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Topic: Devices in wireways.

User: TwistLock, Location: California

Asked on: Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 4:48 pm EST
Answered on: Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 8:37 am EST

Question: Saw this on social media and was just curious about devices in wireways / troughs.Solar install:https://imgur.com/a/BySpoea

Okay, I've looked at the image. You're right, there are some potential code violations and generally questionable practices visible in that wireway/trough. Here's a breakdown of what concerns me, along with the relevant sections of the National Electrical Code (NEC)

Potential Issues and NEC References:

1. Overfilling of Wireway

The wireway appears quite full. This is a common problem and can lead to overheating and difficulty in future maintenance.

NEC 376.56 (Wireways)

Specifies that the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all conductors
at any point within the wireway shall not exceed 20% of the interior cross-sectional area of the wireway. This is crucial for heat dissipation. Based on the picture, this could very likely be a violation. A proper calculation is necessary.

NEC 376.23 (Wireways)

Covers the allowable number of conductors, depending on the size of the raceway.2.

Lack of Proper Identification

While difficult to determine without a closer look, there should be appropriate identification of the conductors.

NEC 310.11

Covers marking of conductors. Specifically, conductors must be marked to indicate their properties, such as voltage, ampacity, and type. In the context of a solar installation, it's critical to clearly identify PV source and output circuits.


NEC 690.31(G)

Addresses marking and labeling specific to PV system conductors, raceways, enclosures, and cable trays.3.

Unsecured Wires and Bundling Issues

There's a lack of visible securing of the wires within the trough, which could create strain and make it difficult to trace wires.

NEC 376.56(B) (Wireways)

Conductors must be supported within the wireway according to the manufacturers instructions.


Good Workmanship

Although not a specific code section, good workmanship is a general requirement throughout the NEC (110.12). Neat and workmanlike installations are easier to inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot.
4.


Potential for Incompatible Wire Types

While I cannot tell for sure from the picture, make sure that all conductors in the raceway are rated for the same insulation, voltage, and temperature.

NEC 310.10

covers uses permitted, and needs to include voltage rating, insulation type, and temperature rating.

Why These Issues Matter



Overheating

A wireway that's overfilled won't allow for proper heat dissipation, leading to conductor insulation degradation, premature equipment failure, and even fire hazards.

Safety

Improperly identified and supported conductors create safety risks for anyone working on the system. It becomes difficult to safely disconnect and maintain the wiring.


Code Compliance

Failure to meet NEC requirements can result in failed inspections and potential fines.

Long-Term Reliability

A poorly installed system is more likely to experience problems down the road, leading to costly repairs and downtime.

Recommendations



Recalculate Conductor Fill

Verify that the conductor fill is within the 20% limit of the wireway's cross-sectional area. If not, a larger wireway is required, or the conductors need to be divided into multiple wireways.

Properly Identify Conductors

Ensure that all conductors are clearly identified with appropriate labels, especially PV source and output circuits.


Secure Conductors

Provide adequate supports and strain relief for the conductors within the wireway. Use cable ties or other approved methods to bundle and secure the wires.

Consider Derating

Depending on the wire type and installation method, you may need to derate the ampacity of the conductors due to temperature limitations.


Consult a Qualified Electrician

Solar installations are complex and require specialized knowledge. Consult with a licensed electrician experienced in solar PV systems to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards.*

AHJ Approval

Ultimately, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has the final say on code compliance. Be sure to work with the AHJ to ensure that the installation meets all local requirements.

In conclusion, based on the image alone, there appear to be potential violations related to conductor fill, identification, and securing of conductors within the wireway. A thorough inspection and correction of these issues are essential to ensure a safe, reliable, and code-compliant solar installation.
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