Lower Branch Circuit Proper Install???

[Jerry Simon]

AC wiring ran from inside the panelboard, back through the raceway that contains the service entrance cables, and out to the condenser through the meterbox. I didn't think lower branch circuit wires could run in the main raceway.

Is this kosher? (And if not, rationale?) Thanks!

[Kyle Kubs]

I seriously doubt the UL listing of the meter socket enclosure included circuit wire. If it is just a meter enclosure.

Likely the only thing prohibiting it in service entrance raceway would be conduit fill limitations.

[Jim Katen]

AC wiring ran from inside the panelboard, back through the raceway that contains the service entrance cables, and out to the condenser through the meterbox. I didn't think lower branch circuit wires could run in the main raceway.

Is this kosher? (And if not, rationale?) Thanks!

Not allowed per 230.7, which, succinctly, says, "Conductors other than service conductors shall not be installed in the same service raceway or service cable." There are exceptions for grounding electrode conductors and bonding jumpers as well as "load management control conductors" that have overcurrent protection.

The rational is that the service conductors have no overcurrent protection and if some strange circumstance occured that allowed them to directly energize the branch circuit then it, too, would have no overcurrent protection.

[Jerry Simon]

AC wiring ran from inside the panelboard, back through the raceway that contains the service entrance cables, and out to the condenser through the meterbox. I didn't think lower branch circuit wires could run in the main raceway.

Is this kosher? (And if not, rationale?) Thanks!

Not allowed per 230.7, which, succinctly, says, "Conductors other than service conductors shall not be installed in the same service raceway or service cable." There are exceptions for grounding electrode conductors and bonding jumpers as well as "load management control conductors" that have overcurrent protection.

The rational is that the service conductors have no overcurrent protection and if some strange circumstance occured that allowed them to directly energize the branch circuit then it, too, would have no overcurrent protection.

TY, James (Myke)