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Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Question:
Where does it state in the NEC that USE cable needs to be installed in conduit in a structure? An example of USE cable would be 4/0 2/0 4/0 triplex-ed cable. Are the conductors in this application considered a single conductor or a cable? This this type of cable is commonly used for underground installations to serve 200 amp or smaller services for dwelling units either by utilities or contractors.
Reggie Gassman
A
Answer:
Underground Service Entrance Cable (USE) is not allowed to be used for interior wiring as stated in 338.12(B)(1). It is allowed to terminate in an outdoor enclosure under the conditions stated in 338.12(B)(2) but not in the interior, with or without conduit or other type of raceway. USE cable is not required to have a flame-retardant covering as defined in 338.2 but it is defined as a cable. If the cable is used on the supply side of the service point as defined in Article 100 it is not covered by the NEC as stated in 90.2(B)(5).