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Monday, October 9, 2023

Question:

Good morning, Code friends, I'm an avid reader of this forum, love it! I actually do not start my day until I get the code question at 6am. I then spend about a half hour reviewing it before getting organized, so kudos for that. I am a 30-year member of IBEW Local 1 have held a Master Electrical license since the early 2000's. My question is a two (2) part question:

  1. Is it permissible to install loop Service-Entrance-Conductors when landing them on the terminals at the top of a panel? I have always been told that you should never do a loop from the meter SE Conductors to the main breaker because they are not protected/fused.
  2. Is it code compliant to run branch-circuits across the top of a main breaker panel crossing the Service Entrance Conductors, to terminate to a breaker on the other side of the panel bus?

I've always been told it is ok when it is a main lug panel because the feeder conductors are protected/fused. Can you expand on this for me? Sometimes it can be quite difficult to get the feeder or service conductors into the lugs of the panel if there are several branch-circuit conductors at the top of the panel. This also can create challenges in getting the panel cover on especially if the conductors are not neatly finished in the panel. Thanks Ron Turney

A

Answer:

Hello Ron, glad to hear that you enjoy the CQD and congratulations on your long career in the electrical trade, and with the IBEW. Answering each question individually:

  1. The NEC® does not prohibit looping Service Entrance Conductors to accommodate easier termination, within reason. If this creates a situation where the conductors could be damaged, or the wire gutter space is overfilled, then it may be a problem.

     

  2. The NEC® does not prohibit the branch-circuit and service-entrance conductors from sharing the same gutter space of a panelboard enclosure. Section 230.7 prohibits mixing branch and service-entrance conductors from sharing the same raceway, but the gutter space of a panel enclosure does not meet the definition of a Raceway in Article 100. The gutter space must meet the space and size requirements for terminations in accordance with Section 408.55(A) and by relation Section and Table 312.6(A)

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CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

This correspondence is not a formal interpretation of the NEC® and any responses expressed to the questions are opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of NECA, NFPA, the NEC Correlating Committee any Code-making panel or other electrical technical committee. In addition, this correspondence is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services. 

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