"JJ" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi,

I have installed a surface mount 125 A combination meter main. I have
brought all my home runs, 14 of them, all except 2 are 14-2 NM cables
through two 1 1/2" knock outs from the back into the panel with a chase
nipple. Before entering the chase nipple all cables are stapled to the
stud where the panel is mounted. NOW, here is my problem, the inspector
now all of the sudden doesn't accept that (used to be accepted by him
and others just weeks ago) tells me to run them through a gutter and no
more than 2 NMs in a single connector and refers to article 312.5 in
NEC.

I am hoping for help here, there are only few knock outs at the bottom
of the panel, this a Murray 125 A surface mount panel (JA2442B1125SEC)
and of course being a surface mount all are outside. My only other
option is to have min. 7 knock outs in the back of the panel, that is
to punch them, which might be another problem. The inspector could
claim that I am not allowed to punch holes there. Siemens/Murray are of
absolutly of NO help. I will think twice before using their stuff
again.

How are you guys installing these panels with home runs or having NMs
coming into them, they got place for 24 full size breakers. Somebody
must have thought about this, it can't be that every of these panels
needs a gutter. Again your help is very mich apprerciated. By the way
the NEC referrence is the one on 2004.

Thanks

JJ


PS: someone else had this question before but I couldn't find any
answer to it.

"While pawing through the 1999 NEC (the one the county inspects to) I
found
that 373-5(c) no longer allows the arrangement in the current box, all
of
the NM cables coming in through a single opening with a bushing in the
back
of the box.

So two questions, please.

First, what is the preferred method for bringing NM loads into a box
like
this? 20 or so individual cable clamps seems bad, and I don't get how
the
exception for one or more 18" conduits into the top of the panel is
supposed to work."


I usually don't bring any cables in through the rear of the panel except the
service entrance cable. There are plenty of knockouts on the top and bottom
for cables. Using the chase nipples provides no strain relief and can also
be considered bundling. I suggest that you pull the cables out and put
knockout seals in the rear openings. Reroute your cables to enter the top
and/or the bottom. A two screw romex squeeze connector is approved for two
cables. That should give you plenty of space. You can buy reducing washers
at an electrical supply house for larger knockouts. If there is room you
can use a 7/8" unibit or holesaw to make additional openings. If your
cables are too short to reroute than your other option is the trough. If
you wanted to hide the wires you should have installed a flush mount panel.

I have found that the GE panels have loads of knockouts on the top and
bottom.

Please don't blame inspectors or manufacturers for your lack of experience.


John Grabowski
http://www.mrelectrician.tv