Thread: Bundling Above Panel ?

This is a photo of almost all 120v branch circuit conductors leaving the top of the electrical panel through one opening. The panel was located in an unfinished basement of a home built in 2005 (Dubuque County, IA). Is this a problem? Why or why not?

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/n...A130208037.jpg

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Article 312 of the NEC allows that installation under certain conditions. From that picture I cannot tell if some of these are met. I do see a missing bushing at the top of the sleeve.

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.
(c) 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.

Thanks Jim. My follow up question: If a sheetrock ceiling were installed and the top of the raceway / conduit was no longer accessible, would this installation become unacceptable (assuming the missing bushing you mentioned was in place)?

I guess that would hinge on whether someone considered the drywall structural.

(b) The raceway extends directly above the enclosure
and does not penetrate a structural ceiling.

Hard to gauge the sleeve length from the angle of the pic, but if I were to guess it looks too short.

I agree. That is just wrong. It is a shame that some guys do installs like this.

Even worse if it was inspected and passed.

Originally Posted by Jim Port

Article 312 of the NEC allows that installation under certain conditions. From that picture I cannot tell if some of these are met. I do see a missing bushing at the top of the sleeve.

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.
(c) 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.

The NEC allows for an installation which remotely resembles the installation shown in the photo, but not an installation which actually resembles the installation in the photo - for the reasons given in exceptions (a) through (g) as Jim posted above.

It is a shame that these installation were done in the past, it is an even greater shame that there are electricians trying to do these installations today.

The simple answer is 'No, the installation shown in the photo is not allowed, whether or not there is drywall installed above it.