conduit in a crawl space
People often call USE-- URD-- however one cannot be sure unless you check the markings. The true URD is, as stated above not recognized by the NEC.
USE is often dual rated and can be used above ground and on into the house. Of course, URD can come out of the ground and terminate outside but it can not enter a building as it does not have a vertical flame rating
From everyone I talked to a lot of cable today know as URD is listed for use as USE or USE-1 it also carries other listings such as RHH and RHW-2 with flame retardant properties.
This has been confusing since I kept getting different information from different suppliers from their understanding of the manufactures specifications on the cable they are selling
I agree the terminology is not consistent. URD used to be installed by the utility and was not an NEC product. Today many people call it URD but it is really USE
What it comes down to in the end is not what the guy at the supply house or big box store calls it, or even what is on the shelf tag.
What counts is what is actually marked on the wire/cable. If you find on the manufacturer's website or in their literature that the product is also listed as USE or RHH, but it is not marked on the wire itself, then there is an excellent chance that the product you have in your hand is not the product whose spec you are looking it.
If it is not visibly marked the AHJ is not required to accept it. If the visible ends are short enough that not all of the markings can be read, make sure to keep a scrap piece with all of the markings or else the supply roll with enough wire to see the markings!
. Agreed Nothing else matters other than the markings on the wire.People often call USE-- URD-- however one cannot be sure unless you check the markings.