Protection of Open Conductors and Cables

May 4, 2015
Part IV of Article 230 focuses on service-entrance conductors.

Individual open conductors and cables, other than service-entrance cables, shall not be installed within _____ ft of grade level or where exposed to physical damage.

a) 8
b) 10
c) 12
d) 15

See answer and applicable Code reference

The correct answer is: b) 10

Article 230 covers service conductors and equipment for control of protection of services. Part IV of this Article focuses on service-entrance conductors. As noted in Sec. 230.50(B)(2), "Individual open conductors and cables, other than service-entrance cables, shall not be installed within 10 ft of grade level or where exposed to physical damage."

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.

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