680-40 regarding outdoor spas refers back to 680 Parts A & B. 680-25(d) states that panelboards and disconnects when installed (and 680-12 requires that one always be installed) must have EGC that is insulated and installed in a choice of raceways. On the interior of a building, ENT(smurf tube) is acceptable. There is no exception as in 680-25(c),Motors, that would allow NM cable,(one of the wiring methods in Chap.3)to be used inside a one-family dwelling however, I repeatedly see this installed on the inside portion of the ckt. Thoughts?

680-25(c)
Last Paragraph says that you can use a cable that has a ground insulated or covered by the outer sheath, I think that would include NM cable as long as it is copper and not smaller than # 12

David,
I am aware that 680-25(c) allows NM for motors. I am referring to 680-25(d)which also mentions disconnects along with panelboards. I see no reason to allow NM on the interior of a building to feed the disconnect required by 680-12.

680-25(d)(1) also notes between the service equipment and an EXISTING remote panelboard.

Does the installation meet or is required to meet that?

Glenn

Sorry Redsy,
I should have read your post a little closer

This is no particular installation. I have seen a few like this. They are new Spas with
disconnects mounted nearby, as required. NM cable feeds the disco, then PVC conduit goes on to feed the spa. I believe that 680-25(d)requires a raceway with an insulated ground to feed and ground the disconnect, even though it is fed from the inside of residences.

Redsy, on your post of 04-25-2001 03:09PM,

- - - 680-25(c) allows NM for motors - -.

I do not read the first paragraph of 250-25(c) to allow NM to the motor.

In general, I read 680-25 to allow an EXISTING installation using from service to a sub-panel when with-in the building.

But, to the motor under ANY condition, the EGC is to be INSULATED and in ONE OF THE RACEWAYS (or type MC cable) LISTED IN 680-25(c) ist paragraph. NM is not one of that list.

Glenn

Glenn,
The last paragraph of 680-25(c) allows an insulated OR covered ground, including any Chapt. 3 wiring method, for pool motors on the interior of a one-family dwelling. No such allowance exists in 680-25(d) regarding panelboards or disconnects. That was my original point. (Why do I see so many spa disconnects fed with NM cable? Seems like a violation to me.)

Redsy,

If the Spa was located indoors it could be wired with NM. What does that tell us about intent?

It is difficult to understand sometimes why things are written the way they are. Have you looked in any Handbooks as to what the intent is?

Bill

Bill,
The handbook I own doesn't clarify.

[This message has been edited by Redsy (edited 05-11-2001).]