what cable is this?

[east_tn_emc]

I was at Lowes today looking at wiring. While talking to the salesperson about #2THHN wiring. I am planning a 100amp subpanel. He pointed me to a bundled cable that had 3x#2THHN and a #8 Cu ground. It was rated as NM-WG. I know what the NM is, but what is the WG rating?
Can it be run in conduit?


Thanks

 

[sberry]

Most cables are not designed to be run in conduit other than for physical protection, the WG is "with ground"

 

[porschedude996TT]

I think NM is "Flame Retardant and Moisture Resistant" Goo for rated capacity to 60C.

Reference NEC 334.116

 

[Stuart in MN]

There shouldn't be any issue with installing it in a conduit, as long as the conduit is sized properly. Also, a cable like that will be a bear to pull.

Edit: I looked at the original post again - is it THHN, or THHN/THWN? If it's just THHN, it's not rated for underground use, conduit or not.

 

[walrus]

Can it be run in conduit?


Thanks

inside or outside

 

[porschedude996TT]

inside or outside

There may be a problem in my opinion. NEC requires an air space around the individual cables for to dissipate heating. Check with your local building department. I have never seen this done legally. That is why there is a limit in the size of a conductor and the quantity.

 

[east_tn_emc]

If what the salesman told me is correct (which I plan to verify myself) the three conductors are THHN/THWN along with a #8 bare copper ground conductor.
I have about 50' to run buried in conduit and another 25 feet inside my house to get to my existing circuit panel. I am thinking of stripping off the external sheathing from the cable for the 50 feet that will be pulled thru the conduit....leaving me three THWN and a single copper ground and then leaving the external sheathing on for the 25' run thru my house and into the existing panel.
Anyone see a problem/concern with this?

 

[mrb]

dont buy the cable, just use individual conductors in conduit. You have to use the 60deg table for NM now, so you wont get 100 amps out of the cable. The individual conductors are most likely not marked, so you cant run them after stripping the jacket off. NM cant go outside, even if its in conduit. The conductors inside it may not be for wet location, and most likely arent.

FYI homedepot / lowes is a HUGE ripoff on cut wire. Shop around and try a couple supply houses first. It may even be cheaper to buy a 500ft roll and sell the leftover than buy it by the foot.

 

[east_tn_emc]

I have been calling around today checking prices and availability. The only THWN that is available is black. How can I legally (according to NEC) remark those wires for neutral and red? The only place that I found that has the red and white #2 THWN would not sell to me because they were wholesalers and would only sell to electricians.

 

[mrb]

you can reidentify #2. Just use colored electrical tape.

 

[porschedude996TT]

Why do you need to identify either of the two lines? I don't see why you would need to identify anything other than the neutral (White) on either end. The only time I haved used red tape to identify is when I was running 220v using 10-2 and the neutral became the other line and there was no need for a neutral. I just tape the white wire with red tape on either end.

 

[mrb]

the only time you really need to identify the hots is when supplying a 3 phase panel, but that is not applicable here.

 

[Aceman]

the only time you really need to identify the hots is when supplying a 3 phase panel, but that is not applicable here.

Not even then. Only time is when you have a high leg that must be identified orange or you have two different voltages in the same building, then you must color code. I could run all black to three phase panels throughout the same building as long as it was the same voltage throughout.

Color coding for the most part, is personal preference.

 

[east_tn_emc]

Thanks for the help everyone.

I purchased #2 THHN/THWN-2 cable. I already have my trench dug and plan to buy conduit this week.

 

[mrb]

Not even then. Only time is when you have a high leg that must be identified orange or you have two different voltages in the same building, then you must color code. I could run all black to three phase panels throughout the same building as long as it was the same voltage throughout.

Color coding for the most part, is personal preference.

I thought there was something about maintaining phase rotation. perhaps I am mistaken.

 

[LoneGunman]

I don't believe it's code to color phase 3 phase conductors , I'll take Aceman's word for it that it is not, he kicks my **** when it comes to the NEC, BUT I can tell you without a doubt MY utility will not hook up a 3 phase service if they are not colored properly, meaning the colors must be landed in the first means of disconnect in the right order. The exception is a high leg, marked in orange and MUST be placed in the right lug (C phase)of the meter but then it lands on the middle lug (B phase) in the panel. I think it's a real hack thing to do but it has something to do with there new meters so it must be done.

 

[bward76]

I can't agree enough with LoneGunman. I have been an union Electrician for 15 years and hate the fact that the NEC is very vague about colors and phasing. Never pull a 3ph service without phasing all current carrying conductors. If you have a problem between switchgear and a sub panel, how would you know which phase is which. Very unsafe and bad practice. Keep in mind; it may need to be worked on some day.