USE-2 cable in main panel...?

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pjwinstalls

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Installing a square D 200amp panel today and i noticed that the inside label states all the types of cable it will accept into the main but not USE ?? Is there anything in the NEC regarding this? If i am installing the meter pan on an h-frame off of the house, the load wire goes back into the ground direct burial to the house so USE has to be used.
 
Shhh! Don't ask, don't tell. 8)


Or you could look for the type of the individual conductors in the cable.
 
not sure what you mean "Or you could look for the type of the individual conductors in the cable." its USE cable.? I am a little slow tonight
 
338.2 Definitions.
Type USE. Service-entrance cable, identified for underground use, having a moisture-resistant covering, but not required to have a flame-retardant covering.
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338.10 Uses Permitted.

(A) Service-Entrance Conductors. Service-entrance cable used as service-entrance conductors shall be installed as required by Article 230.

Type USE used for service laterals shall be permitted to emerge from the ground outside at terminations in meter bases or other enclosures where protected in accordance with 300.5(D).
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There is also more info in the UL white book.

The short answer is USE can not go inside a building at all and can only be used above grade outside at terminations.

the load wire goes back into the ground direct burial to the house so USE has to be used.
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USE can not be used if the panel is inside the house.

Looks like pipe and single conductors from your meter to the panel will be needed.
 
From the UL White Book

"USE
Types USE and USE-2 are not suitable for use in premises or aboveground EXCEPT to terminate at the service equipment or metering equipment."


I believe this tells us the USE can be installed in a building, but only to terminate to service or metering equipment.
 
Pierre C Belarge said:
From the UL White Book

"USE
Types USE and USE-2 are not suitable for use in premises or aboveground EXCEPT to terminate at the service equipment or metering equipment."


I believe this tells us the USE can be installed in a building, but only to terminate to service or metering equipment.
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I also believe that is what the UL book says.

I do not see that the NEC allows it inside at all in either 2002 or 2005.

2002 or 2005 NEC

338.10 Uses Permitted.

(A) Service-Entrance Conductors. Service-entrance cable used as service-entrance conductors shall be installed as required by Article 230.

Type USE used for service laterals shall be permitted to emerge from the ground outside at terminations in meter bases or other enclosures where protected in accordance with 300.5(D).
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We have to follow the NEC do we not?
 
Bob
What I posted is from the UL White Book.

What I am driving at is that sometimes the UL White Book provides more information than the NEC itself, especially when it comes to Listings.


In this case, there does seem to be a conflict. Either or should make a change to help with, "it can or it can't".
 
Pierre C Belarge said:
Bob
What I posted is from the UL White Book.
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I know I have it as well. 8)

Pierre C Belarge said:
What I am driving at is that sometimes the UL White Book provides more information than the NEC itself, especially when it comes to Listings.
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I agree entirely. 8)

Pierre C Belarge said:
In this case, there does seem to be a conflict. Either or should make a change to help with, "it can or it can't".
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I again agree. :)

As it is now I think the prudent move is to follow the more stringent requirements of the NEC. (Assuming I am correct in my read of 338.10)
 
Just a thought...

If I enter the building with USE and install it in a raceway till it is entered into the enclosure is it not safe enough?

Remember the NEC says the 1st disconnect is supposed to be installed immediately inside the building... with that said, the USE would not be installed very far inside of any building if terminated to this equipment.
 
Pierre C Belarge said:
Just a thought...

If I enter the building with USE and install it in a raceway till it is entered into the enclosure is it not safe enough?
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IMO, Yes of course it is. :)

I believe the issue is flammability.

Does that matter? :?
 
Fire Smire... If I were king of the forest...

The flamability issue is the reason, that is why I mentioned installing it in a raceway.

Maybe UL says it can be installed indoors to the enclosure with the thought of 300.5(D)(1) in mind???
 
Why would bringing USE into the house be considered a fire hazard? I will have the wire coming into the house via conduit and going directly into the back of the panel within 7 inches of entering the house.
 
pjwinstalls said:
Why would bringing USE into the house be considered a fire hazard?
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Because it does not have a flame retardant insulation.

But which do you want to talk about?

Commonsense or the actual code rules as they may not be the same thing.

You asked why your enclosure does not specify USE, my guess is that it is a NEMA 1 enclosure made for inside use so they can not say USE is OK. That is just a guess take it for what its worth.

You could go to the Square D FAQ site and ask the question there.

http://www.squared.com/us/products/...ABA3AF485256C2200692460/$file/faqFrameset.htm
 
it also says it shall be permitted to be terminated in enclosures at an indoor location, where the length of cable extending indoors to the first termination point shall not exceed 6ft
 
MDP

it also says it shall be permitted to be terminated in enclosures at an indoor location, where the length of cable extending indoors to the first termination point shall not exceed 6ft
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I am not doubting you and I think that would make perfect sense

But I do not have any of that in my 2002 NECH CD-ROM.

I also do not see it in my 2005 NEC book.

Are you sure of the section number or am I just blind? :?
 
iwire

the section is 338.10 (4) the section begins with type USE, I do not have my 2005 NEC at home to check, but you are saying you do not see it in your 2002, and a I agree it would make sense,
 
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