Safety code

[pattenp]

You can't cross the SE and NM nomenclature types. SE type cable is not a NM type cable. The construction may look similar and the install methods are the same but the insulation ratings and jacket are different. That's why SE is allowed to be installed in places that NM is not.

You are joking right? SE cable is a NM cable...

 

[May Pop]

The biggest problem on all of these types of threads is that the installer does the absolutely least he has to do. Putting it in pipe, installing it in the wall or sleeveing would take a few minutes longer. This is what burns some of us the most. Some hop on the band wagon not knowing what the actual code is when they see poor quality work. The only thing any of us can do is a quality job at all we do.
Try it and you will find out how hard it is to always do 110%. We see the guys here who can give a good answer and those who cant.
Just my 2 cents.
By the way Ive been an electrician for over 25 years. 30 years of piping houses,offices,hospitals,factories and power plants. NOT 1 ************* WORK.
Try doing this every day and you see things in a different light.

 

[eddie1278]

Someone fill me in and tell me since when did SE cable become metallic? All SE cable I use and most professionals in my area use is non metallic which NM stands for. So SE cable is not an approved method for a service?

A couple morons here think I'm talking about using NM-B used for a service come on now really? I described SE cable as NM which it is a non metallic cable.

And my point of saying I wouldn't be worried about that NM cable in the basement is at a small risk of being damaged. If the OP is worried he has a large NON METALLIC sheathed cable running down his house UNPROTECTED so what's the difference?

I think some people here are here just to start ****.

 

[eddie1278]

I would argue that this location would be subject to physical damage. Just think of someone carrying stuff such as furniture up the stairs and bumping into the wire.

NM used as a service entrance cable?? Ever read NEC 334.12? It states NM is NOT PERMITTED to be used as a service entrance cable. Also, 230.43 does not list NM as a suitable wiring method for service entrance cable. Better read your handbook closer...

I don't need to read the code because SE cable is a non metallic sheathed cable. I didn't say NM-B romex like you are thinking. Both romex NM-B and SE cable are non metallic sheathed cables. Sorry to burst your bubble.

Also since you think that piece of romex is in such danger then I assume your outside service is done all in pipe? That SE cable on your house has no protection from physical damage better go box it in or something the ninjas are coming

 

[eddie1278]

I would argue that this location would be subject to physical damage. Just think of someone carrying stuff such as furniture up the stairs and bumping into the wire.

NM used as a service entrance cable?? Ever read NEC 334.12? It states NM is NOT PERMITTED to be used as a service entrance cable. Also, 230.43 does not list NM as a suitable wiring method for service entrance cable. Better read your handbook closer...

So SE cable which I use for 90% of my services you are saying I cant use? SE cable is a non metallic sheathed cable =NM. I guess I have been doing it all wrong over close to 20 years? thanks for filling me in on this Ill rethink things now

 

[eddie1278]

You can't cross the SE and NM nomenclature types. SE type cable is not a NM type cable. The construction may look similar and the install methods are the same but the insulation ratings and jacket are different. That's why SE is allowed to be installed in places that NM is not.

I missed this reply.

I said NM as describing the jacket. I know the difference of listed NM cable and service entrance cable. I wasn't saying actual listed NM cable was used for a service. I was saying the SE cable is a form of non metallic cable which NM stands for. SE cable is not an armored cable and offers no protection from physical damage the same as the NM-B romex the OP has in the picture.

I'm sure the pros know what I meant.

 

[pattenp]

No one said SE was metallic. And SE is approved for a service hence why it's type is SE. I know now what you meant when you said SE is a non-metallic cable, you were meaning its structure and not use, but I took your sentence that SE was a NM cable as saying the SE cable is a NM use type. NM and SE are listed and identified as two different cable types by the NEC so that's where you threw me with saying the SE was a NM.

Someone fill me in and tell me since when did SE cable become metallic? All SE cable I use and most professionals in my area use is non metallic which NM stands for. So SE cable is not an approved method for a service?

 

[eddie1278]

No one said SE was metallic. And SE is approved for a service hence why it's type is SE. I know now what you meant when you said SE is a non-metallic cable, you were meaning its structure and not use, but I took your sentence that SE was a NM cable as saying the SE cable is a NM use type. NM and SE are listed and identified as two different cable types by the NEC so that's where you threw me with saying the SE was a NM.

I know all about types of cables I do this for a living not as a hobby you don't have to explain to me. A few of you DIYers were confused by what I said. Sorry for your confusion.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

What's funny is MC provides NO protection from physical damage over NM cable in the eyes of the code.

Both ARE also allowed to be installed exposed.

Didnt know that. Alwas thought MC provided protection. I know NM is allowed to be installed exposed but my statement was based on the possibility that it could get damaged in the first pic.

 

[pattenp]

Same deal with AC. Not permitted in areas subject to damage.

Didnt know that. Alwas thought MC provided protection. I know NM is allowed to be installed exposed but my statement was based on the possibility that it could get damaged in the first pic.

 

[sberry]

Only thing I mention this for is the extreme exaggeration of the real risk, I am not exactly sure but would be way,,,,, multiples less than driving down to the corner store and probably 100's less than getting on a Harley.

 

[bczygan]

I'm just glad no one is taking photos of my work......

 

[Micscience]

Well if you saw this guys work I'm sure you would be upset. He made a cabinet and didn't level it when nailing it to the wall so the top is tilting forward and left it there until I mentioned something. So his fix was to add about almost one inch thickness of caulking from the cabinet to the wall, I'm sorry but that **** pisses me off especially when the guy brags how good he is.

 

[Micscience]

Better yet, I have the pics.

This is the liquid nail on sheet rock stone application.

This is where he went to auto zone to get RTV sealant and apply it onto the drain connection because it was leaking and it is still leaking.

Can anyone kind of sympathize with me here. This guy literally brags and he is stubborn, he doesn't listen to advice and then tells me not everybody thinks the same.

 

[CNGsaves]

Time to go to library and read a couple books, and Do It Yourself !!

Nothing worse than PAYING contractor for work, and it's not fixed.

 

[MrMark]

What's funny is MC provides NO protection from physical damage over NM cable in the eyes of the code.

Both ARE also allowed to be installed exposed.

I'm glad you posted this, as it is absolutely true. Yet, you see time and time again cheap garages with MC cable being run exposed. The electrician will tell you that they have to run the MC because it is exposed. I just saw this recently by me.

 

[Micscience]

I can do it myself. I know how and most likely will have to later he some what finishes but I have other jobs to do. The owner of the house is my mother and her boyfriend is doing the work which I warned her about.

 

[fireguy]

if you are in an area where contractor licenses and permits are required, turn him in.

Although, if your building officials are like some I have to work with, nothing will be done.

 

[southalabama]

Mothers boyfriend is doing the work??

Dude, your not going to win any arguments with her or him. You'll just be viewed as a troublemaker. No sense ruining your relationship with your mom over it. Just pray there isn't an electrical fire. Go buy and install battery operated smoke detectors.

I thought all the blue tape was a nice touch

Dang. Didn't mean to revive old dead post. Was on search function instead of current.

 

[Tyberius]

Ok. The wall I am referring to is in a stairway from the basement to the first floor. I'll post them

Realize this is an old thread, but how are those stairs holding up?

I'm more worried about them falling through than the cable getting damaged.

 

[electrican]

I would say its safe to assume the guy doing this work is NOT a licensed electrician.....

the stairs don't look good also! what's up with the metal bracket!