Article 300 General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials 300.1 Scope (A) All Wiring installations This article covers general requirements for wing methods and materials for all wing installations unless modified by eer artes in Chapter 3 (@) integral Parts of Equipment The provisions ofthis article are not intended to apaly tothe conductors that form an inlagral part of equipment, such as motors, contrallers ‘motor contral centers, of factory-assembled control equipment or listed utiization equipment. (C) Metric Designators and Trade Sizes, Motte designators and trade sizes for condul, tubing, and associated fitings and accessories shall be as designated in Table 300.1(C), Table 300.1(C) Metric Designators and Trade Sizes Note: The metric designators and trade sizes are for identification purposes only and are not actual dimensions. 300.2 Limitations. (A) Voltage \Wiring metnods species in Chapter 3 shall be used for 1000 volts, nominal o less where not specifeally linted in some section of Chapter 3, They shall be permitted for over 1000 vot, nominal, where specially permitted elsewhere in this Code,(8) Temperature ‘Temperature limitation of conductors shal be in accordance with 310.15(A)3) 300.3 Conductors (A) Single Conductors ‘Single conductors speci in Table 310.104(A) shal only be installed where part of a recognized wiring method of Chapter 3. Exception: Individual conductors shall be permitted where installed as separate overhead conductors in accordance with 225 6 (8) Conductors of the Same Circuit ‘Al conductors ofthe same circuit and, whare used, the grounded conductor and all equipment grounding conductors and bonding conductors shall be contained within the same raceway, auxilary gutter, cable ray, cablebus assembly, tronch, cable, or cord, unless otherwise permitted in accordance with 300,3(8)(1) tough (8) 6), Conductors shall be permitted to be run in parallel in accordance with the provisions of $70. 10(H). The requtement to run all ercult, Conductors within the same raceway, auxllary gue, cable ray tench, cable, or cord shall apply separately to each potion of the paralleled installation, and the equipment grounding conductors shall comply with the provisions of 250,122. Parallel un in cable ray shall comply witn the provisions of 392.20(C), Exesption: Conductors installed in nonmetallic raceways run underground shal be permited tobe 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 the provisions of 300.20(8). {@) Grounding and Bonding Conductors Equipment grounding conductors shall be permitted to be installed outside a raceway or cable assembly where in accordance withthe provisions of 250.*90(C) for certain existing installations or in accordance with 250.134(8), Exception No. 2, for de circuits. Equipment bonding conductors shall be permitted tobe installed on the ouside of raceways in accordance with 250.102 (6) Nonferrous Wiring Methods Conductors in wiring methods with a nonmetallic or ther nonmagnetic sheath, where run in diferent raceways, auxllary gutters, cable trays, trenches, cables, or cords, shall comply wit the provisions of 300.20(8). Conductors in single-conductor Type Ml cable with a rrenmagntic sheath shall comply wih the provisions of 932.31. Conductors of single-conductor Type MC cable with a nonmagnetic sheath shall comply withthe provisions of 330.31, 330.116, and 300.20(8), (4) Column-Width Panelboard Enclosures \Where an auxiliary gutter runs between a colurnn-width panelboard and a pull Dox, and the pul box includes neutral terminations, the neutral conductors of circuits supplied from the panelboard shall be permitted to originate inthe pull box. (C) Conductors of Different Systems (1) 1000 Volts, Nominal, or Less Conductors of ac and circuits, rated 1000 volts, nominal, o 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 electrc-dischargo lamps of 1000 volts or lass, if insulated forthe secondary voltage involved, shall be permitiod to occupy the same luminaire, sign, oF outine lighting enclosure as the branchecircult conductors Informational Note No. 1: See 725.136(A) for Class 2 and Class 3 circuit conductors.Informational Note No. 2: See 690.4(8) for photovoltaic source and output circuits. (2) Over 1000 Volts, Nominal Conductors of cuits rated over 1000 vols, nominal, shall not occupy the same equipment wiring enclosure, cable, or raceway with conductors of circuits rated 1000 voli, nominal, or les unless otherwise permitted in 300.3(C)2)(a) through 300.3(C)(2\4). (a) Primary loads ofelectrcatscharge lamp ballasts insulated forthe primary voltage ofthe ballast, where contained within the Individual wiring enclosure, shal be permitted to occupy the same luminaire, sign, or outline lighting enclosure as the branch-circult conductors. (b) Exctation, conto, relay, and ammeter conductors used in connection with any individual motor or starter shall be permited to ‘occupy the same enclosure as the motor-ircult conductors. (c) In motors, transformers, switchgear, switchboards, control assemblies, and similar equipment, conductors of iferent voltage ratings shall be permite. (6) In manholes, if the conductors of each system are permanently and effectively separated from the conductors ofthe other systems and securely fastened to racks, insulators, or other approved supports, conductors of ferent voltage ratings shall be permite, Conductors having nonshielded insulation and operating at diferent voltage levels shall not occupy the same enclosure, cable, of racoway, 300.4 Protection Against Physical Damage \Where subject to physical damage, conductors, raceways, and cables shall be protecte (A) Cables and Raceways Through Wood Members, (1) Bored Hotes Inboth exposed ane concealed locations, where a cable-orraceway-type wiring method i installed trough bored hoes in ois, raters, or wood members, holes shall be bored so tha! the edge ofthe hole isnot ess than 32 mm (1% in.) ftom the nearest edge of the wood member. Where this stance cannot be maiizined, the cable or raceway shall bs protected from penetration by screws or rails by a sea plates) or bushing(), atleast 1.6 mm (1/1 in.) thick, and of appropite length and width installed to cover the area of| the wiring Excoption No.1: Stoo! plates shal not bo required to protect rigid metal condul, intermediate metal conduit, rigid nonmetallic conduit, oF loctcal metalic tubing, Exception No. 2: A listed and marked steel plata fess than 1.6 mm (1/48 in.) thick that provides equel or beter protection against nal or screw penetration shal be permite. (2) Notches in Wood \Where there is no objection bacause of weakening the