jdscott2005:
I relocated your post here for better exposure.
The trade practice here is that the service feeder from the meter to the MOCP within a panel must be in a straight path; there is no NEC defined distance for unprotected conductors within a structure. Protection of SEU within "pipe" by the local AHJ is for physical protection of the cable. The diameter of the cable prevents maintaining the required depth from the face of the studs. "Pipe" could be EMT, IMC, or RGC to prevent physical damage.
I see from your profile that you are not an electrician, so you may want to find a local licensed electrician to do this job.
