---
aliases:
  - nec-300
tags:
  - authorship/other
  - destiny/uncertain
  - exclude-from-word-count
  - status/draft
  - topic/construction/electrical
  - type/media/reference
title: Article 300 General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials
---
# Article 300 General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials

## Part I. General Requirements

### 300.1 Scope.

#### 300.1(A) All Wiring Installations.

This article covers general requirements for wiring methods and materials for all wiring installations unless modified by other articles in Chapter 3.

#### 300.1(B) Integral Parts of Equipment.

The provisions of this article are not intended to apply to the conductors that form an integral part of equipment, such as motors, controllers, motor control centers, or factory-assembled control equipment or listed utilization equipment.

#### 300.1(C) Metric Designators and Trade Sizes.

Metric designators and trade sizes for conduit, tubing, and associated fittings and accessories shall be as designated in Table 300.1(C).

#### Table 300.1(C) Metric Designators and Trade Sizes

| Metric Designator | Trade Size |
| -----------------:| ----------:|
|                12 |        3/8 |
|                16 |        1/2 |
|                21 |        3/4 |
|                27 |          1 |
|                35 |      1-1/4 |
|                41 |      1-1/2 |
|                53 |          2 |
|                63 |      2-1/2 |
|                78 |          3 |
|                91 |      3-1/2 |
|               103 |          4 |
|               129 |          5 |
|               155 |          6 |

Note: The metric designators and trade sizes are for identification purposes only and are not actual dimensions.

### 300.2 Limitations.

#### 300.2(A) Voltage.

Wiring methods specified in Chapter 3 shall be used for 1000 volts, nominal, or less where not specifically limited in some section of Chapter 3. They shall be permitted for over 1000 volts, nominal, where specifically permitted elsewhere in this Code.

#### 300.2(B) Temperature.

Temperature limitation of conductors shall be in accordance with 310.14(A)(3).

### 300.3 Conductors.

#### 300.3(A) Single Conductors.

Single conductors specified in Table 310.4(A) shall only be installed where part of a recognized wiring method of Chapter 3.

> [!important] Exception:
> Individual conductors shall be permitted where installed as separate overhead conductors in accordance with 225.6.

#### 300.3(B) Conductors of the Same Circuit.

All conductors of the same circuit and, where used, the grounded conductor and all equipment grounding conductors and bonding conductors shall be contained within the same raceway, auxiliary gutter, cable tray, cablebus assembly, trench, cable, or cord, unless otherwise permitted in accordance with 300.3(B)(1) through (B)(4).

##### 300.3(B)(1) Paralleled Installations.

Conductors shall be permitted to be run in parallel in accordance with the provisions of 310.10(G). The requirement to run all circuit conductors within the same raceway, auxiliary gutter, cable tray, trench, cable, or cord shall apply separately to each portion of the paralleled installation, and the equipment grounding conductors shall comply with 250.122. Connections, taps, or extensions made from paralleled conductors shall connect to all conductors of the paralleled set, grounded and ungrounded, as applicable. Parallel runs in cable trays shall comply with 392.20(C).

> [!important] Exception:
> Conductors installed in nonmetallic raceways run underground shall be permitted to be arranged as isolated phase, neutral, and grounded conductor installations. The raceways shall be installed in close proximity, and the isolated phase, neutral, and grounded conductors shall comply with 300.20(B).

##### 300.3(B)(2) Grounding and Bonding Conductors.

Equipment grounding conductors shall be permitted to be installed outside a raceway or cable assembly where in accordance with the provisions of 250.130(C) for certain existing installations or in accordance with 250.134, Exception No. 2, for dc circuits. Equipment bonding conductors shall be permitted to be installed on the outside of raceways in accordance with 250.102(E).

##### 300.3(B)(3) Nonferrous Wiring Methods.

Conductors in wiring methods with a nonmetallic or other nonmagnetic sheath, where run in different raceways, auxiliary gutters, cable trays, trenches, cables, or cords, shall comply with 300.20(B). Conductors in single-conductor Type MI cable with a nonmagnetic sheath shall comply with 332.31. Conductors of single-conductor Type MC cable with a nonmagnetic sheath shall comply with 330.31, 330.116, and 300.20(B).

##### 300.3(B)(4) Column-Width Panelboard Enclosures.

Where an auxiliary gutter runs between a column-width panelboard and a pull box, and the pull box includes neutral terminations, the neutral conductors of circuits supplied from the panelboard shall be permitted to originate in the pull box.

#### 300.3(C) Conductors of Different Systems.

##### 300.3(C)(1) 1000 Volts, Nominal, or Less.

Conductors of ac and dc circuits, rated 1000 volts, nominal, or less, shall be permitted to occupy the same equipment wiring enclosure, cable, or raceway. All conductors shall have an insulation rating equal to at least the maximum circuit voltage applied to any conductor within the enclosure, cable, or raceway.

Secondary wiring to electric-discharge lamps of 1000 volts or less, if insulated for the secondary voltage involved, shall be permitted to occupy the same luminaire, sign, or outline lighting enclosure as the branch-circuit conductors.

> [!info] Informational Note No. 1:
> See 725.136(A) for Class 2 and Class 3 circuit conductors.

> [!info] Informational Note No. 2:
> See 690.31(B) for photovoltaic source and output circuits.

##### 300.3(C)(2) Over 1000 Volts, Nominal.

Conductors of circuits rated over 1000 volts, nominal, shall not occupy the same equipment wiring enclosure, cable, or raceway with conductors of circuits rated 1000 volts, nominal, or less unless otherwise permitted in 300.3(C)(2)(a) through 300.3(C)(2)(d).

* (a) Primary leads of electric-discharge lamp ballasts insulated for the primary voltage of the ballast, where contained within the individual wiring enclosure, shall be permitted to occupy the same luminaire, sign, or outline lighting enclosure as the branch-circuit conductors.

* (b) Excitation, control, relay, and ammeter conductors used in connection with any individual motor or starter shall be permitted to occupy the same enclosure as the motor-circuit conductors.

* (c) In motors, transformers, switchgear, switchboards, control assemblies, and similar equipment, conductors of different voltage ratings shall be permitted.

* (d) In manholes, if the conductors of each system are permanently and effectively separated from the conductors of the other systems and securely fastened to racks, insulators, or other approved supports, conductors of different voltage ratings shall be permitted.

Conductors having nonshielded insulation and operating at different voltage levels shall not occupy the same enclosure, cable, or raceway.

### 300.4 Protection Against Physical Damage.

Where subject to physical damage, conductors, raceways, and cables shall be protected.

#### 300.4(A) Cables and Raceways Through Wood Members.

##### 300.4(A)(1) Bored Holes.

In both exposed and concealed locations, where a cable- or raceway-type wiring method is installed through bored holes in joists, rafters, or wood members, holes shall be bored so that the edge of the hole is not less than 32 mm (1 1⁄4 in.) from the nearest edge of the wood member. Where this distance cannot be maintained, the cable or raceway shall be protected from penetration by screws or nails by a steel plate(s) or bushing(s), at least 1.6 mm (1⁄16 in.) thick, and of appropriate length and width installed to cover the area of the wiring.

> [!important] Exception No. 1:
> Steel plates shall not be required to protect rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, or electrical metallic tubing.

> [!important] Exception No. 2:
> A listed and marked steel plate less than 1.6 mm (1⁄16 in.) thick that provides equal or better protection against nail or screw penetration shall be permitted.

