power up the garage

[bdymnjm]

I buried a power cable to my garage from my house. It may have enough length from where it enters the basement to reach the breaker box. 25 feet. Here is my question: can I attach this type of cable to floor joists or drill holes to run it or does it need some type of conduit to protect it. It is type USE-2 XLPE (UL) (3)2 AWG, (1)4 AWG conductors , AL EC1350. UPC 98012059705. I want to meet code requirements.

 

[pattenp]

It needs to be in conduit inside if the wires do not have an overall outer sheathing.

Edit: There may be an issue with just a USE-2 rating because cable with just a USE-2 rating cannot be run inside because the insulation does not contain fire retardant. The XLPE in itself is not fire resistant, just heat resistant.

Does it look like this?

 

[bdymnjm]

It needs to be in conduit inside if the wires do not have an overall outer sheathing.

Edit: There may be an issue with just a USE-2 rating because cable with just a USE-2 rating cannot be run inside because the insulation does not contain fire retardant. The XLPE in itself is not fire resistant, just heat resistant.

Does it look like this?

It looks like that photo. Does it need to be fire resistant since it will be protected by a breaker? It's not feeding the house panel. Is that fire retardant to prevent the wire from burning from current overload or in case of a house fire?

 

[pattenp]

I assume you are in the US. The NEC doesn't approve non-flame resistant wire to be run inside of a structure. USE rated wire is to be terminated outdoors. The flame resistant is to prevent the spread of fire by the wire insulation either by fire from another source or the wire itself overloading.

 

[bdymnjm]

thank you pattenp. I wont use the USE wire inside the buildings. I didn't think of a fire rating. I was thinking of physical damage protection.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Are you positive it does not have markings like this on it, which include the RHH or RHW markings? This would allow the wire to be routed inside the structure.

Charles

 

[bdymnjm]

Are you positive it does not have markings like this on it, which include the RHH or RHW markings? This would allow the wire to be routed inside the structure.

Charles

I don't see any rhh or rhw markings, here is a link I found showing the type of cable. pg 8 shows an individual cable and pg 31 is the assembly. It is called ****

http://www.pdic.com/Downloads/PDIC-2010-Catalog.aspx

 

[bdymnjm]

I buried a power cable to my garage from my house. It may have enough length from where it enters the basement to reach the breaker box. 25 feet. Here is my question: can I attach this type of cable to floor joists or drill holes to run it or does it need some type of conduit to protect it. It is type USE-2 XLPE (UL) (3)2 AWG, (1)4 AWG conductors , AL EC1350. UPC 98012059705. I want to meet code requirements.

I am looking for some more suggestions on this project.

The USE cable is buried up to the house on the west side near the north wall. Now I will bury it around the corner to the north side and along the foundation to near the new 200 amp load panel. My electrical supplier says it is code compliant to run this USE-2 cable into the house a short run through pvc conduit to terminate in the panel. This way I dont need to make any connections outside the house.

The conduit will enter the house through the sill about 12'' above the panel and 8'' to the left. I think a 90 elbow is too long to work. I could use 2 LB conduit bodies inside to make the connection. Any neater options?

Another question. I ran 2'' conduit along side the USE-2 cable for future use to another shed. I wonder if i should continue this run around the corner with the USE-2. I am thinking no because at this point it is ready to enter the west wall and has 4 buried 90 elbows. I can run SE wire along the joists and transition to individual thhn/thwn wire Or I can run thhn in the conduit in the basement for this future run.

Would it be easier to just splice SER cable to the USE-2 cable in the LB outside?

Thank you all for your help.

Jim

 

[pattenp]

I disagree with your supplier about bringing the USE-2 inside. 2011 NEC 338.12(B)(2), USE is is not allowed to be above ground except where it emerges from the ground and is terminated in an enclosure at an outdoor location.

Also using an LB junction box is not allowed unless its volume is marked. If its volume is marked you need to make sure it is the proper size for making splices with the wire size you are using.

 

[bdymnjm]

I disagree with your supplier about bringing the USE-2 inside. 2011 NEC 338.12(B)(2), USE is is not allowed to be above ground except where it emerges from the ground and is terminated in an enclosure at an outdoor location.

Also using an LB junction box is not allowed unless its volume is marked. If its volume is marked you need to make sure it is the proper size for making splices with the wire size you are using.

What junction box would you recommend? I might just want to splice it where I originally planned the entry and run se cable in and over to the panel. That's if it is big or unsightly.

I was just talking to a neighbor who does electrical work. He made some suggestions but mostly said ask the Building Official what he wants. Makes a good point.

He also offered to let me borrow a gas powered compressor for my garage build so I don't need to rush the power setup for my 7.5 hp unit.

 

[pattenp]

I've used 8X8X4 Jbox for 4 conductor #2. You should leave at least 6" free end of the wire to extend 3 inches outside of the box. If you have access to NEC see 300.14 for length of free conductors at junctions. Checking with your building official for requirements is a good suggestion. Every inspector has their own twist on what can and can't be done.