MC entering panel Q.

[SCBO1]

Commercial project, several MC cables enter a 2" NM conduit from the top of the panel. The 2" conduit is cut off at ceiling level with the MC entering the conduit. 2-3" inside the conduit the MC jacket is removed with the wires continuing into the panel. I cannot find where this would not be allowed. I would prefer the MC to connect directly to the top of the panel with connectors or be transfered to rigid conduit at the ceiling level. This appears to be a cost saving install.

pc1

 

[Bryan Holland]

Here is the section to reference from the 2008 NEC:

312.5© Cables. Where cable is used, each cable shall be securedto the cabinet, cutout box, or meter socket enclosure.

Exception: Cables with entirely nonmetallic sheaths shall

be permitted to enter the top of a surface-mounted enclosure

through one or more nonflexible raceways not less

than 450 mm (18 in.) and not more than 3.0 m (10 ft) in

length, provided all of the following conditions are met:

(a) Each cable is fastened within 300 mm (12 in.),

measured along the sheath, of the outer end of the raceway.

(b) The raceway extends directly above the enclosure

and does not penetrate a structural ceiling.

© A fitting is provided on each end of the raceway to

protect the cable(s) from abrasion and the fittings remain

accessible after installation.

(d) The raceway is sealed or plugged at the outer end

using approved means so as to prevent access to the enclosure

through the raceway.

(e) The cable sheath is continuous through the raceway

and extends into the enclosure beyond the fitting not

less than 6 mm (1⁄4 in.).

(f) The raceway is fastened at its outer end and at

other points in accordance with the applicable article.

(g) Where installed as conduit or tubing, the allowable

cable fill does not exceed that permitted for complete conduit

or tubing systems by Table 1 of Chapter 9 of this Code

and all applicable notes thereto.

AND:

330.30 Securing and Supporting.(A) General. Type MC cable shall be supported and secured

by staples, cable ties, straps, hangers, or similar fittings

or other approved means designed and installed so as

not to damage the cable.

(B) Securing. Unless otherwise provided, cables shall be

secured at intervals not exceeding 1.8 m (6 ft). Cables containing

four or fewer conductors sized no larger than

10 AWG shall be secured within 300 mm (12 in.) of every

box, cabinet, fitting, or other cable termination.

AND:

330.40 Boxes and Fittings. Fittings used for connectingType MC cable to boxes, cabinets, or other equipment shall

be listed and identified for such use.

 

[SCBO1]

Thanks, Bryan, I'm on the 2005NEC but found the information that you posted. This comfirms that the installation is not code complaint.

pc1

 

[chris kennedy]

Also 300.12.

300.12 Mechanical Continuity — Raceways and Cables.Metal or nonmetallic raceways, cable armors, and cable sheaths shall be continuous between cabinets, boxes, fittings, or other enclosures or outlets.

Exception No. 1: Short sections of raceways used to provide support or protection of cable assemblies from physical damage shall not be required to be mechanically continuous.

Exception No. 2: Raceways and cables installed into the bottom of open bottom equipment, such as switchboards, motor control centers, and floor or pad-mounted transformers, shall not be required to be mechanically secured to the equipment.