##### 300.4(A)(2) Notches in Wood.

Where there is no objection because of weakening the building structure, in both exposed and concealed locations, cables or raceways shall be permitted to be laid in notches in wood studs, joists, rafters, or other wood members where the cable or raceway at those points is protected against nails or screws by a steel plate at least 1.6 mm (1⁄16 in.) thick, and of appropriate length and width, installed to cover the area of the wiring. The steel plate shall be installed before the building finish is applied.

> [!important] Exception No. 1:
> Steel plates shall not be required to protect rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, or electrical metallic tubing.

> [!important] Exception No. 2:
> A listed and marked steel plate less than 1.6 mm (1⁄16 in.) thick that provides equal or better protection against nail or screw penetration shall be permitted.

### 300.4(B) Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cables and Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing Through Metal Framing Members.

##### 300.4(B)(1) Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable.

In both exposed and concealed locations where nonmetallic-sheathed cables pass through either factory- or field-punched, cut, or drilled slots or holes in metal members, the cable shall be protected by listed bushings or listed grommets covering all metal edges that are securely fastened in the opening prior to installation of the cable.

##### 300.4(B)(2) Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable and Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing.

Where nails or screws are likely to penetrate nonmetallic-sheathed cable or electrical nonmetallic tubing, a steel sleeve, steel plate, or steel clip not less than 1.6 mm (1⁄16 in.) in thickness shall be used to protect the cable or tubing.

> [!important] Exception:
> A listed and marked steel plate less than 1.6 mm (1⁄16 in.) thick that provides equal or better protection against nail or screw penetration shall be permitted.

#### 300.4(C) Cables Through Spaces Behind Panels Designed to Allow Access.

Cables or raceway-type wiring methods, installed behind panels designed to allow access, shall be supported according to their applicable articles.

#### 300.4(D) Cables and Raceways Parallel to Framing Members and Furring Strips.

In both exposed and concealed locations, where a cable- or raceway-type wiring method is installed parallel to framing members, such as joists, rafters, or studs, or is installed parallel to furring strips, the cable or raceway shall be installed and supported so that the nearest outside surface of the cable or raceway is not less than 32 mm (1 1⁄4 in.) from the nearest edge of the framing member or furring strips where nails or screws are likely to penetrate. Where this distance cannot be maintained, the cable or raceway shall be protected from penetration by nails or screws by a steel plate, sleeve, or equivalent at least 1.6 mm (1⁄16 in.) thick.

> [!important] Exception No. 1:
> Steel plates, sleeves, or the equivalent shall not be required to protect rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, or electrical metallic tubing.

> [!important] Exception No. 2:
> For concealed work in finished buildings, or finished panels for prefabricated buildings where such supporting is impracticable, it shall be permissible to fish the cables between access points.

> [!important] Exception No. 3:
> A listed and marked steel plate less than 1.6 mm (1⁄16 in.) thick that provides equal or better protection against nail or screw penetration shall be permitted.

#### 300.4(E) Cables, Raceways, or Boxes Installed in or Under Roof Decking.

A cable, raceway, or box, installed in exposed or concealed locations under metal-corrugated sheet roof decking, shall be installed and supported so there is not less than 38 mm (1 1⁄2 in.) measured from the lowest surface of the roof decking to the top of the cable, raceway, or box. A cable, raceway, or box shall not be installed in concealed locations in metal-corrugated, sheet decking–type roof.

> [!info] Informational Note:
> Roof decking material is often repaired or replaced after the initial raceway or cabling and roofing installation and may be penetrated by the screws or other mechanical devices designed to provide “hold down” strength of the waterproof membrane or roof insulating material.

> [!important] Exception:
> Rigid metal conduit and intermediate metal conduit shall not be required to comply with 300.4(E).

#### 300.4(F) Cables and Raceways Installed in Shallow Grooves.

Cable- or raceway-type wiring methods installed in a groove, to be covered by wallboard, siding, paneling, carpeting, or similar finish, shall be protected by 1.6 mm (1⁄16 in.) thick steel plate, sleeve, or equivalent or by not less than 32-mm (1 1⁄4-in.) free space for the full length of the groove in which the cable or raceway is installed.

> [!important] Exception No. 1:
> Steel plates, sleeves, or the equivalent shall not be required to protect rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, or electrical metallic tubing.

> [!important] Exception No. 2:
> A listed and marked steel plate less than 1.6 mm (1⁄16 in.) thick that provides equal or better protection against nail or screw penetration shall be permitted.

#### 300.4(G) Fittings.

Where raceways contain 4 AWG or larger insulated circuit conductors, and these conductors enter a cabinet, a box, an enclosure, or a raceway, the conductors shall be protected in accordance with any of the following:

* (1) An identified fitting providing a smoothly rounded insulating surface

* (2) A listed metal fitting that has smoothly rounded edges

* (3) Separation from the fitting or raceway using an identified insulating material that is securely fastened in place

* (4) Threaded hubs or bosses that are an integral part of a cabinet, box, enclosure, or raceway providing a smoothly rounded or flared entry for conductors

Conduit bushings constructed wholly of insulating material shall not be used to secure a fitting or raceway. The insulating fitting or insulating material shall have a temperature rating not less than the insulation temperature rating of the installed conductors.

#### 300.4(H) Structural Joints.

A listed expansion/deflection fitting or other approved means shall be used where a raceway crosses a structural joint intended for expansion, contraction or deflection, used in buildings, bridges, parking garages, or other structures.

### 300.5 Underground Installations.

#### 300.5(A) Minimum Cover Requirements.

Direct-buried cable, conduit, or other raceways shall be installed to meet the minimum cover requirements of Table 300.5.

##### Table 300.5 Minimum Cover Requirements, 0 to 1000 Volts, Nominal, Burial in Millimeters (Inches)

Type of Wiring Method or Circuit

Location of Wiring

Method or Circuit

Column 1

Direct

Burial

Cables or

Conductors

Column 2

Rigid Metal

Conduit or

Intermediate

Metal

Conduit

Column 3

Nonmetallic

Raceways

Listed for

Direct Burial

Without

Concrete

Encasement or Other

Approved

Raceways

Column 4

Residential

Branch Circuits

Rated 120 Volts or Less with

GFCI Protection and Maximum

Overcurrent

Protection of
20 Amperes

Column 5

Circuits for Control of Irrigation and

Landscape Lighting

Limited to Not More

Than 30 Volts and

Installed with Type

UF or in Other

Identified Cable or

Raceway mm in. mm in. mm in. mm in. mm in.

All locations not specified below
600 24 150 6 450 18 300 12 150 6

In trench below 50 mm
(2 in.) thick concrete or equivalent
450 18 150 6 300 12 150 6 150 6

Under a building 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
(in raceway or

Type MC or

Type MI cable identified for direct burial)
(in raceway or Type

MC or Type MI cable identified for direct burial)
(in raceway or Type MC or

Type MI cable identified for direct burial)

Under minimum of 102 mm
(4 in.) thick concrete exterior slab with no vehicular traffic and the slab extending not less than 152 mm (6 in.) beyond the underground installation
450 18 100 4 100 4 150 6 150 6
(direct burial) (direct burial)
100 4 100 4
(in raceway) (in raceway)

Under streets, highways, roads, alleys, driveways, and parking lots
600 24 600 24 600 24 600 24 600 24

One- and two-family dwelling driveways and outdoor parking areas, and used only for dwelling-related purposes
450 18 450 18 450 18 300 12 450 18

In or under airport runways, including adjacent areas where trespassing prohibited
450 18 450 18 450 18 450 18 450 18

A lesser depth shall be permitted where specified in the installation instructions of a listed low-voltage lighting system.

