I need your advice. As an inspector I'm getting real annoyed with not knowing how to determine conduit fill when a cable wiring method such as romex, MC, AC, etc. is installed in a conduit whether it be point A to point B, or is just protected for short runs.

I did an inspection today and the electrians (?) pulled 8/2 NM from the panel through an existing 1/2" RNC to an existing box. The RNC was secured properly at both ends. (maybe because someone else did it a few years ago). Anyway the GC said the guys were grunting and groaning and using alot of pulling compound. I told him what a shame because now they have to pull it out. They should have used THHN or the like.

Thus my question. But while typing this I was wondering if there is a Code article about using those wiring methods above if pulled from box to box also.

I'm the type if I cannot find the Code Article I cannot fail them. I may like to but I cannot.

Thanks for all your help
Tom

Tom, welcome to the forum. Your answer is in chapter 9, take notice of note 9 to the Tables


After determining the dimension of the cable, go to the appropriate conduit table and do the math.

As an aside, the chapter 3 xxx.22 conduit and tubing sections of the 2005 NEC clears up the question of whether cable assemblies are allowed to be installed in complete conduit systems.



Roger

[This message has been edited by Roger (edited 03-16-2006).]

One quick "cheat" is to measure the cable at it's widest point, go to table 5 and find the conductor closest to that approximate diameter and use the fill table for the raceway in question to see if it will <legally> fit.
I suppose if the "P" match really gets started you will need to do the math but this will certainly get you close.

Good Morning,

Thank You both for your replies it will help me to do a better inspection and justify my findings.

Thanks again,
Tom

Tom,
I'm not convinced that the conduit fill rules apply to short sections of conduit used for cable protection.
Don

Don, I think this is as close as you get to a fill rule for short sections of raceway

Chapter 9 Table note
(4) Where conduit or tubing nipples having a maximum length not to exceed 600 mm (24 in.) are installed between boxes, cabinets, and similar enclosures, the nipples shall be permitted to be filled to 60 percent of their total cross-sectional area, and 310.15(B)(2)(a) adjustment factors need not apply to this condition.

If you can't use that I don't see any relief from the normal 53% single conductor rule. (31% for 2, 40% for 3 and up)



[This message has been edited by gfretwell (edited 03-17-2006).]

I'm saying that there is no fill rule for short sections of raceway used for cable protection purposes. The fill rules only apply to complete conduit systems.
Don

I agree with Don on this one. Because of what it says in Note #2 to Table 1.

resqcapt19 -

"I'm saying that there is no fill rule for short sections of raceway used for cable protection purposes. The fill rules only apply to complete conduit systems.
Don"

Who decides if it's just for protection or part of a complete conduit system?

Wonder if this should be something that is actaully address (and defined) in the NEC?

Steve

IMO,
I call a conduit with a box, LB, or similar fitting on EACH END a complete system.
Conversely, a 5-10 ft. piece used to protect a NM cable down a basement wall with a box at the bottom and a bushing on the top is not a complete system.
I have "over filled" these on occasion.

OK I agree, (standing over here in the "corrected" corner with my pointy hat) note 2 leaves you with the concept that you can stuff in all you can, without damaging the cable.

Greg- The pointy hat thing- "one-size-fits all" I've worn it a number of times as you have noticed on this BB.