run cable in breaker panel bottom?
#1
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run cable in breaker panel bottom?
I was wondering if there's anything in particular I need to know when connecting my meter box and main breaker panel back to back. The entrance of the SEU cable will come in the bottom of the panel, but then, I need to run up side to the top of the Panel to connect. I was told I can not run it thru the 2x4 wall stud and has to be in same block as panel. I guess just use braces on the inside to adhere the SEU against the side? In doing this, what about the Bare Neutral just keep if away from touch the inside panel metal or does it matter ? (3 wire of course)
Thanks
Jim
Thanks
Jim
#2
In doing this, what about the Bare Neutral just keep if away from touch the inside panel metal or does it matter ?
Actually, that ends up being bonded to the panel tub anyway so it would not really matter if it were bare.
I need to run up side to the top of the Panel to connect. I was told I can not run it thru the 2x4 wall stud and has to be in same block as panel.
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running SEU on inside side of Main Panel
Should have mentioned... I'm backfeeding into main...
Sure, the inspector said I couldn't run the SEU cable thru the 2x4 stud when coming in below the main panel as I wanted to feed the main panel from the top (so I didn't have the run the SEU up thru the inside of main panel). Supposedly, the SEU must stay in the same square (area) as the main panel is located. Or, basically you can't run it thru another Stud and run it up to thru the top of same Stud to enter the main panel from the top. I live in Ohio so who knows...but he's the guy doing the inspecting...
Ok, so it's cool to run SEU on the inside of main up the side, should I use plastic clamps as metal would bond the bare neutral to the back metal...or you said this doesn't matter as it's connected anyway then?
Sure, the inspector said I couldn't run the SEU cable thru the 2x4 stud when coming in below the main panel as I wanted to feed the main panel from the top (so I didn't have the run the SEU up thru the inside of main panel). Supposedly, the SEU must stay in the same square (area) as the main panel is located. Or, basically you can't run it thru another Stud and run it up to thru the top of same Stud to enter the main panel from the top. I live in Ohio so who knows...but he's the guy doing the inspecting...
Ok, so it's cool to run SEU on the inside of main up the side, should I use plastic clamps as metal would bond the bare neutral to the back metal...or you said this doesn't matter as it's connected anyway then?
#5
Only clamp you need is the one bracing the cable as it enters the panel. Just run the cable along the side of the panel and bend it down into your main breaker.
#6
that is what is referred to as "the authority having jurisdiction" or AHJ. They get to interpret the rules although they are not empowered to make new rules. Sometimes it is simply easier to acquiesce to the AHJ's call rather than trying to appeal it.
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splicing and running SEU to right/left sides inside main
Should I split the wires running 1 hot to the left and 1 hot w/neutral going up right side so I can do my loops bf connecting? does it make diff? ...I was thinknig of leaving grey jacket on SEU until even with top connectors and then splicing. This way it protected until at top...but, I know usually all jackets are usually striped upon immediate entrance into mains... but, would be safer and could always strip off later if they don't like that. With the 1st way running up left/right sides might be best, not sure.
#8
I tend to run one side or the other. It looks neater. As to stripping the outer sheath; I would simply strip is right after entering the panel box. It makes the wire easier to work with.
#10
I suspected that but was not sure. As I posted before, I don't do resi so SE cable is not a common material for me. I had thought of the direction for NM when the question came up.
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I'm just a bit surprised with running the SEU 3-wire with a bare neutral up about 2ft inside box seems a little well not so safe, but, if code says sheathing off suppose I'm ok. Seems to me like they'd want a cover of some sort for runnning inside from a bottom or backfeed.... I'll post results, but, keep thread going for any more Q&A!
#12
Unless your main breaker operates in an up/down direction must panels can be installed with the main at the bottom. This way you would not have all the extra wire in the panel.