A depth of 150 mm (6 in.) shall be permitted for pool, spa, and fountain lighting, installed in a nonmetallic raceway, limited to not more than 30 volts where part of a listed low-voltage lighting system.

Notes:
1. Cover is defined as the shortest distance in mm (in.) measured between a point on the top surface of any direct-buried conductor, cable, conduit, or other raceway and the top surface of finished grade, concrete, or similar cover.
2. Raceways approved for burial only where concrete encased shall require concrete envelope not less than 50 mm (2 in.) thick.
3. Lesser depths shall be permitted where cables and conductors rise for terminations or splices or where access is otherwise required. a, b a, b a b
4. Where one of the wiring method types listed in Columns 1 through 3 is used for one of the circuit types in Columns 4 and 5, the shallowest depth of burial shall be permitted.
5. Where solid rock prevents compliance with the cover depths specified in this table, the wiring shall be installed in a metal raceway, or a nonmetallic raceway permitted for direct burial. The raceways shall be covered by a minimum of 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete extending down to rock.

#### 300.5(B) Wet Locations.

The interior of enclosures or raceways installed underground shall be considered to be a wet location. Insulated conductors and cables installed in these enclosures or raceways in underground installations shall comply with 310.10(C).

#### 300.5(C) Underground Cables and Conductors Under Buildings.

Underground cable and conductors installed under a building shall be in a raceway.

> [!important] Exception No. 1:
> Type MI cable shall be permitted under a building without installation in a raceway where embedded in concrete, fill, or other masonry in accordance with 332.10(6) or in underground runs where suitably protected against physical damage and corrosive conditions in accordance with 332.10(10).

> [!important] Exception No. 2:
> Type MC cable listed for direct burial or concrete encasement shall be permitted under a building without installation in a raceway in accordance with 330.10(A)(5) and in wet locations in accordance with 330.10(A)(11).

#### 300.5(D) Protection from Damage.

Direct-buried conductors and cables shall be protected from damage in accordance with 300.5(D)(1) through (D)(4).

##### 300.5(D)(1) Emerging from Grade.

Direct-buried conductors and cables emerging from grade and specified in columns 1 and 4 of Table 300.5 shall be protected by enclosures or raceways extending from the minimum cover distance below grade required by 300.5(A) to a point at least 2.5 m (8 ft) above finished grade. In no case shall the protection be required to exceed 450 mm (18 in.) below finished grade.

##### 300.5(D)(2) Conductors Entering Buildings.

Conductors entering a building shall be protected to the point of entrance.

##### 300.5(D)(3) Service Conductors.

Underground service conductors that are not encased in concrete and that are buried 450 mm (18 in.) or more below grade shall have their location identified by a warning ribbon that is placed in the trench at least 300 mm (12 in.) above the underground installation.

##### 300.5(D)(4) Enclosure or Raceway Damage.

Where the enclosure or raceway is subject to physical damage, the conductors shall be installed in electrical metallic tubing, rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, RTRC-XW, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, or equivalent.

#### 300.5(E) Splices and Taps.

Direct-buried conductors or cables shall be permitted to be spliced or tapped without the use of splice boxes. The splices or taps shall be made in accordance with 110.14(B).

#### 300.5(F) Backfill.

Backfill that contains large rocks, paving materials, cinders, large or sharply angular substances, or corrosive material shall not be placed in an excavation where materials may damage raceways, cables, conductors, or other substructures or prevent adequate compaction of fill or contribute to corrosion of raceways, cables, or other substructures.

Where necessary to prevent physical damage to the raceway, cable, or conductor, protection shall be provided in the form of granular or selected material, suitable running boards, suitable sleeves, or other approved means.

#### 300.5(G) Raceway Seals.

Conduits or raceways through which moisture may contact live parts shall be sealed or plugged at either or both ends. Spare or unused raceways shall also be sealed. Sealants shall be identified for use with the cable insulation, conductor insulation, bare conductor, shield, or other components.

> [!info] Informational Note:
> Presence of hazardous gases or vapors may also necessitate sealing of underground conduits or raceways entering buildings.

#### 300.5(H) Bushing.

A bushing, or terminal fitting, with an integral bushed opening shall be used at the end of a conduit or other raceway that terminates underground where the conductors or cables emerge as a direct burial wiring method. A seal incorporating the physical protection characteristics of a bushing shall be permitted to be used in lieu of a bushing.

#### 300.5(I) Conductors of the Same Circuit.

All conductors of the same circuit and, where used, the grounded conductor and all equipment grounding conductors shall be installed in the same raceway or cable or shall be installed in close proximity in the same trench.

> [!important] Exception No. 1:
> Conductors shall be permitted to be installed in parallel in raceways, multiconductor cables, or direct-buried single conductor cables. Each raceway or multiconductor cable shall contain all conductors of the same circuit, including equipment grounding conductors. Each direct-buried single conductor cable shall be located in close proximity in the trench to the other single conductor cables in the same parallel set of conductors in the circuit, including equipment grounding conductors.

> [!important] Exception No. 2:
> Isolated phase, polarity, grounded conductor, and equipment grounding and bonding conductor installations shall be permitted in nonmetallic raceways or cables with a nonmetallic covering or nonmagnetic sheath in close proximity where conductors are paralleled as permitted in 310.10(G), and where the conditions of 300.20(B) are met.

#### 300.5(J) Earth Movement.

Where direct-buried conductors, raceways, or cables are subject to movement by settlement or frost, direct-buried conductors, raceways, or cables shall be arranged so as to prevent damage to the enclosed conductors or to equipment connected to the raceways.

> [!info] Informational Note:
> This section recognizes “S” loops in underground direct burial cables and conductors to raceway transitions, expansion fittings in raceway risers to fixed equipment, and, generally, the provision of flexible connections to equipment subject to settlement or frost heaves.

#### 300.5(K) Directional Boring.

Cables or raceways installed using directional boring equipment shall be approved for the purpose.

### 300.6 Protection Against Corrosion and Deterioration.

Raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxiliary gutters, cable armor, boxes, cable sheathing, cabinets, elbows, couplings, fittings, supports, and support hardware shall be of materials suitable for the environment in which they are to be installed.

#### 300.6(A) Ferrous Metal Equipment.

Ferrous metal raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxiliary gutters, cable armor, boxes, cable sheathing, cabinets, metal elbows, couplings, nipples, fittings, supports, and support hardware shall be suitably protected against corrosion inside and outside (except threads at joints) by a coating of approved corrosion-resistant material. Where corrosion protection is necessary and the conduit is threaded in the field, the threads shall be coated with an approved electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant compound.

> [!info] Informational Note:
> Field-cut threads are those threads that are cut in conduit, elbows, or nipples anywhere other than at the factory where the product is listed.

> [!important] Exception:
> Stainless steel shall not be required to have protective coatings.

##### 300.6(A)(1) Protected from Corrosion Solely by Enamel.

Where protected from corrosion solely by enamel, ferrous metal raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxiliary gutters, cable armor, boxes, cable sheathing, cabinets, metal elbows, couplings, nipples, fittings, supports, and support hardware shall not be used outdoors or in wet locations as described in 300.6(D).

