vault backup: 2025-07-24 16:44:33

raceway-terms.md

@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+---
+id:
+aliases: []
+tags: 
+  - terminology
+---
+# 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.
+
+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 this syntax occasionally),
+because a 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.
+
+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.
+
+## 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).