USE cable

[hhsting]

I have project which utilizes USE cable as feeder fed from switchboard underground direct buried.

Can USE cable be used for direct buried? I looked at 338 but does not say

 

[NTesla76]

 

[Rock86]

Not advocating that it should be... but is it USE-2?

 

[hhsting]

Not advocating that it should be... but is it USE-2?

No its USE only NO #2

 

[Rock86]

Understanding Direct-Burial Underground Cable?

Learn about the most common types of direct burial electrical cable, including tips for installation and other considerations.

www.thespruce.com

.

Determine if the product is listed for it. It probably is.

 

[K8MHZ]

Doesn't the 'U' in USE mean 'underground'?

 

[Rock86]

Doesn't the 'U' in USE mean 'underground'?

It does, but I think he is concerned about the direct burial part.

 

[augie47]

Look over there in the corner of your office where the unused books are stacked and get out the one that says "NEC"



338.2 Type USE. Service-entrance cable, identified for underground use, having a moisture-resistant covering, but not required to have a flame-retardant covering.

338.10(4)(b) Type USE cable installed as underground feeder and branch circuit cable shall comply with Part II of Article 340.

340.10 Uses Permitted. Type UF cable shall be permitted as follows: (1) For use underground, including direct burial

But..Watch Out !
338.12 (B) Underground Service-Entrance Cable. Underground service-entrance cable (USE) shall not be used under the following conditions or in the following locations: (1) For interior wiring (2) For aboveground installations except where USE cable emerges from the ground and is terminated in an enclo‐ sure at an outdoor location and the cable is protected in accordance with 300.5(D)

 

[rc/retired]

Cut him some slack! He just upgraded from the 2014 to the 2017 code.

 

[suemarkp]

Many today are listed USE-2 / RHW. In that case, it can continue into a building within a raceway. Are there enough conductors for an equipment grounding conductor?

 

[electrofelon]

I have project which utilizes USE cable as feeder fed from switchboard underground direct buried.

Can USE cable be used for direct buried? I looked at 338 but does not say

Come on man, we just went over this a few weeks ago. I am very hurt I guess you did not like my answer post #10

Direct buried, fence, one feeder and height questions residential

I know I had some variation of below question prior but design has change a little and I am not sure about few items NEC 2014 code wise. Please see attached sketches which show cluster of apartment residential one is Top view and second is Elevation view. The cluster has individual buildings 1...

forums.mikeholt.com

 

[hhsting]

Come on man, we just went over this a few weeks ago. I am very hurt I guess you did not like my answer post #10

Direct buried, fence, one feeder and height questions residential

I know I had some variation of below question prior but design has change a little and I am not sure about few items NEC 2014 code wise. Please see attached sketches which show cluster of apartment residential one is Top view and second is Elevation view. The cluster has individual buildings 1...

forums.mikeholt.com

Please compare post #8 here to post #13 in the link. So where in NEC it says USE-2 is ok for direct buried either?

 

[electrofelon]

So where in NEC it says USE-2 is ok for direct buried either?

It doesnt. NEC says "for underground use". I dont know if that is synonymous with "direct bury", but long story short, the product standard, UL 854 says suitable for direct burial.

 

[hhsting]

It doesnt. NEC says "for underground use". I dont know if that is synonymous with "direct bury", but long story short, the product standard, UL 854 says suitable for direct burial.

And that same UL 854 does not say anything about USE without the 2?

 

[hhsting]

Many today are listed USE-2 / RHW. In that case, it can continue into a building within a raceway. Are there enough conductors for an equipment grounding conductor?

I dont follow. What exactly do you mean? I have three phase 208V upstream breaker is 1000A. USE is all AL direct buried

So total 4 phase,neutral and one equipment grounding conductor. EGC too is direct buried

I need separate EGC?

 

[electrofelon]

And that same UL 854 does not say anything about USE without the 2?

the -2 just means 90 degrees wet or dry. They rae both USE so covered by 854

 

[hhsting]

the -2 just means 90 degrees wet or dry. They rae both USE so covered by 854

Any thoughts post #10 says are their enough conductors for EGC? USE does not have enough conductor for 3 phase to include EGC?

 

[augie47]

USE can be a single conductor so you can have as many as needed.
Please, again, read the book so you won't appear to be the dimmest lamp on the tree.. 338.100

 

[suemarkp]

They make it for Services and Feeders in a multi cable assembly (triplex and quadplex). Feeders need a separate EGC. Services use the grounded (neutral) conductor only. This is common cable for residential services and mobile home feeders. But quadplex may not be right for a 3 phase install. 5 separate conductors in the trench may be best.