New Subpanel - how to install cleanly?

[madosta]

I had a new sub panel put in:



60amps from the house.

Can I use a larger PVC conduit and run multiple NMs through it (as a sheath from the panel to the top?

What is the fill for 12/2 and 14/2 in 1 1/2"?

Otherwise I will have multiple 3/4" EMT for sheaths above the top of the block.

 

[nadogail]

Can I use a larger PVC conduit and run multiple NMs through it (as a sheath from the panel to the top?
No

What is the fill for 12/2 and 14/2 in 1 1/2"?
Not important, because it is not allowed.

If you are not using conduit, consider metal covered cable.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Can I use a larger PVC conduit and run multiple NMs through it (as a sheath from the panel to the top?
No

What is the fill for 12/2 and 14/2 in 1 1/2"?
Not important, because it is not allowed.

I don't know where nadogail is coming from unless he is incorrectly stating that you can not have NM inside of a conduit.

Most conduit fill calculators work on single conductor diameters so you have to kind of "fudge" it to use it with NM.

Assuming 1½" rigid PVC conduit - Type A

• Assuming 14/2 NM is the equivalent to a 0.333" diameter single conductor, 10 of them would still keep you below the 40% fill rate.
• Assuming 12/2 NM is the equivalent to a 0.375" diameter single conductor, 8 of them would still keep you below the 40% fill rate.

Remember, different types of conduit have different inside diameters.

 

[Stuart in MN]

How far is it from the panel to the ceiling? Another thought is to bend up a piece of sheet metal to make a chase that goes from the panel to the ceiling to cover the cables. It's basically a U shape, made the same width and depth as the panel, with some small flanges on the legs of the U to fasten it to the wall. This method also makes it easier to add more cables in the future, since they simply run through the open space behind the cover.

 

[MrMark]

This was just discussed. You can put 9 nm 12-2 in a 1.5 inch tube as a raceway to the top. There is a 60 percent fill max. The end of the tube must be sealed - a really messy proposition - and you must staple all the cables within 1 foot of the top of the tube.

Why do this? Is there some requirement? Yes, it is allowed and it may be required but I would just screw a 1X6 about a foot above the panel and staple all the nm cables to that and forget the raceway.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The end of the tube must be sealed - a really messy proposition - and you must staple all the cables within 1 foot of the top of the tube.

Use fire rated Great Stuff.

 

[MrMark]

It may be listed for that, but I hate the idea of spraying my wires with that mess. No thanks. If I had to do it for some pin head inspector I would use the intumescent caulk.

 

[Norcal]

This was just discussed. You can put 9 nm 12-2 in a 1.5 inch tube as a raceway to the top. There is a 60 percent fill max. The end of the tube must be sealed - a really messy proposition - and you must staple all the cables within 1 foot of the top of the tube.

Why do this? Is there some requirement? Yes, it is allowed and it may be required but I would just screw a 1X6 about a foot above the panel and staple all the nm cables to that and forget the raceway.

A 1X6 is likely to split when driving staples, lumber today is of little value even though we pay top dollar for it. Would have been better to have mounted the panel to a plywood backboard.

 

[MrMark]

A 1X6 is likely to split when driving staples, lumber today is of little value even though we pay top dollar for it. Would have been better to have mounted the panel to a plywood backboard.

I sure will not argue with that. Lumber is trash today. You're probably right, plywood would be better for this application.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Would have been better to have mounted the panel to a plywood backboard.

+1

 

[Highbeam]

Here's a pic of a 2x6 that didn't split within 12" of top of my panel.

 

[madosta]

I only have about 18" to the top of the block.
Didn't have room for a plywood back board behind the panel.

Was thinking unistrut, but that's overkill. I think I'm going to have about (4) 3/4" emts and maybe a larger PVC for the future/ease.

Thanks guys.

The hardest part is going to be up and then going to the wall adjacent to the panel and back, basically two 90s into a box and then along the top of the wall for future 8awg for a compressor in the back room.