Best way to get SER cable to panel

[jtbinvalrico]

Have a look at the pictures below and let me know what you think will be the easiest way to get a 1-1-1-3 ser copper cable from the attic down to the main panel. Seems to me that cutting an access into the drywall above the panel will be the easiest route.....otherwise I'll end up wedged into a very small space in the attic trying to drill a hole through the top plate and start the cable in.

If I cut the access panel, drilling through the top plate would be a breeze, and I'd simply start the cable into the attic from below.....Perhaps I should cut the panel about 1 foot wide by 6 feet tall. I'd leave it open for the rough-in inspection and secure the cable to the two backboards....Seal it back up for the final.

The run across the attic looks straightforward enough. I can stay more than 6 feet away from the attic access hole (no permanent ladder). I'll secure the cable to the sides of the joists in a clean shot across the 30 feet of attic.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

First off, I assume this is for a subpanel? What amperage?

#1 cu is pretty pricey.

Im wondering if you could get by with #2 al...

Sounds like you have a good plan on access and fishing the wire already.

 

[ard]

Too bad you put in that 2x4 'top plate' as opposed to an open wiring chase!



Signed,
Mr. Obvious

I'd give drilling and fishing a shot first (with a nice holesaw on a right angle drill). If I can avoid Sheetrock repair with an hours work, it's worth it. IMO.

 

[75gmck25]

I can't tell the spacing of the 2x4s running up the wall above the panel; however, HD sells various sizes of pop-in access panels and hinged doors that you could put in the wall up near where the wiring goes through that top plate. Then use the cutout area to drill from below where you have better access.

The largest access panel is sized so that it just fits between 2x4's spaced 16" on center. Just buy the access panel first, then cut the hole in the sheetrock so that it matches the panel.

Bruce

 

[jtbinvalrico]

First off, I assume this is for a subpanel? What amperage?

#1 cu is pretty pricey.

Im wondering if you could get by with #2 al...

Sounds like you have a good plan on access and fishing the wire already.

100a subpanel. Total run is maybe 60 feet to get up and down the walls and across the attic. Admittedly, I'm going big on the wire to avoid any issues with the inspector. From what I can tell on the interwebs, derating for hot attics isn't always considered by them; and they're non-committal when you ask them.....just figured I'd exceed code to be safe. If this was a 250' run, I'd be more price conscious. Using al vs cu is a fair suggestion, just not sure where to go on sizing. They're really non-committal up front, and I'd hate to get burned at the inspection. I acknowledge that's not the best reasoning.....and taking that position is easy because the overall dollar amounts here aren't substantial.

Too bad you put in that 2x4 'top plate' as opposed to an open wiring chase!

I believe the electricians would have thrown me off the job site if I had popped in and made suggestions

I can't tell the spacing of the 2x4s running up the wall above the panel; however, HD sells various sizes of pop-in access panels and hinged doors that you could put in the wall up near where the wiring goes through that top plate. Then use the cutout area to drill from below where you have better access.

Great idea! That'll save me quite a bit of time refinishing the wall, and make future access easier. Thanks to all!