##### 300.6(A)(2) Organic Coatings on Boxes or Cabinets.

Where boxes or cabinets have an approved system of organic coatings and are marked “Raintight,” “Rainproof,” or “Outdoor Type,” they shall be permitted outdoors.

##### 300.6(A)(3) In Concrete or in Direct Contact with the Earth.

Ferrous metal raceways, cable armor, boxes, cable sheathing, cabinets, elbows, couplings, nipples, fittings, supports, and support hardware shall be permitted to be installed in concrete or in direct contact with the earth, or in areas subject to severe corrosive influences where made of material approved for the condition, or where provided with corrosion protection approved for the condition.

#### 300.6(B) Aluminum Metal Equipment.

Aluminum raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxiliary gutters, cable armor, boxes, cable sheathing, cabinets, elbows, couplings, nipples, fittings, supports, and support hardware embedded or encased in concrete or in direct contact with the earth shall be provided with supplementary corrosion protection.

#### 300.6(C) Nonmetallic Equipment.

Nonmetallic raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxiliary gutters, boxes, cables with a nonmetallic outer jacket and internal metal armor or jacket, cable sheathing, cabinets, elbows, couplings, nipples, fittings, supports, and support hardware shall be made of material approved for the condition and shall comply with 300.6(C)(1) and (C)(2) as applicable to the specific installation.

##### 300.6(C)(1) Exposed to Sunlight.

Where exposed to sunlight, the materials shall be listed as sunlight resistant or shall be identified as sunlight resistant.

##### 300.6(C)(2) Chemical Exposure.

Where subject to exposure to chemical solvents, vapors, splashing, or immersion, materials or coatings shall either be inherently resistant to chemicals based on their listing or be identified for the specific chemical reagent.

#### 300.6(D) Indoor Wet Locations.

In portions of dairy processing facilities, laundries, canneries, and other indoor wet locations, and in locations where walls are frequently washed or where there are surfaces of absorbent materials, such as damp paper or wood, the entire wiring system, where installed exposed, including all boxes, fittings, raceways, and cable used therewith, shall be mounted so that there is at least a 6-mm (1⁄4-in.) airspace between it and the wall or supporting surface.

> [!important] Exception:
> Nonmetallic raceways, boxes, and fittings shall be permitted to be installed without the airspace on a concrete, masonry, tile, or similar surface.

> [!info] Informational Note:
> In general, areas where acids and alkali chemicals are handled and stored may present such corrosive conditions, particularly when wet or damp. Severe corrosive conditions may also be present in portions of meatpacking plants, tanneries, glue houses, and some stables; in installations immediately adjacent to a seashore and swimming pool areas; in areas where chemical deicers are used; and in storage cellars or rooms for hides, casings, fertilizer, salt, and bulk chemicals.

### 300.7 Raceways Exposed to Different Temperatures.

#### 300.7(A) Sealing.

Where portions of a raceway or sleeve are known to be subjected to different temperatures, and where condensation is known to be a problem, as in cold storage areas of buildings or where passing from the interior to the exterior of a building, the raceway or sleeve shall be sealed to prevent the circulation of warm air to a colder section of the raceway or sleeve. Sealants shall be identified for use with cable insulation, conductor insulation, a bare conductor, a shield, or other components. An explosionproof seal shall not be required for this purpose.

#### 300.7(B) Expansion, Expansion-Deflection, and Deflection Fittings.

Raceways shall be provided with expansion, expansion-deflection, or deflection fittings where necessary to compensate for thermal expansion, deflection, and contraction.

> [!info] Informational Note:
> Table 352.44 and Table 355.44 provide the expansion information for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and for reinforced thermosetting resin conduit (RTRC), respectively. A nominal number for steel conduit can be determined by multiplying the expansion length in Table 352.44 by 0.20. The coefficient of expansion for steel electrical metallic tubing, intermediate metal conduit, and rigid metal conduit is 1.170 × 10 (0.0000117 mm per mm of conduit for each °C in temperature change) \[0.650 × 10 (0.0000065 in. per inch of conduit for each °F in temperature change)\].

A nominal number for aluminum conduit and aluminum electrical metallic tubing can be determined by multiplying the expansion length in Table 352.44 by 0.40. The coefficient of expansion for aluminum electrical metallic tubing and aluminum rigid metal conduit is 2.34 ×
10 (0.0000234 mm per mm of conduit for each °C in temperature change) \[1.30 × 10 (0.000013 in. per inch of conduit for each °F in temperature change)\].

### 300.8 Installation of Conductors with Other Systems.

Raceways or cable trays containing electrical conductors shall not contain any pipe, tube, or equal for steam, water, air, gas, drainage, or any service other than electrical.

### 300.9 Raceways in Wet Locations Abovegrade.

Where raceways are installed in wet locations abovegrade, the interior of these raceways shall be considered to be a wet location.

Insulated conductors and cables installed in raceways in wet locations abovegrade shall comply with 310.10(C).

### 300.10 Electrical Continuity of Metal Raceways and Enclosures.

Metal raceways, cable armor, and other metal enclosures for conductors shall be metallically joined together into a continuous electrical conductor and shall be connected to all boxes, fittings, and cabinets so as to provide effective electrical continuity. Unless specifically permitted elsewhere in this Code, raceways and cable assemblies shall be mechanically secured to boxes, fittings, cabinets, and other enclosures.
-5 -5
-5 -5

> [!important] Exception No. 1:
> Short sections of raceways used to provide support or protection of cable assemblies from physical damage shall not be required to be made electrically continuous.

> [!important] Exception No. 2:
> Equipment enclosures to be isolated, as permitted by 250.96(B), shall not be required to be metallically joined to the metal raceway.

### 300.11 Securing and Supporting.

#### 300.11(A) Secured in Place.

Raceways, cable assemblies, boxes, cabinets, and fittings shall be securely fastened in place.

#### 300.11(B) Wiring Systems Installed Above Suspended Ceilings.

Support wires that do not provide secure support shall not be permitted as the sole support. Support wires and associated fittings that provide secure support and that are installed in addition to the ceiling grid support wires shall be permitted as the sole support. Where independent support wires are used, they shall be secured at both ends. Cables and raceways shall not be supported by ceiling grids.

##### 300.11(B)(1) Fire-Rated Assemblies.

Wiring located within the cavity of a fire-rated floor–ceiling or roof–ceiling assembly shall not be secured to, or supported by, the ceiling assembly, including the ceiling support wires. An independent means of secure support shall be provided and shall be permitted to be attached to the assembly. Where independent support wires are used, they shall be distinguishable by color, tagging, or other effective means from those that are part of the fire-rated design.

> [!important] Exception:
> The ceiling support system shall be permitted to support wiring and equipment that have been tested as part of the fire-rated assembly.

> [!info] Informational Note:
> One method of determining fire rating is testing in accordance with ANSI/ASTM E119-18b, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials.

##### 300.11(B)(2) Non–Fire-Rated Assemblies.

Wiring located within the cavity of a non–fire-rated floor–ceiling or roof–ceiling assembly shall not be secured to, or supported by, the ceiling assembly, including the ceiling support wires. An independent means of secure support shall be provided and shall be permitted to be attached to the assembly. Where independent support wires are used, they shall be distinguishable by color, tagging, or other effective means.