bulding structure, n both exposed and concealed locations, cables or raceways shall be permitted fo be laid in notches in wood studs, joists, rafters, or other wood members where the cable or raceway al those points Is protected against nals or scraws by a ste! plate al least 1.6 mm (1/15 in.) thick, and of appropriate length and width, installed to cover the area of he wiring. The ste! plate shall be installed before the building fini is applied Exception No.1: Stee! plates shal not be require to protect rigid metal cand, intermediate metal condul, rigid nonmetallic conduit, or clectcal metalic tubing, Excoption No. 2: A listed and marked stool plato less than 1.6 mm (1/18 in.) thick that provides equal or beter protection against nail or ‘serew penetration shall be permite. (8) Nonmetali ‘Sheathed Cables and Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing Through Metal Framing Members(1) Nonmetallic Sheathed Cab In both exposed and concealed locations where nonmetalc-sheathed cables pas through either facton oF fld-punched, cut, oF dilled slots or holes in metal members, the cable shall be protected by listed bushings or sted grommets covering all motal edges that ‘are securely fastened in the opening prior o installation ofthe cable, (2) Nonmetalic-Sheathed Cab and Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing Where nails or screws ave lkely to penelate nonmetalic-sheathed cable or electrical nonmetallic tubing, a steel sleeve, steel pate, of steel clip not less than 1.6 mm (1/16 in, in thickness shall be used ta protect the cable or tubing. Excoption: A ised and marked stool plate less than 1.6 mm (1/16 i.) thick that provides equal or better protection against nail or scrow penetration shall be permited (C) Cables Through Spaces Behind Panels Designed to Allow Acces Cables or raceway-type wiring methods, installed behind panels designed to allow access, shall be supported according to their applicable aricles (0) Cables and Raceways Parallel to Framing Members and Furring Strips In both exposed and concealed locations, were cale- or raceway-type wing mathod is installed paral o framing members, such as jolts, rafters, or studs, ori installed paral ofuring stip, the cable or raceway shall b installed and support so that he nearest ouside surface ofthe cable of aceway is notes than 32 mm (11). from the nearest edge othe framing membr or fring sips where nails or screws are kel to penetrate, Where this distance canna be maintained the cable of raceway sal be protecte fom penetration by also screws by a stel plate, sloove, or equivalent a least 1.8 mm (116i hick Exception No.1: Stee! plates, sleeves, or the equivalent shall not be required to protect rig metal conduit, intermediate metal condi rigid ponmetalic candul, or electrical metalic tubing Excoption No. 2: For cancealed work in finished buildings, or fished panels for prefabricated buildings where such supporting is impracticable, it shal be permissible fo fish the cables between access points Excoption No, 3: A isted and marked stool plato loss than 1.6 mm (1/18 in) thick that provides equal or beter protection against nail or ‘screw penetration shal be permite. (©) Cables, Raceways, or Boxes Installed in or Under Roof Decking ‘cable, raceway, or box, Installed in exposed or concealed locations under metal-cortugated sheot roof decking, shall be installed and ‘supported so there isnot less than 38 mm (11, in.) measured from the lowest surface ofthe roof decking tothe top of the cable, raceway, lor box.A cable, raceway, or box shal not be installed in concealed locations in metal-corrugated, sheet decking type rf. Informational Note: Roof decking materials often repaired or replaced after the intial 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 oof insulating material Exception: Rig metal conduit and intermediate meta conduit shall not be required fo comply with 200.4(E) (F) Cables and Raceways Installed in Shallow Grooves Cable or raceway-yge wring methods insallad in a groove, to be covered by wallboard, siding, paneling, carpeting, o sina ish, shall be protected by 18:mm (ig in) thik sto pate, steve, or equivalent or by not es than 32mm (1g) fee space forthe ful lngth of the groove in which the cable or raceways installed Excoption No.1: Stee! plates, sleeves, or the equivalent shall not be required to protect rigid metal condult intermediate metal conduit gid ‘nonmetalc candut, or electrical metalic tubing Exception No. 2: listed and marked steel plate fess than 1.6 mm (1/18 in.) thick that proves equel or better protection against nail or sorew penetration shal be permite.(G) Insulated Fittings Where raceways contain 4 AWG cr larger insulated circuit conductors, and these conductors enter a cabinet, a box, an enclosure, ora raceway, the conductors shall be protected by an identified fiting providing a smoothly rounded insulating surface, unless the conductors are separate from the iting or raceway by identified insulating material that's securely fastened in place. Excoption: Where threaded hubs or bosses that aro an integral part of a cabinet, box, enclosure, or raceway provide a smoothly rounded or aed entry for conductors. Condit bushings constructed wholly of insulating material shall not be used to secure a fiting or raceway. The insulating fiting or insulating material shal have a temperature rating not less than the insulation temperature rating ofthe installed conductors. (H) Structural Joints ‘listed expansionidelection fiting 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 Table 300.5 Minimum Cover Requirements, 0 to 1000 Volts, Nominal, Burial in Milimetors (Inches)Type of rng Matos or Crct ables or Conductors onda ‘AeprovedRacenaye rch ew 0 in) hoe aera equate “a « a . me @ ‘Ura mintnun o 102m ek coe eo 10 0 @ oy 1 ‘ana waar ting dean ane ase 4 ” 1 we % A lesser depth shall be permitted where specified inthe installation instructions ofa 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 t lighting system, Notes: 1. Cover is defined as the shortest distance in mm (i.) measured between a point on the top surface of any direct-buried conducte of fished 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 reqi 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 6, the 5. Where solid rock prevents compliance with the cover depths specified in this table, the wiring shall be installed in a metal racew ‘The raceways shall be covered by a minimum of 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete extending down to rack «a Direct-buried cable, conduit or other raceways shal be Installed to meet the minimum cover requirements o