"Where subject to physical damage" is a phrase open to a variety of interpretations. In the case of service cables the consequences of that possible damage should be given serious consideration, in my opinion.

I don't know much about power company fusing, but from the stories of the POCO workers when these cables short in a residence they shoot fire until the workers disconnect them.

With this understanding of potential fire hazard I provide the best physical protection. IMO if Type SE is exposed, outside or inside a residence...it is subject to physical damage.

Dave

Great subject Dave.

I understand what your saying but I do not agree the amount of carnage possible is the the correct method of determining what is or is not subject to physical damage.

IMO subject to physical is all about the location.

Take a look at this 4" RMC that had a service conductor fault.



For more.. https://www.electrical-contractor.net/ubb/Forum5/HTML/000801.html

My point here is that faults can and often do happen in metal raceways. When service conductors are involved RMC does not help much to contain the sparks.

I have lived all my life in an area that uses SE extensively, I can tell you these services are not blowing up, burning down etc.

I installed an SE service on my own house after bending up some RMC and finding it too ugly. (The Meter is tucked into a tight location)

IMO some sort of current limiters at the service point would be a good idea but I do not see that happening.

Bob

Quite a picture, Bob.

IMO physical protection is an issue of prevention, not containment.

Dave

I have to agree with Bob. SEU is the majority here, "protection" is enforced where it is required, per NEC.

My home has PVC Sch80 to the meter pan, & nipple thru the back to panel. That was my personal choice to do it in PVC & copper.

Some people may say.."it gives you the industrial look", but it's my choice.

As an AHJ, I see SEU, PVC, and yes...one of the "senior" (old timers) still does 200 amp in RGC end to end.

John

My personal opinion is that using SE is the cheap way of doing it. I prefer doing services in RNC and copper wire. But the contractor I work now can make more money using SE, so SE cable is what we use.

And as far as I'm concerned, the load side from the meter (on residential services) is always subject to damage. If it were up to me, all load sides from the meter would be mandatory conduit.

Please understand what that I am trying to say here.

As a licensed contractor that has been through the price battles of trying to win a bid just so there will be work for my help, I must defend the man trying to make a dollar.

I have desires and wishes that I would like to implement in the electrical trade but the bottom line for the contractor is the making of a profit. The desires of the help although very important do not make a profit and if I don’t make a profit then there will be no employees.

To use a quote such as, “My personal opinion is that using SE is the cheap way of doing it” may very well be a true statement the truth of the matter still lies in what the market will allow for a profit.


edited for spelling


[This message has been edited by jw electric (edited 09-23-2005).]

Jw, I totally understand what you are saying. Hell, I hope to one day be in business for myself so that I can tell my guys to use SE and love it. :-)