> [!important] Exception:
> The ceiling support system shall be permitted to support branch-circuit wiring and associated equipment where installed in accordance with the ceiling system manufacturer’s instructions.

#### 300.11(C) Raceways Used as Means of Support.

Raceways shall be used only as a means of support for other raceways, cables, or nonelectrical equipment under any of the following conditions:

* (1) Where the raceway or means of support is identified as a means of support

* (2) Where the raceway contains power supply conductors for electrically controlled equipment and is used to support Class 2 circuit conductors or cables that are solely for the purpose of connection to the equipment control circuits

* (3) Where the raceway is used to support boxes or conduit bodies in accordance with 314.23 or to support luminaires in accordance with 410.36(E)

#### 300.11(D) Cables Not Used as Means of Support.

Cable wiring methods shall not be used as a means of support for other cables, raceways, or nonelectrical equipment.

### 300.12 Mechanical Continuity — Raceways and Cables.

Raceways, cable armors, and cable sheaths shall be continuous between cabinets, boxes, fittings, or other enclosures or outlets.

> [!important] Exception No. 1:
> Short sections of raceways used to provide support or protection of cable assemblies from physical damage shall not be required to be mechanically continuous.

> [!important] Exception No. 2:
> Raceways and cables installed into the bottom of open bottom equipment, such as switchboards, motor control centers, and floor or pad-mounted transformers, shall not be required to be mechanically secured to the equipment.

### 300.13 Mechanical and Electrical Continuity — Conductors.

#### 300.13(A) General.

Conductors in raceways shall be continuous between outlets, boxes, devices, and so forth. There shall be no splice or tap within a raceway unless permitted by 300.15, 368.56(A), 376.56, 378.56, 384.56, 386.56, 388.56, or 390.56.

#### 300.13(B) Device Removal.

In multiwire branch circuits, the continuity of a grounded conductor shall not depend on device connections such as lampholders, receptacles, and so forth, where the removal of such devices would interrupt the continuity.

### 300.14 Length of Free Conductors at Outlets, Junctions, and Switch Points.

At least 150 mm (6 in.) of free conductor, measured from the point in the box where it emerges from its raceway or cable sheath, shall be left at each outlet, junction, and switch point for splices or the connection of luminaires or devices. Where the opening to an outlet, junction, or switch point is less than 200 mm (8 in.) in any dimension, each conductor shall be long enough to extend at least 75 mm
(3 in.) outside the opening.

> [!important] Exception:
> Conductors that are not spliced or terminated at the outlet, junction, or switch point shall not be required to comply with
300.14.

### 300.15 Boxes, Conduit Bodies, or Fittings — Where Required.

A box shall be installed at each outlet and switch point for concealed knob-and-tube wiring.

Fittings and connectors shall be used only with the specific wiring methods for which they are designed and listed.

Where the wiring method is conduit, tubing, Type AC cable, Type MC cable, Type MI cable, nonmetallic-sheathed cable, or other cables, a box or conduit body shall be installed at each conductor splice point, outlet point, switch point, junction point, termination point, or pull point, unless otherwise permitted in 300.15(A) through (L).

#### 300.15(A) Wiring Methods with Interior Access.

A box or conduit body shall not be required for each splice, junction, switch, pull, termination, or outlet points in wiring methods with removable covers, such as wireways, multioutlet assemblies, auxiliary gutters, and surface raceways. The covers shall be accessible after installation.

#### 300.15(B) Equipment.

An integral junction box or wiring compartment as part of approved equipment shall be permitted in lieu of a box.

#### 300.15(C) Protection.

A box or conduit body shall not be required where cables enter or exit from conduit or tubing that is used to provide cable support or protection against physical damage. A fitting shall be provided on the end(s) of the conduit or tubing to protect the cable from abrasion.

#### 300.15(D) Type MI Cable.

A box or conduit body shall not be required where accessible fittings are used for straight-through splices in mineral-insulated metalsheathed cable.

#### 300.15(E) Integral Enclosure.

A wiring device with integral enclosure identified for the use, having brackets that securely fasten the device to walls or ceilings of conventional on-site frame construction, for use with nonmetallic-sheathed cable, shall be permitted in lieu of a box or conduit body.

> [!info] Informational Note:
> See 334.30(C); 545.10; 550.15(I); 551.47(E), Exception No. 1; and 552.48(E), Exception No. 1.

#### 300.15(F) Fitting.

A fitting identified for the use shall be permitted in lieu of a box or conduit body where conductors are not spliced or terminated within the fitting. The fitting shall be accessible after installation, unless listed for concealed installation.

#### 300.15(G) Direct-Buried Conductors.

As permitted in 300.5(E), a box or conduit body shall not be required for splices and taps in direct-buried conductors and cables.

#### 300.15(H) Insulated Devices.

As permitted in 334.40(B), a box or conduit body shall not be required for insulated devices supplied by nonmetallic-sheathed cable.

#### 300.15(I) Enclosures.

A box or conduit body shall not be required where a splice, switch, terminal, or pull point is in a cabinet or cutout box, in an enclosure for a switch or overcurrent device as permitted in 312.8, in a motor controller as permitted in 430.10(A), or in a motor control center.

#### 300.15(J) Luminaires.

A box or conduit body shall not be required where a luminaire is used as a raceway as permitted in 410.64.

#### 300.15(K) Embedded.

A box or conduit body shall not be required for splices where conductors are embedded as permitted in 424.40, 424.41(D), 426.22(C),
426.24(A), and 427.19(A).

#### 300.15(L) Manholes and Handhole Enclosures.

A box or conduit body shall not be required for conductors in manholes or handhole enclosures, except where connecting to electrical equipment. The installation shall comply with the provisions of Part V of Article 110 for manholes, and 314.30 for handhole enclosures.

### 300.16 Raceway or Cable to Open or Concealed Wiring.

#### 300.16(A) Box, Conduit Body, or Fitting.

A box, conduit body, or terminal fitting having a separately bushed hole for each conductor shall be used wherever a change is made from conduit, electrical metallic tubing, electrical nonmetallic tubing, nonmetallic-sheathed cable, Type AC cable, Type MC cable, or mineral-insulated, metal-sheathed cable and surface raceway wiring to open wiring or to concealed knob-and-tube wiring. A fitting used for this purpose shall contain no taps or splices and shall not be used at luminaire outlets. A conduit body used for this purpose shall contain no taps or splices, unless it complies with 314.16(C)(2).

#### 300.16(B) Bushing.

A bushing shall be permitted in lieu of a box or terminal where the conductors emerge from a raceway and enter or terminate at equipment, such as open switchboards, unenclosed control equipment, or similar equipment. The bushing shall be of the insulating type for other than lead-sheathed conductors.

### 300.17 Number and Size of Conductors in Raceway.

The number and size of conductors in any raceway shall not be more than will permit dissipation of the heat and ready installation or withdrawal of the conductors without damage to the conductors or to their insulation.

