underground conduits entering switchboard

[jap2525]

We came across a new 800amp main distribution panel that had been installed in a new school by another contractor recently.The panelboard was about 1" above a poured concrete housekeeping pad.The risers for the feeders and branch wiring(mostly 2" and 3" pvc conduits) had no male adapters,locknuts or bushings and did not terminate to the can.The holes were knocked out in the can and the panel was slid down over the conduits. (I guess they didn't have room for the connectors).The conduits stick up inside the can at various lengths with wiring already pulled and terminated.I cannot seem to find the code passage that allows or does not allow this besides having to have bushings on conduits for wire size #4 or larger.(it is not a pretty sight).

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: underground conduits entering switchboard

408.10 Clearance for Conductors Entering Bus Enclosures.
Where conduits or other raceways enter a switchboard, floor-standing panelboard, or similar enclosure at the bottom, sufficient space shall be provided to permit installation of conductors in the enclosure. The wiring space shall not be less than shown in Table 408.10 where the conduit or raceways enter or leave the enclosure below the busbars, their supports, or other obstructions. The conduit or raceways, including their end fittings, shall not rise more than 75 mm (3 in.) above the bottom of the enclosure.

This section appears to permit the installation. However this method is normally used with "open bottom" enclosures.
Don

[ May 13, 2004, 04:19 PM: Message edited by: don_resqcapt19 ]

 

[stew]

Re: underground conduits entering switchboard

It does say " there end fittings" however which leads me to belive they need the bell end or a bell end fitting of some sort eh?

[ May 13, 2004, 05:46 PM: Message edited by: stew ]

 

[tonyi]

Re: underground conduits entering switchboard

My understanding is to have a "complete system" of piping, end fittings (bushings in this case) would be required.

 

[websparky]

Re: underground conduits entering switchboard

352.46 Bushings.
Where a conduit enters a box, fitting, or other enclosure, a bushing or adapter shall be provided to protect the wire from abrasion unless the box, fitting, or enclosure design provides equivalent protection.

There must be a fitting of some sort and listed for the purpose.

352.6 Listing Requirements.
RNC, factory elbows, and associated fittings shall be listed.