Table 300.5. imum Cover Requirements (8) 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),(©) Underground Cabl ‘and Conductors Under Buildings Underground cable and conductors installed under a building shal be ina raceway. Excoption No. 1: Type MI cablo shall be permited under a building without installation in a raceway where embedded in concrete, fil, or ‘other masonry in accordance with 332.10(6) ora underground runs where sultably protected against physical dama conditions in accordance with 232.10(10). ind corasive Exception No. 2: Type MC cable listed for direct burial or concrete encasement shall be permitted under a building without instalation in @ raceway in accordance with 230 10(A)(S) and in wet facatios in accordance with 390.10(A)(11), (0) Protection From Damage Direct-buried conductors and cables shall be protected from damage in accordance with 300.5(0)1) through (04). (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 point atleast 2.5 m (8) ‘ove fnished grad. In no case shall he protection be required to exceed 450 mm (18 in.) below fished grace. (2) Conductors Entering Bulldings Conductors entering building shall be protected tothe point of entrance. (@) Sorvice 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 thats placed inthe trench atleast 300 mm (12 in.) above the underground installation. (4) Enclosure or Raceway Damage \Where the enclosure or raceway is subject to physical damage, the concluctrs shall be installed in electrcal metalic tubing, rigid metal Conduit, intermediate metal conduit, RTRC-XW, Schedule 80 PYC conduit, or equivalent (©) Splicos and Taps Direct-buried conductors or cables shall be permited tobe spliced or tapped without the use of spice boxes. The splices or taps shall be ‘made in accordance with 110.14(8). (F) Backfill ‘ackfl that contains large rocks, paving materials, cinders, large or sharply angular substances, oF corrasive material shall not be placed In ‘an excavation where materals may damage raceways, cables, conductors, or ather substructures or prevent adequate compaction of fil or contribute to corrosion of raceways, cables, or other substructures. Where necessary lo prevent physical damage tothe raceway, cable, ar conductor, protection shall be provided in the form of granular or fed material, suitable running boards, suitable sleeves, or other approved means. (6) Raceway Seals Conduits or raceways thraugh which moisture may contact ive parts shall be sealed or plugged a ether or both ends. Spare or unused raceways shall also be sealed. Sealants shal be identifed for use withthe cable insulation, conductor insulation, bare conductor, shield, or other components Informational Note: Presence of hazardous gases or vapors may also necessitate sealing of underground conduits or raceways entering buildings. (H) Bushing‘A bushing, or terminal fiting, with an integral bushed opening shall be used atthe end of @ conduit or other raceway that terminates. underground where the conductors or cables emerge asa direct burial wiring methad. A seal incorporating the physical protection characteristics ofa bushing shall be permitted tobe used in lou ofa bushing. () Conductors of the Same Circuit [Al conductors ofthe same circuit and, where used, the grounded conductor and all equipment grounding condicors shal be installe inthe ‘same raceway or cable or shall be installed in close proximity in the same trench, Excoption No. : Conductors shall be permitted tobe installed in parallel in raceways, muliconductor cables, or diect-buriad singlo ‘conductor cables. Each raceway or muiticonductor cable shal contain all conductors of the samo crcl, ineluding equipment grounding ‘conductors. Each droc-buried single conductor cable shall be located in close proximity in the trench tothe other single conductor cables in the same paral set of conductors the circuit Including equipment grounding conductors. Excoption No.2: Isolated phase, polanty, grounded conductor, and equipment grounding and banding canductor installations shall be permitted in nonmetalc raceways or cables with a nonmetalic covering or nonmagnetic sheath in clase proximity where conductors are paralloled as permitted in 310.10(H), and whore the conditions of 300,20(8) are met () Earth Movement Wher direct-buried conductors, raceways, or cables are subject lo movement by seltlement or fos, drect-bured conductors, raceways, or cables shall be arranged so as to prevent damage to the enclosed conductors arto equipment connected tothe raceways. Informational Note: This section recognizes "S" loops in underground direct burial cables and conductors to raceway transitions, expansion fitings in raceway risers to fixed equipment, and, generally, the provision of flexible connections to equipment subject to settlement or frost heaves. (4) Directional Boring Cables or raceways installed using directional boring equipment shall be approved forthe purpose. 300.6 Protection Against Corrosion and Deterioration Raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxiliary gutters, cable armor, boxes, cable sheathing, cabinets, elbows, couplings, tings, supports, and support hardware shall be of materials suitable for the environment in which they are toe installed. (A) Ferrous Metal Equipment Ferrous metal raceways, cable trays, cableous, auxiliary guters, cable armor, boxes, cable sheathing, cabinets, metal elbows, couplings, ripples, fitings, supports, and support hardware shall be sulably protected against corosion inside and outside (except threads at joints) by ‘2 coating of approved corrosion-esistant material, Where corrosion protection is necessary and the cont is threaded inthe field, the threads shall be coated with an approved electrically conductive, corrosion-esistant compound Informational Note: Field-cut threads are those threads that are cut in condult, elbows, or nipples anywhere other than atthe factory where the producti isted Excopton: Stainless steel shall not be required fo have protective coatings. (1) Protected From Corrosion Solely by Enam \Where protected from corrosion solely by enamel, ferrous metal raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxllary gutters, cable armor, boxes, cable sheathing, cabinets, metal elbows, couplings, nipples, fitings, supports, and support hardware shall ot be used outdoors or in wat locations as described in 300,6(0) (@) Organic Coatings on Boxes or Cabinets \Where boxes or cabinets have an approved system of organic coatings and are marked "Raintgh,” *Rainproof,” of “Outdoor Type,” they shall be permitted outdoors (8) In Conerate or in Direct Contact With the EarthFerrous