You are right to be concerned. Stripping back to the condulet is generally excessive and, in many cases, a violation of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Here's a breakdown of the reasons and the key considerations

Why Stripping Back to the Condulet is Problematic:
Loss of Cable Integrity

TC-ER, XHHW-2, and similar cables are designed with the jacket providing specific properties:

Environmental Protection

The jacket shields the conductors from moisture, chemicals, abrasion, and UV radiation. Stripping it back exposes the individual conductors to these hazards.

Mechanical Protection

The jacket provides a degree of mechanical protection against physical damage.

Overall Rating

The cable's overall rating (e.g., TC-ER) applies to the entire cable assembly, including the jacket. Without the jacket, the individual conductors no longer meet the listing requirements.

Unsupported Conductors

Running individual conductors (even XHHW-2) in a raceway beyond the point where the cable jacket ends creates unsupported conductors. This can lead to:

Strain on Terminations

Movement or vibration of the conductors in the raceway can put excessive strain on the terminals at the motor and the conductors within the condulet.

Damage to Insulation

Abrasion against the inside of the raceway can damage the insulation of the individual conductors.

NEC Concerns



300.14 Length of Free Conductors at Outlets, Junctions, and Switch Points

This section requires a minimum length of free conductor (usually 6 inches) to be left at outlet, junction, and switch points for splicing or termination. This is likely to conflict with a minimal jacket removal scenario.

300.11 Securing and Supporting

The NEC requires cables to be properly secured and supported. Removing the jacket significantly reduces the support and strain relief that the cable provides.

314.17(C) Entering Cables

This section dictates how cables must enter enclosures (like condulets). The cable sheath must extend into the enclosure far enough to provide strain relief and prevent damage to the conductors. Stripping the jacket back to the condulet makes this very difficult to achieve.

336.30(A)(2) TC-ER Use

TC-ER cable is permitted for exposed runs, and in cable trays. It must be installed in a manner to support the weight of the cable. Removing the jacket defeats this method.

Acceptable Practices


Minimize Jacket Removal

The primary goal is to remove only as much jacket as is absolutely necessary to make proper connections within the condulet.2.

Use a Cable Connector/Strain Relief

A cable connector or fitting specifically designed for the cable type (TC-ER, etc.) must be used at the point where the cable enters the condulet. This connector: Provides strain relief for the cable, preventing stress on the conductors and terminations. Securely clamps the cable jacket, preventing it from being pulled out of the condulet. Maintains the integrity of the enclosure by providing a secure, tight seal.3.

Short Run of Flex (if needed)

If a flexible connection is necessary to the motor (for vibration, movement, or alignment purposes): The cable jacket should extend as close as possible to the motor's junction box. A short length of flexible conduit (e.g., liquidtight flexible metal conduit, LFMC) should be used between the cable termination point (using a cable connector) and the motor's junction box. Individual XHHW-2 conductors can be used within the flexible conduit if they are properly sized and installed according to the NEC. The flexible conduit should be supported properly according to the NEC. Use a proper LFMC fitting to connect to the motor's junction box.

In Summary

The contractor's approach of stripping the jacket back to the condulet and running individual conductors through flex is generally not compliant with the NEC and is not good practice. The correct method is to use a cable connector at the condulet to maintain strain relief and cable integrity. Then, if necessary, a short run of flex conduit can be used with individual conductors within the conduit to connect to the motor.

Recommendation:

Clearly communicate your concerns to the contractor and point them to the relevant NEC sections. If necessary, consult with a qualified electrical inspector to ensure that the installation meets code requirements. Document your concerns in writing to protect yourself from liability. Flag for review