> [!info] Informational Note:
> See the following sections of this Code:
> intermediate metal conduit, 342.22;
> rigid metal conduit, 344.22;
> flexible metal conduit, 348.22;
> liquidtight flexible metal conduit, 350.22;
> PVC conduit, 352.22;
> HDPE conduit, 353.22;
> RTRC, 355.22;
> liquidtight nonmetallic flexible conduit, 356.22;
> electrical metallic tubing, 358.22;
> flexible metallic tubing, 360.22;
> electrical nonmetallic tubing, 362.22;
> cellular concrete floor raceways, 372.22;
> cellular metal floor raceways, 374.22;
> metal wireways, 376.22;
> nonmetallic wireways, 378.22;
> surface metal raceways, 386.22;
> surface nonmetallic raceways, 388.22;
> underfloor raceways, 390.22;
> fixture wire, 402.7;
> theaters, 520.6;
> signs, 600.31(C);
> elevators, 620.33;
> audio signal processing, amplification, and reproduction equipment, 640.23(A) and 640.24;
> Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 circuits, Article 725;
> fire alarm circuits, Article 760;
> and optical fiber cables and raceways, Article 770.

### 300.18 Raceway Installations.

#### 300.18(A) Complete Runs.

Raceways, other than busways or exposed raceways having hinged or removable covers, shall be installed complete between outlet, junction, or splicing points prior to the installation of conductors. Where required to facilitate the installation of utilization equipment, the raceway shall be permitted to be initially installed without a terminating connection at the equipment. Prewired raceway assemblies shall be permitted only where specifically permitted in this Code for the applicable wiring method.

> [!important] Exception:
> Short sections of raceways used to contain conductors or cable assemblies for protection from physical damage shall not be required to be installed complete between outlet, junction, or splicing points.

#### 300.18(B) Welding.

Metal raceways shall not be supported, terminated, or connected by welding to the raceway unless specifically designed to be or otherwise specifically permitted to be in this Code.

### 300.19 Supporting Conductors in Vertical Raceways.

#### 300.19(A) Spacing Intervals --- Maximum.

Conductors in vertical [[nfpa-70_100_definitions#Raceway.|raceways]] shall be supported
if the vertical rise exceeds the values in Table 300.19(A).
At least one support method shall be provided for each conductor
at the top of the vertical raceway or as close to the top as practical.
Intermediate supports shall be provided
as necessary to limit supported conductor lengths
to not greater than those values specified in Table 300.19(A).

#### Table 300.19(A) Spacings for Conductor Supports

| Conductor Size                   | Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum | Copper |
| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------:| ------:|
| 18 AWG through 8 AWG             |                            100ft |  100ft |
| 6 AWG through 1/0 AWG            |                            200ft |  100ft |
| 2/0 AWG through 4/0 AWG          |                            180ft |   80ft |
| Over 4/0 AWG through 350 kcmil   |                            135ft |   60ft |
| Over 350 kcmil through 500 kcmil |                            120ft |   50ft |
| Over 500 kcmil through 750 kcmil |                             95ft |   40ft |
| Over 750 kcmil                   |                             85ft |   35ft |

#### 300.19(B) Fire-Rated Cables and Conductors.

Support methods and spacing intervals for fire-rated cables and conductors
shall comply with any restrictions provided in the listing
of the electrical circuit protective system used
and in no case shall exceed the values in [[#Table 300.19(A) Spacings for Conductor Supports|Table 300.19(A)]].

#### 300.19(C) Support Methods.

One of the following methods of support shall be used:

1. Clamping devices constructed of or employing insulating wedges
    inserted in the ends of the raceways.
    Where clamping of insulation does not adequately support the cable,
    the conductor also shall be clamped.

2. Inserting boxes at the required intervals
    in which insulating supports are installed and secured
    in an approved manner to withstand the weight of the conductors attached thereto,
    the boxes being provided with covers.

3. In junction boxes, deflecting the cables not less than 90 degrees
    and carrying them horizontally to a distance not less than twice the diameter of the cable,
    the cables being carried on two or more insulating supports
    and additionally secured thereto by tie wires, if desired.
    Where this method is used, cables shall be supported at intervals
    not greater than 20 percent of the support spacing in [[#Table 300.19(A) Spacings for Conductor Supports|Table 300.19(A)]].

4. Other approved means.

### 300.20 Induced Currents in Ferrous Metal Enclosures or Ferrous Metal Raceways.

#### 300.20(A) Conductors Grouped Together.

Where conductors carrying alternating current are installed in ferrous metal enclosures or ferrous metal raceways, they shall be arranged so as to avoid heating the surrounding ferrous metal by induction. To accomplish this, all phase conductors and, where used, the grounded conductor and all equipment grounding conductors shall be grouped together.

> [!important] Exception No. 1:
> Equipment grounding conductors for certain existing installations shall be permitted to be installed separate from their associated circuit conductors where run in accordance with the provisions of 250.130(C).

> [!important] Exception No. 2:
> A single conductor shall be permitted to be installed in a ferromagnetic enclosure and used for skin-effect heating in accordance with the provisions of 426.42 and 427.47.

#### 300.20(B) Individual Conductors.

Where a single conductor carrying alternating current passes through metal with magnetic properties, the inductive effect shall be minimized by (1) cutting slots in the metal between the individual holes through which the individual conductors pass or (2) passing all the conductors in the circuit through an insulating wall sufficiently large for all of the conductors of the circuit.

> [!important] Exception:
> In the case of circuits supplying vacuum or electric-discharge lighting systems or signs or X-ray apparatus, the currents carried by the conductors are so small that the inductive heating effect can be ignored where these conductors are placed in metal enclosures or pass through metal.

> [!info] Informational Note:
> Because aluminum is not a magnetic metal, there will be no heating due to hysteresis; however, induced currents will be present. They will not be of sufficient magnitude to require grouping of conductors or special treatment in passing conductors through aluminum wall sections.

### 300.21 Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion.

Electrical installations in hollow spaces, vertical shafts, and ventilation or air-handling ducts shall be made so that the possible spread of fire or products of combustion will not be substantially increased. Openings around electrical penetrations into or through fireresistant-rated walls, partitions, floors, or ceilings shall be firestopped using approved methods to maintain the fire resistance rating.

> [!info] Informational Note:
> Directories of electrical construction materials published by qualified testing laboratories contain many listing installation restrictions necessary to maintain the fire-resistive rating of assemblies where penetrations or openings are made. Building codes also contain restrictions on membrane penetrations on opposite sides of a fire-resistance-rated wall assembly. An example is the 600-mm (24-in.) minimum horizontal separation that usually applies between boxes installed on opposite sides of the wall. Assistance in complying with 300.21 can be found in building codes, fire resistance directories, and product listings.

### 300.22 Wiring in Ducts Not Used for Air Handling, Fabricated Ducts for Environmental Air, and Other Spaces for Environmental Air (Plenums).

The provisions of this section shall apply to the installation and uses of electrical wiring and equipment in ducts used for dust, loose stock, or vapor removal; ducts specifically fabricated for environmental air; and other spaces used for environmental air (plenums).

> [!info] Informational Note:
> See Article 424, Part VI, for duct heaters.

#### 300.22(A) Ducts for Dust, Loose Stock, or Vapor Removal.

No wiring systems of any type shall be installed in ducts used to transport dust, loose stock, or flammable vapors. No wiring system of any type shall be installed in any duct, or shaft containing only such ducts, used for vapor removal or for ventilation of commercial-type cooking equipment.

#### 300.22(B) Ducts Specifically Fabricated for Environmental Air.

Equipment, devices, and the wiring methods specified in this section shall be permitted within such ducts only if necessary for the direct action upon, or sensing of, the contained air. Where equipment or devices are installed and illumination is necessary to facilitate maintenance and repair, enclosed gasketed-type luminaires shall be permitted.