metal raceways, cable armor, boxes, cable sheathing, cabinets, elbows, couplings, nipples, tings, supports, and support hardware shal be permitted tobe installed in concrete or indirect contact with the earth, orn areas subject to severe corrosive influences where made of material approved forthe condition, or where provided with corosion protection approved for the concition. (8) Aluminum Metal Equipment ‘Aluminum raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxiliary gutters, cable armor, boxes, cable sheathing, cabinets, elbows, couplings, nipples, fitings, suppors, and support hardware embeded or encased in concrete or in diect contact wih the earth shall be provided with supplementary corrosion protection (©) Nonmeta Equipment Nonmetalic raceways, cable trays, cablebus, auxiiary gutters, boxes, cables with a nonmetallic outer jacket and intemal metal armor or Jacket, cable sheathing, cabinets, elbows, couplings, nipples, tings, supports, and support hardware shall be made of material approved for the condition and shall comply with (C1) and (C)(2) as applicable tothe specific installation. (1) Exposed to Sunlight \Where exposed to sunlight, the materials shal be listed as sunlight resistant or shall be ientied as sunlight resistant (2) Chemical Exposure \Whore subjoc to exposure to chemical solvents, vapors, splashing, or immersion, materials or coatings shall either bo innorently resistant to chemicals based on ther Hstng or be identited for the specific chemical reagent. (0) Indoor Wet Locations In portions of dary processing facities, laundries, canneres, and other indoor wet locations, and in locations where walls aro frequently washed or where there are surfaces of absorbent materials, such as damp paper or wood, te entire wiring system, where installed ‘exposed, including ll boxes, tings, raceways, and cable used therewith, shall be mounted so that there is atleast a &-mm (Vin) airspace between it and the wall or supporting surface. Excoption: Nonmetallic raceways, boxes, and ftings shall be permited to be installed without the airspace on a concrete, masonry, tile, or simiar sutoco. Informational Note: In general, areas where acids and alkali chemicals are handled and stored may present such corrosive contitions, 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, fertlizer, salt, and bulk chemicals. 300.7 Raceways Exposed to Differont Temperatures (A) Sealing \Where portions of a raceway or sleeve are known to be subjected to diferent temperature, and where condensation is known to be a problem, as in cole storage areas of buldings or where passing from the interior tothe exterior ofa building, the raceway or sleeve shall be filed with an approved material to prevent the circulation of warm air toa cole section ofthe raceway or sleeve. An explosionproot seal shall not be require for this purpose. (8) Expansion, Expansion-Deflection, and Deflection Fittings Raceways shal be provided with expansion, expansion-deflecton, or deflection ftings where necessary to compensate for thermal ‘expansion, deflection, and contraction, Informational Note: Table 352.44 and Table 355.44 provide the expansion information for polyvinyl chioride (PVC) and {or 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 stee!electrical metalic tubing, intermediate metal conduit, and rigid metal conduit is 1.4170 x 10-5 (0.0000117 mm per mm of conduit for each °C in temperature change) [0.650 x 10—® (0,0000065 in. per inch of conduit for each °F in temperature change}] 'A nominal number for aluminum conduit and aluminum electrical metalic tubing can be determined by multiplying the ‘expansion length in Table 362.44 by 0.40. The coeticient of expansion for aluminum electrical metallic tubing and aluminum rigid metal condult is 2.24 x 10-5 (0,0000234 mm per mm of candit far each “Cin 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 of cable rays containing electrical conductors shall nat contain any pipe, tube, or equal for steam, water, ai, gas, drainage, of any service other han electrical 1300.9 Raceways in Wet Locations Abovegrade \Whare raceways are installed in wet locations abovegrade, the interior ofthese raceways shall be considered to be a wetlocation. Insulated conductors and cables installed in raceways in wet locations abovagrade 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 metallcaly joined together into a continuous electrical conductor and shall be connected to all boxes, filings, and cabinels so as to provide. trical continuity. Unless specifically permitted elsewmere in tis Code, raceways and cable assemblies shall be mechanically secured lo boxes, filings, cabinets, and ather enclosures. lv Exception No. 1: Short sections of raceways used fo provide suppor or protection of cable assembles from physical damage shall not be required to be made electrically continuous. Exception No. 2: Equipment enclosures tobe isolated. as permitted by 260.96(6), shal not be required to be metalically joined tothe metal raceway. 300.11 Securing and Supporting (A) Secured in Place Raceways, cable assemblies, boxes, cabinets, and fitings shall be securely fastened in place, (8) Wiring Systems installed Above Suspended Ceilings ‘Support wires that do not provide secure suppor shall not be permitted a the sole support. Support wires and associated ftings that provide secure support and that are installed in addition to the celing grid suppor wires shall be permitted asthe sole support. Where Independent support wires are used, they shal be secured at both ends. Cables and raceways shall rot be supported by celing grids. (1) Fire Rated Assemblies Wiking located within the cavity ofa fire-Fatedfloor-cling or roat-clling assembly shall not be secured to, o supported by, the celing assembly, including the ceiling support wires. An independent means of secure support shal be provided and shall be permitted to be attaches tothe assembly. Where independent support wies are used, they shall be distngulshable by col, tagging, oF other effective ‘means from those that are part ofthe fie-rated design, Exception: The ceiling support system shall be permitted fo support wiring and equiomert that have been tested as part ofthe fie assembly. Informational Note: One method of determining fire rating is testing in accordance with ANSVASTM E119-2016, Method for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials. (2) Non-Fire-Rated Assemblies\Wiring located within the cavity of a non-fre-rated floor-celng or root-eling assembly shall not be secured to, or supported by, the calling assembly, including the celng suppor wires. An independent means of