Hint: bent out of shape
See the answer below.
While using SER cable on the exterior of buildings is perfectly fine, bending the cable to the point where the cable jacket in kinked is not a good idea. It also violates the Code.
Section 338.10(B)(4)(b) permits exterior installations of SE cables where installed as branch circuits or feeders. Installations of this nature must be installed in accordance with Art. 225. When bending SE cable, Sec. 338.24 states that SE and USE cables must be shaped in a manner such that the cable will not be damaged. The radius of the curve on the inner edge of the bend, during or after installation, must be at least five times the diameter of the cable.
As you can see in this photo, the two lighter gray cables run up the building between these PVC boxes are bent too sharply. The cable jacket is kinked, and the conductor insulation may also be compromised.
About the Author
Russ LeBlanc
Owner
Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.
Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.