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600v cable support

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daytona7

Electrical
Apr 21, 2003
3
A contractor has installed the integral motor/pump leads with practically no bending radius and no supports. Approxiamately 14 feet of 250kCM 600V cable is DANGLING from a mezzanine support (were the disconnect is located). (About 7 feet veritcal and 7 feet horizontal just hanging around.) THe suports at the mezzanine are the wire pulling eyes. The contractor is fighting all added expenses on this project including fixing this installation. He has noted that NEC requires bending radius for 600V an above. He has had a third-party cable test that checked out fine. What can I use as leverage to pressure him into resolution-besides cable must be protected from physical damage-NEC 300.4. Any advice?
 
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110.12 Mechanical Execution of Work. Electrical equipment shall be installed in a neat and workman like manner.

Also, the only articles in chapter 3 that don't require tray or raceway for cables that are not direct bury are 394, 396, and 398.

394 is Concealed Knob-and-Tube and does not apply.

396 is Messenger Supported Wiring. You make no mention of a messenger wire, so it sounds like this doesn't apply.

398 is Open Wiring on Insulators. Might apply, but doesn't sound like the installation meets 389.30.

I often threatened contractors who didn't want to fix poor workman ship that I would install a sign at the installation that stated that the work was "Installed With Pride By ______". Nobody ever seemed to want a free sign advertising their workmanship.
 
How did they get into the situation? Were installation drawings unclear? Perhaps a cable schedule showed a distance that was too short and they bought cable cut to close to the lenght? It may be better to negotiate a fix that splits the cost if any responsibility is on your end. Otherwise the contractor may cut other corners to keep from losing money.
 
Thank you both for your assistance. I guess my best NEC support is the the Physical Damage Protection. That would at least get it into conduit. My concern is that the cable may have been damaged by the tight bending radius. But I may have to just accept that and cross my fingers.

PS I like that sign idea!
 
Read section 400 of the NEC. That section specifically says what is not allowed. I would kick it over based on that. IS the job covered by some local jurisdiction? If so ask the local inspector for an opinion.
The cord has to be listed for the application. The NEC and the manufacturer will both list minimum bending radius for the cord.
IF the installation was acceptable for some reason it will need cord grips and strain reliefs.
Does it pass a common sense test? Is the cord in the way? Is it where people will hang their coats on it? Will it "cloths line" people walking by?
If it fails common sense and should start a fire and/or injure someone remind the contractor that you have a picture of the installation. The lawyer that goes after him will probably go after you as well so it's time to get tough.
 
Thanks BJC. I think 400 could apply. And no it does not pass the common sense test. I can't believe he is actually being this stubborn about it. BUt it all comes down to money doesn't it. :(

I am getting increasingly tough these days.
 
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