Only wiring methods consisting of Type MI cable without an overall nonmetallic covering, Type MC cable employing a smooth or corrugated impervious metal sheath without an overall nonmetallic covering, electrical metallic tubing, flexible metallic tubing, intermediate metal conduit, or rigid metal conduit without an overall nonmetallic covering shall be installed in ducts specifically fabricated to transport environmental air. Flexible metal conduit shall be permitted, in lengths not to exceed 1.2 m (4 ft), to connect physically adjustable equipment and devices permitted to be in these fabricated ducts. The connectors used with flexible metal conduit shall effectively close any openings in the connection.

> [!important] Exception:
> Wiring methods and cabling systems, listed for use in other spaces used for environmental air (plenums), shall be permitted to be installed in ducts specifically fabricated for environmental air-handling purposes under the following conditions:

* (1) The wiring methods or cabling systems shall be permitted only if necessary to connect to equipment or devices associated with the direct action upon or sensing of the contained air, and

* (2) The total length of such wiring methods or cabling systems shall not exceed 1.2 m (4 ft).

#### 300.22(C) Other Spaces Used for Environmental Air (Plenums).

This section shall apply to spaces not specifically fabricated for environmental air-handling purposes but used for air-handling purposes as a plenum. This section shall not apply to habitable rooms or areas of buildings, the prime purpose of which is not air handling.

> [!info] Informational Note No. 1:
> The space over a hung ceiling used for environmental air-handling purposes is an example of the type of other space to which this section applies.

> [!info] Informational Note No. 2:
> The phrase other spaces used for environmental air (plenum) as used in this section correlates with the use of the term plenum in NFPA 90A-2018, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, and other mechanical codes where the plenum is used for return air purposes, as well as some other air-handling spaces.

> [!important] Exception:
> This section shall not apply to the joist or stud spaces of dwelling units where the wiring passes through such spaces perpendicular to the long dimension of such spaces.

##### 300.22(C)(1) Wiring Methods.

The wiring methods for such other space shall be limited to totally enclosed, nonventilated, insulated busway having no provisions for plug-in connections, Type MI cable without an overall nonmetallic covering, Type MC cable without an overall nonmetallic covering,

Type AC cable, or other factory-assembled multiconductor control or power cable that is specifically listed for use within an air-handling space, or listed prefabricated cable assemblies of metallic manufactured wiring systems without nonmetallic sheath. Other types of cables, conductors, and raceways shall be permitted to be installed in electrical metallic tubing, flexible metallic tubing, intermediate metal conduit, rigid metal conduit without an overall nonmetallic covering, flexible metal conduit, or, where accessible, surface metal raceway or metal wireway with metal covers.

Nonmetallic cable ties and other nonmetallic cable accessories used to secure and support cables shall be listed as having low smoke and heat release properties.

> [!info] Informational Note:
> One method to determine low smoke and heat release properties is that the nonmetallic cable ties and other nonmetallic cable accessories exhibit a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a peak heat release rate of 100 kW or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2043-2008, Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke

Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces.

##### 300.22(C)(2) Cable Tray Systems.

The provisions in 300.22(C)(2)(a) or (C)(2)(b) shall apply to the use of metallic cable tray systems in other spaces used for environmental air (plenums), where accessible, as follows:

* (a) Metal Cable Tray Systems. Metal cable tray systems shall be permitted to support the wiring methods in 300.22(C)(1).

* (b) Solid Side and Bottom Metal Cable Tray Systems. Solid side and bottom metal cable tray systems with solid metal covers shall be permitted to enclose wiring methods and cables, not already covered in 300.22(C)(1), in accordance with 392.10(A) and (B).

##### 300.22(C)(3) Equipment.

Electrical equipment with a metal enclosure, or electrical equipment with a nonmetallic enclosure listed for use within an air-handling space and having low smoke and heat release properties, and associated wiring material suitable for the ambient temperature shall be permitted to be installed in such other space unless prohibited elsewhere in this Code.

> [!info] Informational Note:
> One method to determine low smoke and heat release properties is that the equipment exhibits a maximum peak optical density of 0.50 or less, an average optical density of 0.15 or less, and a peak heat release rate of 100 kW or less when tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 2043-2013, Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces.

> [!important] Exception:
> Integral fan systems shall be permitted where specifically identified for use within an air-handling space.

#### 300.22(D) Information Technology Equipment.

Where the installation complies with the special requirements in 645.4, electrical wiring in air-handling areas beneath raised floors for information technology equipment shall be permitted in accordance with 645.5(E).

### 300.23 Panels Designed to Allow Access.

Cables, raceways, and equipment installed behind panels designed to allow access, including suspended ceiling panels, shall be arranged and secured so as to allow the removal of panels and access to the equipment.

### 300.25 Exit Enclosures (Stair Towers).

Where an exit enclosure is required to be separated from the building, only electrical wiring methods serving equipment permitted by the authority having jurisdiction in the exit enclosure shall be installed within the exit enclosure.

> [!info] Informational Note:
> For more information, refer to NFPA 101-2018, Life Safety Code, 7.1.3.2.1(10)(b).

## Part II. Requirements for over 1000 Volts, Nominal

### 300.31 Covers Required.

Suitable covers shall be installed on all boxes, fittings, and similar enclosures to prevent accidental contact with energized parts or physical damage to parts or insulation.

### 300.32 Conductors of Different Systems.

See [[#300.3(C)(2) Over 1000 Volts, Nominal.|300.3(C)(2)]].

### 300.34 Conductor Bending Radius.

The conductor shall not be bent to a radius less than 8 times the overall diameter for nonshielded conductors or 12 times the overall diameter for shielded or lead-covered conductors during or after installation. For multiconductor or multiplexed single-conductor cables having individually shielded conductors, the minimum bending radius is 12 times the diameter of the individually shielded conductors or 7 times the overall diameter, whichever is greater.

### 300.35 Protection Against Induction Heating.

Metallic raceways and associated conductors shall be arranged so as to avoid heating of the raceway in accordance with the applicable provisions of 300.20.

### 300.37 Aboveground Wiring Methods.

Aboveground conductors shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, in intermediate metal conduit, in electrical metallic tubing, in RTRC and PVC conduit, in cable trays, in auxiliary gutters, as busways, as cablebus, in other identified raceways, or as exposed runs of metal-clad cable suitable for the use and purpose. In locations accessible to qualified persons only, exposed runs of Type MV cables, bare conductors, and bare busbars shall also be permitted. Busbars shall be permitted to be either copper or aluminum.

> [!important] Exception:
> Airfield lighting cable used in series circuits that are powered by regulators and installed in restricted airport lighting vaults shall be permitted as exposed cable installations.

> [!info] Informational Note:
> FAA L-824 cables installed as exposed runs within a restricted vault area are common applications.

### 300.38 Raceways in Wet Locations Above Grade.

Where raceways are installed in wet locations above grade, the interior of these raceways shall be considered to be a wet location.

Insulated conductors and cables installed in raceways in wet locations above grade shall comply with 310.10(C).

### 300.39 Braid-Covered Insulated Conductors — Exposed Installation.

Exposed runs of braid-covered insulated conductors shall have a flame-retardant braid. If the conductors used do not have this protection, a flame-retardant saturant shall be applied to the braid covering after installation. This treated braid covering shall be stripped back a safe distance at conductor terminals, according to the operating voltage. Where practicable, this distance shall not be less than 25 mm (1 in.) for each kilovolt of the conductor-to-ground voltage of the circuit.

