I'm an old EC that looks to my AHJ's for solid answers Greg.

In past cases like this it's considered the job (tax subsidized at that) of the NEC ,CMP.s ect to provide the tools needed for field decisions.

We have ,in the past, asked for formal interpretations from Batterymarch park.

Were you and i toe/toe on the job, i'm sure i'd suggest it.

In fact, just this exchange alone should inspire us toward such a goal, if you're game...:)

That said , the best ahj's look for ways to pass a job vs. failing it, so i appreciate your 'big slice' suggestion, and would like to up the ante' with a sleeve....to forgo any mass burial of nm in foam...>>>

I refer you to Chap 9 tables....where i can stuff as many nm's as i can fit in a piece of sch 40....

Quote
Notes to Tables
(I) See Informative Annex C for the maximum number of
conductors and fixture wires, all of the same size (total
cross-sectional area including insulation) permitted in
trade sizes of the applicable conduit or tubing.
(2) Table I applies only to complete conduit or tubing systems
and is not intended to apply to sections of conduit or tubing
used to protect exposed wiring from physical damage.


~S~