secure suppor shall be provided and shall be permitted tobe attached tothe assembly. Where independent support wires are used, they shall be distinguishable by color, tagging, or other effective means, Excoption: The coliag support systom shall be permitted fo support branch-circult wig and associated equipmont whore installed in ‘accordance with the ceiling system manufacturers instructions. (C) Racoways Used as Means of Support Raceways shall be used only as a means of support for other raceways, cables, or nonelectical equipment under any of the following consitions: (1) Where the raceway or means of suppor is identified as a means of support (2) Where the raceway contains power supply conductors for electrically cantoled equipment and is used to support Class 2 circuit conductors of cables tha are solely forthe purpose of connection ta the equipment contral ciel (@) Where the raceway is used to support boxes or conduit bodies in accordance with 314.23 orto support luminaires in accordance with 410.36(E) (0) Cables Not Used as Means of Support Cable wiring methods shall not be used as a means of support for other cables, raceways, ornonelectrcal equipment 300,12 Mechanical Continuity — Raceways and Cables Raceways, cable armors, and cable sheaths shall be continuous between cabinets, boxes, fitings, or other enclosures or outlets Excoption No, 1: Short sections of raceways used fo provide suppor or protection of cable assembles from physical damage shall not be required to bo mechanically continuous. Exception No. 2: Raceway and cables installed into the bottom of open bottom equipment, such as switchboards, motor contol centers, {and floor or pad-mounted transformers, shall not be required to be mechanical secured to the equipment. 300.13 Mechanical and El trical Continuity — Conductors (ayer Conductors in raceways shal be continuous between outlets, boxes, devices, and go forth, There shall bene splice or tap within a raceway Unless permitad by 300.15; 968.56(4); 376.56; 378.56; 364,56; 286.56; 368.56; or 390.7. (8) Device Removal In mutiwire branch circuits, th continuly ofa grounded conductor shall not do nd on device connections such as lameholders, receplaces, and so forth, where the removal of such devices would inerrupt the continuity, 300.14 Length of Free Conductors at Outlets, Junctions, and Switch Points A Toast 150 mm (6 in.) of fe loft at each oute,juneton, and switch point fr splices or the connection of luminaires or devices. Where the opening to an outlet, junction, conductor, measured from the point in the box where it emerges from its racaway or cable sheath, shall be ‘oF switch point is les than 200 mm (8 in.) in any dimension, each conductor shal be long enough to extend atleast 75 mm (3 in.) outside the opening Exception: Conductors that are not spliced or terminated a the outlet, junction, or switch point shall no be required to comply with 300.14, 300,15 Boxes, Condult Bodies, or Fittings — Where Required‘A box shal be installed at each outlet and switch point for concealed knob-and-tube wing Fitings and connectors shal be used only with the specific wiring methads for which they are designed and listed \Where the wiring method is condult, tubing, Type AC cable, Type MC cable, Type MI cable, nonmetallc-shoathed cable, or otter cables, ‘2 box or conduil body shall be installed at each conductor splice point, outlet point, swtch point, junction point, termination point, or pull point, unless otherwise permitlad in 300.15(4) through (L) (A) Wiring Methods With interior Access ‘[Link] or conduit body shall not be required for each spice, junction, switch, pul, termination, or oullet points in wing methods with Femovable covets, such as wireways, multouel assemblies, auxllary gutters, and surface raceways. The covers shall be accessible after installation, (@) Equipment {An integral junetion box or wring compartment as pat of approved equipment shall be permiled in Hau ofa box. (©) Protection ‘A box or conduit body shall nol be required where cables enler or ext rom condui or tubing thal used to pravide cable support oF protection against physical damage. A filing shall be provided on the end(s) ofthe conduit or tubing to protect the eable from abrasion. (0) Type MI Cable ‘A box or conduit body shall nol be required whe: sheathed cable ‘accessible filings are used for straight-Anrough splices in minerat-insulated metal- (€) Integral Enclosure [Awiring device with inlegral enclosure identified for the use, having brackets that securely fasten the device lo walls or celings of conventional on-site frame construction, for use wilh nonmetalc-sheathed cable, shall be permitted in eu ofa box ar conduit body. Informational Note: See 334.30(C); 545.10; 550.15(); 551.47(E), Exception No. 1; and 552.48(E), Exception No. 1 (Fitting A iting identiied fr the use shall be permitted in leu of a box or conduit body where conductors are not spiced of terminated within the fiting. The fiting shall be accessible after instalation, (G) Diroct-Buried Conductors {As permitted in 300 5(€), a box or conduit body shall not be required for spices and taps in direct-buried conductors and cables. (H) Insulated Devices: {As permitted in 334,40(8),a box oF conduit body shall not be required for insulated devices supplied by nonmetallc-sheathed cable. () Enclosure ‘Abox or conduit body shall not be required where a spice, switch, terminal, or ull point sin a cabinet or cutout box, in an enclosure fora ‘hitch or overcurrent device as permitted in 312.8, in a motor controller as permitted in 430.10(A), or Ina motor contrl center. () Luminaires ‘[Link] or condult body shall not be required where a luminaire is used as a raceway as permed In 410.64 () Embedded ‘A box or conduit body shall nol be required for solices where conductors are embedded as permitted in 424.40, 424.41(0), 426.2218), 426.24(A), and 427.19(8),(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 (A) Box, Conduit Body, or Fiting ‘[Link], conduit body, or trminalfiting having a separately bushed hole for each conductor shall be used wherever a change is made from conduit, electrical metalic tubing, lectial nonmetal tubing, nonmetalic-sheathed cable, Type AC cable, Type MC cable, or mineral- Insulated, motal-sheathed cable and surface raceway wiring io open wiring orto concealed knob-anc-ube wing. fing used fortis purpose shall contain no taps of splices and shall not be used at luminaire outlets, A candult body used fr this purpase shall contain no taps or splices, unless it complies with 314.16(C)(2) (8) Bushing ‘A bushing shall be permitted in eu of a box or terminal where the