USE cable inside the building

[dnem]

One of the ESIs in my department has failed many inspections because of USE coming into the structure. He says that USE has no flame retardant properties and can not enter the building. If USE is used to supply the meter outside, he insists that a different type of conductor be run from the meter to the main in the building.

In my opinion, there's already a restriction on the OCD line side service conductors being in the building, 230.70(1), "Readily Accessible Location. The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside of the building or structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors."

"Nearest the point of entrance" restricts the location of the main and insures that the total amount of preOCD service conductor inside the building will be minimal. Is the fact that USE may not be rated for inside use really a factor ? I don't see it as an issue and I don't see the need to fail a service main inspection because a few feet of USE come into the building.

Is he right about USE being restricted from indoor use ?
And even if it does have a restriction, should it be prohibited from running a few feet inside to the main ?

David

 

[paul]

Inspectors around here do not allow USE inside the building lines and you'll fail your inspection if they catch it. We must stop at the meter and then use another type of conductor to enter the building. As far as I'm know, the inspector you speak of is calling it correctly.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

I agree if the meter or service equipment is located outdoors. The use of USE is not permitted indoors by the NEC. UL's White Book mentions that it can be terminated at the meter or service equipment located indoors.
300.5(D)(1) would require a raceway or enclosure to protect the cable as it emerges from grade.

 

[dnem]

Am I reading your post wrong or are you saying two opposing things ?

I agree if the meter or service equipment is located outdoors. The use of USE is not permitted indoors by the NEC.

UL's White Book mentions that it can be terminated at the meter or service equipment located indoors.

The first part seems to be saying you can't run it indoors at all.
Your second part seems to be saying that you can run it to the inside termination.

David

 

[LarryFine]

At the risk of hearing "Hey, I never thought of that!", ask the inspector if he prohibits NM running to outdoor A/C disconnects, because the few inches of NM feeding the line side of the disconnect are not rated for outdoor use?

 

[George Stolz]

As mentioned in the recent thread on this issue, USE dual-rated as RHH/RHW is legal for use indoors. (Source)

I'm pretty sure all we use is USE-2, but I haven't looked in a while.

 

[dnem]

I was a day late and a dollar short
I just saw the thread "USE-2 in main panel ... ?"
All the info is over there

David