Using short 2 inch nipple from panel for NM cable.

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hornetd

hornetd

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Maryland
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Journeyman Electrician, Retired
On another forum a photograph was posted of a panel with the cover removed. All of the Type NM cables entered a 2 inch nipple for the short jump to the attic above. The photograph did not show the other end of the EMT but several contributors stated that it is quite common to use a short nipple that way with only a bushing at the upper end. Leaving out the conduit being stuffed way beyond the 60% permitted by note 4 of the Notes to tables in chapter 9 with no visible space between the cable jackets which were stripped back to the end of the EMT connector is it not an NEC violation for these cables to just exit the bushing at the upper end of the nipple to be supported by the usual staples, clips, or bored holes? Lets even say that they are supported withing the 9 inches as would be required for a box without clamps. It just sounds wrong to me. So leaving the fill issue alone is it really code compliant to use a <24 inch long EMT nipple to carry any number of cables that you can squeeze into 60% of the cross section to a point up to 2 feet away from the panel cabinet and then support them just like you would with Type NM cable at a box with no clamps?
 
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Each NM is required to be entered into the panel with a connector. Running them into the open end of a nipple is not permitted unless it can meet the requirements of 312.5(C)(exception).
 
hornetd said:
On another forum a photograph was posted of a panel with the cover removed. All of the Type NM cables entered a 2 inch nipple for the short jump to the attic above. The photograph did not show the other end of the EMT but several contributors stated that it is quite common to use a short nipple that way with only a bushing at the upper end. Leaving out the conduit being stuffed way beyond the 60% permitted by note 4 of the Notes to tables in chapter 9 with no visible space between the cable jackets which were stripped back to the end of the EMT connector is it not an NEC violation for these cables to just exit the bushing at the upper end of the nipple to be supported by the usual staples, clips, or bored holes? Lets even say that they are supported withing the 9 inches as would be required for a box without clamps. It just sounds wrong to me. So leaving the fill issue alone is it really code compliant to use a <24 inch long EMT nipple to carry any number of cables that you can squeeze into 60% of the cross section to a point up to 2 feet away from the panel cabinet and then support them just like you would with Type NM cable at a box with no clamps?
Click to expand...

check out 312.5 C ex 1-7

LJ2waxW.jpg


~RJ~
 
infinity said:
Each NM is required to be entered into the panel with a connector. Running them into the open end of a nipple is not permitted unless it can meet the requirements of 312.5(C)(exception).
Click to expand...
Rob

I cannot thank you enough for this citation. It is exactly what I needed. I just new that the code covered this but I could not for the life of me remember were.

--
Tom Horne
 
romex jockey said:
check out 312.5 C ex 1-7

LJ2waxW.jpg


~RJ~
Click to expand...
OK so I have read 312.5 C ex a-g a couple of times now.
In the picture you show aren't the PVC Conduits from the top of that trough passing through a structural ceiling?
Given the NM cables in them may I conclude that they are just bushed at their upper ends?
Would that not violate paragraph (b) of the exception?
 
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hornetd said:
OK so I have read 312.5 C ex a-g a couple of times now.
In the picture you show aren't the PVC Conduits from the top of that trough passing through a structural ceiling?
Given the NM cables in them may I conclude that they are just bushed at their upper ends?
Would that not violate paragraph (b) of the exception?
Click to expand...

That is the trough door flipped up that you see , vs. the ceiling.

~RJ~
 
romex jockey said:
check out 312.5 C ex 1-7

LJ2waxW.jpg


~RJ~
Click to expand...
One problem with your picture - the rule you cited is in 312 Cabinets, cut out boxes and meter socket enclosures.

Your image has those cables entering an aux gutter or wireway.

Times I have used a wireway or larger dimension junction box, I place it near the ceiling with individual cable entries through the top and then a nipple(s) down to the panelboard.
 
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