conductors emerge fom a raceway and enter or terminal at equipment, such as open switchboards, unenclosed control equipment, o similar equipment. The bushing shall be ofthe insulating type for other than lead-sheathed conductors 300.17 Number and Size of Conductors in Raceway ‘The number and size of conducts in any raceway shall not be more than wll permit dissipation of the heat and ready installation or withdrawal of the conductors without damage to the conductors ot their insulation Informational Note: See the following sections of this Code: intermediate metal conduit, 342.22; rigid metal conduit, 344.22; flexible metal conduit, 348.22; iquidtight flexible metal conduit, 350.22; PVC condult, 352.22; HDPE conduit, 353.22; RTRC, 355.22; Iquidtight nonmetallic flexible condult, 386.22; electrical metallic tubing, 358.22; flexible ‘metallic tubing, 360.22; electrical nonmetalic 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, 390.6; fixture wire, 402.7; theaters, 620.6; 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; fre alarm circuits, Article 760; and optical fier cables and raceways, Article 770, 300.18 Raceway Installations (A) Complete Runs Raceways, other than busways or exposed raceways having hinged or removable covers, shall be installed complete between outlet, Junction, or slicing points prior tothe instaliaton of conductors. Where required to faciltat tho installation of uiization equipmont, the racoway shall be pormittad tobe intially installod without a terminating connection at the equipment. Prawirad raceway assemblios shall bo Permitted only where specifically permitted in this Code forthe applicable wiring method, Exception: Short sections of raceways used to contain conductors or cable assemblies for protection from physical damage shal nt be required to be installed complete between out, junction, or splicing points (8) Welding Metal racoways shall not be supported, terminated, or connected by welding tothe raceway unless specifically designed to be or otherwise specifically permitted tobe in tis Code. ‘300.19 Supporting Conductors in Vertical Raceways (A) Spacing intervals — MaximumConductors in vertical raceways shall be supported ifthe vertical rse exceeds the values in Table 300, 19(A), At east one support method shall be provided for each conductor at the top ofthe vertical raceway or as close tothe top as practical. Intormodiate supports shall be provided as necessary to limit supported conductor lengths to not greater than those values specified in Table 300.19(A), Excoption: Stee! wire armor cable shal be supported at the top ofthe risor with a cable support that clamps the stool wire armor. A safety {dovice shall be permitted at the lowor end ofthe riser to hold the cable in the event thor is sapage of tho cable inthe wire-armorod cable ‘support. Additional wedge-ype supports shall be permitted to relieve the strain onthe equipment terminals caused by expansion ofthe cable under load, Table 300.19 (A) Spacings for Conductor Supports eri ated Cables and Conductors ‘Suppor! methods and spacing intervals for fie-rated ables and conductors shall comply with any restrictions provided inthe listing of the lctrcal circuit protective syslam used and in no case shall exceed the values in Table 300.19(4), (©) Support Methods (One of the following methods of support shall be used: (1) By clamping devices constructed of or employing insulating wedges inserted inthe ends ofthe raceways. Where clamping of insulation does not adequately support the cable, the concuctor also shall be clamped. (2) By inserting boxes atthe required intervals in which insulating supports are installed and secured in an approved manner to withstand the weigh ofthe conductors attached thereto, te boxes being provided with covers. (3) Injunction boxes, by 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 wo or more insulating supports and additionally secured theroto by i wires if desired. Where this method s used, cables shal be supported at intervals not greater than 20 percent of those ‘mentioned in the preceding tabulation. (4) By other approved means. 300.20 Induced Currents in Ferrous Metal Enclosures or Ferrous Metal Raceways (A) Conductors Grouped Together Where conductors canying alternating curent are installed in ferrous metal enclosures of ferrous metal raceways, they shal be arranged so {8 to avold heating the surrounding ferrous mol by induction. To accomplsh this, all phase conductors and, where used, the grounded conductor and all equipment grounding conductors shall be grouped together.Exception No. 1: Equipment grounding conductors for certain existing installations shall be permited to be installed separate from their ‘associated circuit conductors where run in accordance with the provisions of 260, 130(C}. Excoption No, 2: A single conductor shall bo pormited to bo installed in a ferromagnetic enclosure and used for skin-ffect heating in accordance with th provisions of 426.42 and 427.47. () Individual Conductors Where a single conductor carrying altemating current passes tough metal with magnetic properties, the inductive effect shall be minimized by (1) cutting slots inthe metal between the individual holes through which the individual conductors pass or (2) passing all he conductors In the circuit through an insulating wal sufiiently large forall ofthe conductors ofthe circu. Exception: Inthe 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 effoct can be ignored where these canductors are placed in metal enclosures or pass through metal, Informational Note: Because aluminum is not a magnetic metal, there will be ne heating due to hysteresis; however, induced currents will be present. They wil not be of sufficient magnitude to require grouping of conductors or special {roatment in passing conductors through aluminum wall sections. 