Hello everyone
Posted SEU meant SER
I have a few questions regarding service entrance cable.
Is it possible to come from the meter can through the wall and up without violating the bend radius. The walls are framed with 2 x 4’s.
The actual diameter of the conductors in 4/0 aluminum SE cable appears to be aprox. 5/8 to 3/4 an inch. 3/4 x 5 = 3 and 3/4 inch bending radius.
Also this puts the cable very close to the finished surface. Wouldn’t this require nail plates?
I have seen this done many times and always passed inspection. I am interested in doing things proper, not just passing inspection.



[This message has been edited by kdal (edited 11-22-2005).]

The only place the code requires the 1.25" setback is next to framing members.
I don't like it, or even agree but that is the way it reads and the way it gets enforced here.
A agree with your concern on service entrance conductors. I would probably go after that with 250.30(A)(1)
<service disconnect shall be>... "nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors." and tell them the "up" has to happen outside the building with the penetration right behind the service disconnect.

We have a couple of inspectors that won't allow that method on 2x4 construction walls for anything bigger than #2 ser. The minimum bending radius for Ser cable is based on the outside dimensions of the cable, not the conductors. With 4/0 cable you won't be able to make a small enough bend to meet code and stay inside the wall at the same time. See 338.24.