Using a panel as a raceway

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rfleckenstein@mac.com

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Does anyone know the code section, if it exists, that pertains to using a panel as a raceway, or something to that affect. I was recently on a jobwalk where I noticed that the electrician routed a feeder from a ATS into a pump control cabinet and exited the cabinet after making a U-turn with the feeder. The feeder did not terminate in the cabinet. It looks like the electrician just used the control cabinet as a pull point. I know that most of us would never even think of doing that, so for this reason the code section that would address this is escaping me.
rfleckenstein
 
See 312.8 for where it is allowed, read the whole section.

Roger
 
rfleckenstein@mac.com said:
Does anyone know the code section, if it exists, that pertains to using a panel as a raceway, or something to that affect. I was recently on a jobwalk where I noticed that the electrician routed a feeder from a ATS into a pump control cabinet and exited the cabinet after making a U-turn with the feeder. The feeder did not terminate in the cabinet. It looks like the electrician just used the control cabinet as a pull point. I know that most of us would never even think of doing that, so for this reason the code section that would address this is escaping me.
rfleckenstein
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Along with 312.8 ......reviewing the article 100 definitions of a panelboard,cabinet, and a cut out box , are necessary to properly understand and apply the rule.

For the record, one can never use a panelboard as a raceway, its just not physically possible.:grin:..........but you can use a cabinet or cut-out box:wink:
 
rfleckenstein@mac.com said:
Does anyone know the code section, if it exists, that pertains to using a panel as a raceway, or something to that affect. I was recently on a jobwalk where I noticed that the electrician routed a feeder from a ATS into a pump control cabinet and exited the cabinet after making a U-turn with the feeder. The feeder did not terminate in the cabinet. It looks like the electrician just used the control cabinet as a pull point. I know that most of us would never even think of doing that, so for this reason the code section that would address this is escaping me.
rfleckenstein
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By the way.....great post! Many similar questions have come up in the past and you may benefit from using the search feature on this site.

Welcome to the forum!
 
ibew441dc said:
For the record, one can never use a panelboard as a raceway, its just not physically possible.:grin:..........but you can use a cabinet or cut-out box:wink:
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:D I agree

In the past I have posted pictures of a panelboard and a cabinet to try drive that point home. :cool:
 
So a panelboard is mounted in a cabinet. Thus the panelboard cannot be used as a raceway but can the cabinet with a panelboard mounted inside be used as a raceway????
 
I sent a picture of this. I am not sure if I did it correctly. There are a few other violations here. I would be interested in your comments. Thanks for your input on all of this!
rfleckenstein
 
I would tend to agree with Daniel. What size conductor are we dealing with ?

opps posted before I saw page 2 hate when that happens..plus roger now has me thinking
 
roger said:
Okay, I'll wait. :D

Roger
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With out going in to great detail.....I do see your point. Although......

312.8 Enclosures for Switches or Overcurrent Devices
Enclosures for switches or overcurrent devices shall not be used as junction boxes, auxiliary gutters, or raceways for conductors feeding through or tapping off to other switches or overcurrent devices, unless adequate space for this purpose is provided

How else would you define adequate space, when used as a pull box?
(312.6 does not apply due to the fact that you are entering and or exiting)
 
ibew441dc said:
With out going in to great detail.....I do see your point. Although......

312.8 Enclosures for Switches or Overcurrent Devices
Enclosures for switches or overcurrent devices shall not be used as junction boxes, auxiliary gutters, or raceways for conductors feeding through or tapping off to other switches or overcurrent devices, unless adequate space for this purpose is provided

How else would you define adequate space, when used as a pull box?
(312.6 does not apply due to the fact that you are entering and or exiting)
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You're right 312.6 is not applicable but 312.8 is.

If 312.8 was not meant to be a stand alone section it would direct you to 312.6 and/or 314 for a particular installation practice, the same as say 200.2 directs you to other articles and sections.

I may even think 314 should apply but, as it stands and is worded right now, 314 is not applicable.

Roger
 
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roger said:
You're right 312.6 is not applicable but 312.8 is.

If 312.8 was not meant to be a stand alone section it would direct you to 314 for a particular installation practice, the same as say 200.2 directs you to other articles and sections.

I may even think 314 should apply but, as it stands and is worded right now, 314 is not applicable.

Roger
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Thats exactly why I started my reply with my disclaimer, stating that I do see your point.:wink:
 
roger said:
You're right 312.6 is not applicable but 312.8 is.

If 312.8 was not meant to be a stand alone section it would direct you to 312.6 and/or 314 for a particular installation practice, the same as say 200.2 directs you to other articles and sections.

I may even think 314 should apply but, as it stands and is worded right now, 314 is not applicable.

Roger
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I wish you would quit that. I'm getting too old to learn new ideas :D
my mind is made up and you go and confuse me with facts!
 
Roger,

Lets change gears hear......Strip everything out of that cut-out box .......so now basically I have a large j-box with a hinged cover...........Thanks to you pointing this out:D.........now I dont have to follow 314.28, like I would of in the past.

Based on this accurate point of view (that you pointed out), I could have a 8x8x6 cut out box, with a 4'' race way on either side and pull some 500kcmils through it and be perfectly legal. (straight times eight right)

This is a good one......I really am thankful for your attention to the details:smile:

In my opinion this should be addressed in the next code cycle...if it hasnt already been done.
 
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