300.21 Spread of Fire or Products of Combustion Electrical installations in hallow spaces, vertical shall, and ventlation or aichandling ducts shall be made so that the possible spread of fre or products of combustion will not be substantially increased. Operings around electrical penetrations into or through freesistant-ated walls, pattions, floors, or celings shall be frestopped using approved methods to maintain the fre resistance rating Informational Note: Directories of electrical construction materials published by qualifled testing laboratories contain many listing installation restrictions necessary to maintain the fire-resistve rating of assemblies where penetrations or ‘openings are made. Building codes also contain restrictions on memrane penetrations on opposite sides ofa 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, fre 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 ofthis section shall apply tothe installation and uses of electrical wing and equipment in ucts used for dust, laose stock, or vapor removal; ducts specially fabricated for envronmental air; and ether spaces used for environmental ar (planus). Informational Note: See Article 424, Part VI, for duct heaters. (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 wing system of any {ype shal be installed in any duct, or shaft containing only such ducts, used for vapor removal or for ventilation of commercaltype cooking ‘equipment, (8) Ducts Specifically Fabricated for Environmental Air Equipment, devices, and the wiring methods spected in this section shall be permitted within such ducts only necessary for he direct action upon, or sensing of, the contained air. Where equipment or devices are installed and illumination is necessary to facitate ‘maintenance and repair, enclosed gasketed-type luminaires shall be permitted nly wiring methods consisting of Type MI cable without an overall nonmetal covering, Type MC cable employing a smooth or corrugated impervious metal sheath without an overall nonmetalic covering, electrical metalic tubing, flexible metalic tubing, intermediate ‘metal conduit, of rigit metal condult without an overall nonmetal covering shall be installed in duets specifically fabrcated to transport environmental ai Flexible metal conduit shall be permite, in lengths not to exceed 1.2 m (4), to connect physically adjustable equipment ‘and devices pormited to be in these fabricated ducts, The connectors used with flexible metal condut shall effectively close any openings in the connection,Exception: Wiring methods and cabling systems, listed for use in other spaces used for environmental air (plenum), shall be permited to be installed in ducts specially fabricated for envronmertalair-handlng purposes under the folowing consitions: (1) The wiring methods or cabling systems shall be permited only {necessary to connect to equipment or devices associated withthe direct action upan or sensing ofthe contained ar, and (2) The otal length of such wiring methods or cabling systems shall not exceed 1.2m (4). (C) Other Spaces Used for Environmental Air (Plenums) ‘This section shall apply to spaces nat specifically fabricated for environmental ai-handling purposes but used for aichandling purposes as a plenum. This section shall not apply to habitable rooms or areas of buildings, the prime purpase of which isnot air handling. Informational Note No. 1: The space over a hung celing used for environmental air-andling purposes is an example ‘of the type of other space fo which this section applies. Informational Note No. 2: The phrase "Other Spaces Used for Environmental Air (Plenum) as used in this section correlates with the use ofthe term “plenum” in NFPA 90A-2016, 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 a-handling spaces. Exception: This section shall not apply tothe joist or stud spaces of aweling units where the wiring passes through such spaces pperpencicular tothe ong dimension of such spaces. (1) Wiring Methods, ‘The wiring methods for such other space shall be limited to totaly enclosed, nonventlated, 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 factoneassembled malconcuctor control or power cable tha is specially liste for use within an atshandling space, oF Isted prefabricated cable assemblies of metalic manufactured wiring systems without nonmetallic sheath. Other types of cables, conductors, and raceways shall be permitted tobe installed in electrical metalic tubing flexible metalic tubing, intermediate ‘metal conduit, rigid metal condult wthout an overall nonmetal covering, flexiole metal conduit, or, where accessible, surface metal raceway or metal wireway with metal covers. Nonmetallic cable ties and other nonmetalic cable accessories used to secure and support cables shall b listed as having low ‘smoke and heat release properties, 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 0.60 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 ANSIUL 2043-2008, Fire Tost for Hoat and Visible Smoke Releaso for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Instalied in Air-Handling Spaces. (2) Cable Tray Systems ‘The provisions in (a) or (b) shall apply tothe use of metalic cable tray systems in other spaces used for environmental ar (plenum) where accessible, a follows: (a) Metal Cable Tray Systems. Metal cable tray systems shall be permited to suppor the wiring methods in 300.22(C)(1). (6) 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 (8). (8) Equipment Electrical equipment with @ metal enclosure, or electrical equipment with a nonmetalic enclosure Isted for use within an ai-handling space and having low smoke and heat release properies, and associated wiring material suitable forthe ambient temperature shall be Permited to be installed in such other space unless prohibited elsewhere in this Code,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 hheat release rate of 100kW or less when tested in accordance with ANSVUL 2043-2013, Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Reloase for Diserete Products and Their Accessories Insta in Air-Handling Spaces. Exception: Integral fan systems shall be permitted where specifcalyidentiied for use within an air-handling space. (0) Information Technology Equipment Electrical wiring in ai-handling areas beneath raised floors fr information technology equipment shall be permitted in accordance with Aric 645, 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 50 as to allow he removal of panels and access to the equipment, 300.31 Covers Required ‘Suitable covers shall be installed on all boxes, ftings, and similar enclosures to prevent ccldental contact with energized parts or physical {damage to parts or insulation. 300.32 Conductors of Different Systems See 300.3(0)(2). 