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  - type/encyclopedia
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# Raceway Terms

## "Raceway"

> [!quote] NEC Article 100
> **Raceway.**
> An enclosed channel
> designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars,
> with additional functions as permitted in this _Code_. (CMP-8)

### "Duct"

> [!quote] NEC 310.2 Definitions
> **Electrical Ducts.**
> Electrical conduits, or other raceways round in cross section,
> that are suitable for use underground or embedded in concrete.

> [!info] Duct Bank
> "Duct bank" is not given explicit definition in the NEC,
> however it is used frequently to refer to any group of **ducts**,
> _even as few as one_, as shown in Figure 310.60(C)(3).
> It is always spelled as two words.

## "Wiring Method"

"Wiring method" is not given explicit definition in the NEC.

> [!quote] NEC 110.8 Wiring Methods
> Only wiring methods recognized as suitable
> are included in this Code.
> The recognized methods of wiring
> shall be permitted to be installed
> in any type of building or occupancy,
> except as otherwise provided in this Code.

> [!quote] NEC 300.1(A) All Wiring Installations
> This article covers general requirements
> for wiring methods and materials
> for all _wiring installations_ (emphasis added)
> unless modified by other articles in Chapter 3.

Nor is wiring installation,
however by closest definition
it can be assumed **premises wiring**
includes all wiring installations.

> [!quote] NEC Article 100
> **Premises Wiring (System).**
> Interior and exterior wiring,
> including power, lighting, control, and signal circuit wiring
> together with all their associated hardware, fittings, and wiring devices,
> both permanently and temporarily installed.
> This includes
> (a) wiring from the service point or power source to the outlets or
> (b) wiring from and including the power source
> to the outlets where there is no service point.

### Inappropriate Use

Notably, Chapter 3 does not prescribe requirements for _raceway_,
but for _wiring installations_.
As such, conduit used for other purposes
(e.g. routing beverage tubing) is out of scope.

Raceways used for supporting communications cables
_would be_ out of scope, except for Article 800.110:

> [!quote] NEC 800.110(A)(1) Raceways Recognized in Chapter 3
> Communications wires and cables shall be permitted
> to be installed in any raceway included in Chapter 3.
> _The raceways shall be installed in accordance_
> _with the requirements of Chapter 3._

Raceway is not a _wiring method_
unless it is used to support _premises wiring_,
which communications cabling is not.

It is not appropriate to say "EMT conduit is _a_ wiring method"
(granted the NEC does use similar phrasing occasionally),
because any recognized wiring method must include the
* wiring,
* splices,
* pull boxes,
* outlet boxes,
* and supports
necessary of a complete wiring installation,
each of which has countless options.

### Appropriate Use

It may be appropriate to refer to "MC cable" as _a_ wiring method
if you and your audience understand the name as shorthand
for a more specific, standard framework.

In a robustly implemented specification-based takeoff software,
an assembly's specifications would describe it's wiring methods.
A 20A and 30A branch circuit may utilize identical "wiring methods".

## Takeaways

No part of a manufactured cable assembly (e.g. MC cable)
can be considered a raceway.

It is usually incorrect to refer to wiring methods
in the singular (e.g. installed in _a_ wiring method).
