Underground service

[jim mccloy]

Is it ok to install single conductors in the conduit section coming from the meter base into the panel? Some electricians I've talked to just sleeve the se cable with the outer jacket still in place. Myself, I would think that it would be easier to just run single insulated service conductors into the LB and conduit.

When installing the single conductors of a 3 wire service (being that I'll probably only need about 5 or 6 feet) Should I just remove the outer jacket from SE cable and twist the bare neutral tightly or just purchase the conductors separately with a covered grounded conductor?

And thirdly, I'm going to be feeding into the backside of the MDP, I know there is a plastic bushing that I need to use that fits onto the incoming conduit sleeve section to protect the conductors...What is this type of bushing called? I just want to know what I'm asking for when I call in my materials order at my wholesaler. Service is 200 amp.

Jim.

 

[rick5280]

Re: Underground service

First off, are you qualified to do this type of work? These questions are basic stuff for electricians, so I am assumming that you are not an electrician. I would be remiss if I didn't warn you that this type of work should be done by a licensed electrician.

You are allowed to run individual conductors in a raceway, as long as the race way is a complete system, from meter to panel. If this is the case, then you run 3 insulated conductors, and install a metal conduit grounding bushing onto the raceway, at one end, and a plastic bushing on the other. Usually the grounding bushing is installed inside of the panel, instead of the meter socket.

One word of caution. Some areas have a length rule, that is the length of the SE conductor is limited to a certain length. In my area, that length is 5', but some go up to 15-20'. Best check with your inspector for this info.

Rick Miell