USE-2

[A/A Fuel GTX]

Is there a code article that would prohibit using USE-2 installed in conduit within a dwelling? I have a situation where I must come out of a panel for about 30' within a dwelling and from there go underground to feed a detached building. I'd like to make a continuous run without splicing if allowed. I just can't find the answer one way or the other.

 

[pete m.]

Following is an excerpt from the commentary contained in the 2005 Handbook:

Type USE or USE-2?Indicates cable for underground installation, including burial directly in the earth. Cable in sizes 4/0 AWG and smaller and having all conductors insulated is suitable for all of the underground uses for which Type UF cable is permitted by the Code. Types USE and USE-2 are not suitable for use in premises or above ground except to terminate at the service equipment or metering equipment. Both the insulation and the outer covering, when used on single and multiconductor Types USE and USE-2, are suitable for use where exposed to sun.

This commentary is from article 338.

Pete

 

[bphgravity]

Here's a statement from UL:

Types USE and USE-2 ? Indicates cable for underground installation including direct burial in the earth. Cable in sizes 4/0 AWG and smaller and having all conductors insulated is suitable for all of the underground uses for which Type UF cable is permitted by the NEC. Types USE and USE-2 are not suitable for use in premises or aboveground except to terminate at the service equipment or metering equipment. Both the insulation and the outer covering, when used, on single and multiconductor Types USE and USE-2, are suitable for use where exposed to sun.

Most Type USE conductors do not have flame-retardant covering.

 

[A/A Fuel GTX]

Thanks Guys....

 

[electrofelon]

This is interesting, So what about using URD/USE from the meter to the service disconnect (all above ground)?

....except to terminate at the service equipment or metering equipment

It is not clear to me whether this means USE can be used anywhere on the line side of the disconnect, or just that it shall be acceptable for the portion where it emerges from the ground to the meter/disconnect. It all seems silly to me, if the insulation can handle direct burial and is sunlight resistant, I dont see what is going to happen to it above ground

 

[peter d]

This is interesting, So what about using URD/USE from the meter to the service disconnect (all above ground)?

It's not permitted.

It is not clear to me whether this means USE can be used anywhere on the line side of the disconnect, or just that it shall be acceptable for the portion where it emerges from the ground to the meter/disconnect.

Only the part where it emerges from the ground and terminates on the line side of the meter is acceptable. After that, the wiring method must be changed to another type-THWN, XHHW, etc.

 

[peter d]

It all seems silly to me, if the insulation can handle direct burial and is sunlight resistant, I dont see what is going to happen to it above ground

It all has to do with the fact that they aren't flame retardant.

 

[stew]

use 2 cable or urd as a i were is also (at least all mine is) marked rhh/rhw and is flame retardant and moisture resistant of course. I have never seen urd or use that did not have this dual rating. I have used it in the past and will continue to do so as it in its dual role is perfectly acceptable as far as I know.

 

[electrofelon]

Stew,

I agree. Where I work this is what everybody uses for aluminum. Ive never seen anyone pull single conductors of XHHW. However I havent seen the sun-res marking on the stuff I use and think per NEC this is required to be marked on the conductor if used where exposed. I just did a service in URD from meter to main, but used XHHW up to the weather head to make sure I had the sun-res covered