300.34 Conductor Bending Radius ‘The conductor shall not be bent to radu less than 8 times the overall diameter fr nonshielded conductors or 12 times the overall ‘lameter for shielded or lead-covered conductors during or after installation. For muticonductor or multiplexed single-conductor cables having individually shielded conductors, the minimum bending raus is 12 times the diameter ofthe incvidually shielded conductors or 7 times the overall diameter, whichever i greater, 300.35 Protection Against Induction Heating Metalic raceways and associated conductors shall be arranged 60 as to avoid heating ofthe raceway in accordance wit the applicable provisions of 300.20 300.37 Aboveground Wiring Methods Aboveground conductors shall be installed in rgd metal conduit, in intermediate metal conduit in electrical metalic tubing in RTRC and PVC conduit, in cable trays, n auxiliary gutters, as busways, a8 cablebus, in other identifed raceways, or as exposed runs of meta-clad cable suitable forthe use and purpose. In locations accessible to qualified persons only, exposed runs of Type MV cables, bare conductors, ‘and bare busbars shal also be permitted. Busbars shall be permits tobe ether copper or aluminum. Exception: Airfield ighting cable used in Series cicults that are powered by regulator and installed in restricted airpor lighting vaults shail be permitted as exposed cable installations. 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 \Whare raceways are installed in wel locations above grade, the interior ofthese raceways shall be consi Insulated conductors and cables installed in raceways in wet locations above grade shall comply with 310.10(C) 1d tobe a wel location, 300.39 Braid-Covered insulated Conductors — Exposed installation Exposed runs of braid-covered insulated conductors shall have a lame-retardant braid. If the conductors used do nat have this protection, flame-rotardant saturant shall be applied tothe braid covering after installation. This treated braid covering shall be stripped back a safestance at conductor terminals, according tothe operating voltage, Where practicable, this distance shall not be less than 25 mm (1 in) for ‘2ach Klovolt of the conductor-to-ground voltage ofthe cuit 300.40 Insulation Shielding “Motalic and semiconducting insulation shielding components of shielded cablos shall be romoved fora distance dependent onthe circuit voltage and insulation. Stress reduction means shall be provided at allerminations of factory-applied shielding Metalic shielding components such as lapes, wires, or braid, or combinations thereof, shall be connected to a grounding conductor, grounding busbar, or @ grounding electrode 300.42 Moisture or Mechanical Protection for Metal-Sheathed Cables \Where cable conductors emerge from @ metal sheath and where protection against moisture or physical damage is necessary, the insulation ofthe conductors shall be protected by a cable sheath terminating device 300.45 Warning Signs \Warning signs shall be conspicuously posted at points of access to conductors in all conduit systems and cable systems. The warring sign(s) shal be legible and permanent and shal carry the fllowing wording DANGER—HIGH VOLTAGE—KEEP OUT 300.50 Underground Installations. Table 300.50 imum Cover Requirements1 Condtons ot three spectas) ‘Specie Conasons (ose pplabe) Raceways Under ‘area Sbjectto Conca Sate, 100mm ict aud fre, v6, ane increta ‘5) imam and Comer 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 @ 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 tobe reduced 150 mm (6 in.) for each 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete or equivalent placed entirely within the trench over the Underground instalation. Specific Footnotes: Cover is defined as the shortest distance in millimeters (inches) measured between a point on the top surface of any direct-buriee ‘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 ther nonmetallic systems shall require 5¢ mm (2 in.) of concrete or equivalent above conduit in addition tothe 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 (A) General Underground conductors shall be identfied forthe voltage and conditons under which they are installed. Direct-bural cables shall comply withthe provisions of 310.10(F). Underground cables shall be installed in accordance with 300.50(A)1),(A)2), or (AX), and the installation shall meet the depth requirements of Table 300.50, (1) Shielded Cables and Nonshislded Cables i Underground cables, inclusing nonshieléed, 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) ar (B)(). They shal be direct buried or installed in raceways identied forthe use Metal-Sheathed Cable Assombli(2) Industrial Establishments In industrial establishments, where concitons of maintenance and supervision ensue 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 permited to be directly buried. (6) Other Nonshielded Cables (Other nonshielded cables not covered in 300.50(A)(1) oF (A)2) shall be installed in rig metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, or ‘igié nonmetallic conduit encased in not less than 75 mm (3 in.) of concrete. (8) 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 wel locations and shall comply with 310.10(C), Any connections or splices in an underground installation shall be approved for wet locations. (C) Protection From Damage Conductors emerging rom the ground shall be enclosed in listed raceways, Raceways installed on poles shall be of rigid metal conduit Intermediate metal condult, RTRC-XW, Schedule 80 PVC condul, oF equivalent, extending rom the minimum caver depth specifies in Table 300.50 to a point 25 m (8 above finshed grade. Conductors entering a building shall bo prolocted by an approved enclosure or raceway from the minimum cover depth tothe point of enlrance. Where diect-burled conductors, raceways, a cables are subject to movement by settlement o fos, they shall be installed to prevent damage to the enclosed conductors orto the equipment connected to the raceways. Metalic enclosures shall be grounded, (0) Splices Direct burial cables shall be permitied tobe spliced or tapped without the use of splice boxes, provided they are installed using materials suitable forthe application. The taps and splices shall be watertight and protected feom mechanical damage. Where cables are shielded, the shielding shall be continuous across the splice or tap. Exception: At spices ofan engineered cabling system, metalic shields of direc-buried single-conductor cables with maintained spacing between phases shall be permited tobe interrupted and overlapped. Where shields are interrupted and overlapped, each shield section ‘shall be grounded at one point. (©) Back ‘Backfil 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 caniribute lo the corrosion of raceways, cables, or other substructures or where it may prevent adequate compaction offi Protection in the form of granular or selected material or suitable sleeves shall be provided to prevent physical damage tothe raceway or cable (F) Raceway Seal \Whore a racoway antors from an underground system, the end within the building shal be sealed with an identified compound so as to prevent the entrance of moisture or gases, o it shall be so arranged to prevent moisture from contacting Ive parts,