### 300.40 Insulation Shielding.

Metallic and semiconducting insulation shielding components of shielded cables shall be removed for a distance dependent on the circuit voltage and insulation. Stress reduction means shall be provided at all terminations of factory-applied shielding.

Metallic shielding components such as tapes, wires, or braids, or combinations thereof, shall be connected to an equipment grounding conductor, an equipment grounding busbar, or a grounding electrode.

### 300.42 Moisture or Mechanical Protection for Metal-Sheathed Cables.

Where cable conductors emerge from a metal sheath and where protection against moisture or physical damage is necessary, the insulation of the conductors shall be protected by a cable sheath terminating device.

### 300.45 Danger Signs.

Danger signs shall be conspicuously posted at points of access to conductors in all raceway systems and cable systems. The sign(s) shall meet the requirements in 110.21(B), shall be readily visible, and shall state the following:

> DANGER—HIGH VOLTAGE—KEEP OUT

### 300.50 Underground Installations.

#### 300.50(A) General.

Underground conductors shall be identified for the voltage and conditions under which they are installed. Direct-burial cables shall comply with the provisions of 310.10(E). Underground cables shall be installed in accordance with 300.50(A)(1), (A)(2), or (A)(3), and the installation shall meet the depth requirements of Table 300.50.

Table 300.50 Minimum Cover Requirements

General Conditions (not otherwise specified) Special Conditions (use if applicable)

Column
1

Column
2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5 Column 6

DirectBuriedCablesRTRC,PVC,andHDPEConduitRigid

Metal

Conduit and

Intermediate

Metal

Conduit

Raceways Under

Buildings or Exterior

Concrete Slabs,
100 mm (4 in.)

Minimum

Thickness

Cables in Airport

Runways or

Adjacent Areas

Where Trespass

Is Prohibited

Areas Subject to

Vehicular Traffic,

Such as

Thoroughfares and

Commercial Parking

Areas

Circuit

Voltage mm in. mm in. mm in. mm in. mm in. mm in. a b c d

General Conditions (not otherwise specified) Special Conditions (use if applicable)

Column
1

Column
2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5 Column 6

DirectBuriedCablesRTRC,PVC,andHDPEConduitRigid

Metal

Conduit and

Intermediate

Metal

Conduit

Raceways Under

Buildings or Exterior

Concrete Slabs,
100 mm (4 in.)

Minimum

Thickness

Cables in Airport

Runways or

Adjacent Areas

Where Trespass

Is Prohibited

Areas Subject to

Vehicular Traffic,

Such as

Thoroughfares and

Commercial Parking

Areas

Circuit

Voltage mm in. mm in. mm in. mm in. mm in. mm in.

Over
1000 V through
22 kV 750 30 450 18 150 6 100 4 450 18 600 24

Over 22 kV through
40 kV 900 36 600 24 150 6 100 4 450 18 600 24

Over 40 kV 1000 42 750 30 150 6 100 4 450 18 600 24

General Notes:
1. Lesser depths shall be permitted where cables and conductors rise for terminations or splices or where access is otherwise required.
2. Where solid rock prevents compliance with the cover depths specified in this table, the wiring shall be installed in a metal or nonmetallic raceway permitted for direct burial. The raceways shall be covered by a minimum of 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete extending down to rock.
3. In industrial establishments, where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that qualified persons will service the installation, the minimum cover requirements, for other than rigid metal conduit and intermediate metal conduit, shall be permitted to be reduced 150 mm (6 in.) for each 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete or equivalent placed entirely within the trench over the underground installation.

Specific Footnotes:

Cover is defined as the shortest distance in millimeters (inches) measured between a point on the top surface of any direct-buried conductor, cable, conduit, or other raceway and the top surface of finished grade, concrete, or similar cover.

Underground direct-buried cables that are not encased or protected by concrete and are buried 750 mm (30 in.) or more below grade shall have their location identified by a warning ribbon that is placed in the trench at least 300 mm (12 in.) above the cables.

Listed by a qualified testing agency as suitable for direct burial without encasement. All other nonmetallic systems shall require 50 mm
(2 in.) of concrete or equivalent above conduit in addition to the table depth.

The slab shall extend a minimum of 150 mm (6 in.) beyond the underground installation, and a warning ribbon or other effective means suitable for the conditions shall be placed above the underground installation.

##### 300.50(A)(1) Shielded Cables and Nonshielded Cables in Metal-Sheathed Cable Assemblies.

Underground cables, including nonshielded, Type MC and moisture-impervious metal sheath cables, shall have those sheaths grounded through an effective grounding path meeting the requirements of 250.4(A)(5) or (B)(4). They shall be direct buried or installed in raceways identified for the use.

##### 300.50(A)(2) Industrial Establishments.

In industrial establishments, where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons service the installed cable, nonshielded single-conductor cables with insulation types up to 2000 volts that are listed for direct burial shall be permitted to be directly buried. b c d a b c d

##### 300.50(A)(3) Other Nonshielded Cables.

Other nonshielded cables not covered in 300.50(A)(1) or (A)(2) shall be installed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, or rigid nonmetallic conduit encased in not less than 75 mm (3 in.) of concrete.

#### 300.50(B) Wet Locations.

The interior of enclosures or raceways installed underground shall be considered to be a wet location. Insulated conductors and cables installed in these enclosures or raceways in underground installations shall be listed for use in wet locations and shall comply with
310.10(C). Any connections or splices in an underground installation shall be approved for wet locations.

#### 300.50(C) Protection from Damage.

Conductors emerging from the ground shall be enclosed in listed raceways. Raceways installed on poles shall be of rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, RTRC-XW, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, or equivalent, extending from the minimum cover depth specified in Table 300.50 to a point 2.5 m (8 ft) above finished grade. Conductors entering a building shall be protected by an approved enclosure or raceway from the minimum cover depth to the point of entrance. Where direct-buried conductors, raceways, or cables are subject to movement by settlement or frost, they shall be installed to prevent damage to the enclosed conductors or to the equipment connected to the raceways. Metallic enclosures shall be grounded.

#### 300.50(D) Splices.

Direct burial cables shall be permitted to be spliced or tapped without the use of splice boxes, provided they are installed using materials suitable for the application. The taps and splices shall be watertight and protected from mechanical damage. Where cables are shielded, the shielding shall be continuous across the splice or tap.

> [!important] Exception:
> At splices of an engineered cabling system, metallic shields of direct-buried single-conductor cables with maintained spacing between phases shall be permitted to be interrupted and overlapped. Where shields are interrupted and overlapped, each shield section shall be grounded at one point.

#### 300.50(E) Backfill.

Backfill containing large rocks, paving materials, cinders, large or sharply angular substances, or corrosive materials shall not be placed in an excavation where materials can damage or contribute to the corrosion of raceways, cables, or other substructures or where it may prevent adequate compaction of fill.

Protection in the form of granular or selected material or suitable sleeves shall be provided to prevent physical damage to the raceway or cable.

#### 300.50(F) Raceway Seal.

Where a raceway enters from an underground system, the end within the building shall be sealed with an identified compound so as to prevent the entrance of moisture or gases, or it shall be so arranged to prevent moisture from contacting live parts.
