Code Quiz of Day

Conductor or Cable Limitations in Surface Metal Raceways

April 28, 2015

Article 386 covers the use, installation, and construction specifications for surface metal raceways and associated fittings.

Mike Holt

The maximum number of conductors permitted in any surface raceway shall be _____.

a) no more than 30% of the inside diameter
b) no greater than the number for which it was designed
c) no more than 75% of the cross-sectional area
d) that which is permitted in Table 312.6(A)

See answer and applicable Code reference

The correct answer is: b) no greater than the number for which it was designed

Article 386 covers the use, installation, and construction specifications for surface metal raceways and associated fittings. As noted in the first sentence of Sec. 386.22, "The number of conductors or cables installed in surface metal raceway shall not be greater than the number for which the raceway is designed."

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.