Feeder wire for subpanel

[Ratzfatz]

Hi I have an outdoor Main and subpanel next to it. I am using 2224 aluminum as feeder wire. The feeder does not have metal shathing.
The wire is 5 foot long.
Do I need conduit?
Is flexible plastic fine or do I need metall/PVC?
Is one 1 inch conduit enough to pull through?
The feeder enters the subpanel from above how to make sure that absolutely no water/rain can enter?
Does the feeder need to leave the main panel from the bottom? Or is side/top ok?

 

[pattenp]

Is the 2224 individual conductors or is it SER cable? Individual conductors need conduit, SER cable does not as long as it's not subject to being damaged. Out of the bottom is easier to prevent water intrusion.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

You should be entering the panel below live parts to prevent any issues with water

 

[Ratzfatz]

thank you both! Yes it is SER. So I will just pull a wire from the bottom side of main to bottom side of subpanel, easy enough.