Page 746 - 2018_IRC

CHAPTER 38

WIRING METHODS

ICC user note:
About this chapter: Chapter 38 provides installation details for the wiring methods commonly found in dwelling unit construction, and it dic-
tates where and under what conditions specific wiring methods can be used.

SECTION E3801 SECTION E3802
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ABOVE-GROUND INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
E3801.1 Scope. This chapter covers the wiring methods for E3802.1 Installation and support requirements. Wiring
services, feeders and branch circuits for electrical power and methods shall be installed and supported in accordance with
distribution. (300.1) Table E3802.1. (Chapter 3 and 300.11)
E3801.2 Allowable wiring methods. The allowable wiring E3802.2 Cables in accessible attics. Cables in attics or roof
methods for electrical installations shall be those listed in spaces provided with access shall be installed as specified in
Table E3801.2. Single conductors shall be used only where Sections E3802.2.1 and E3802.2.2. (320.3 and 334.23)
part of one of the recognized wiring methods listed in Table E3802.2.1 Across structural members. Where run across
E3801.2. As used in this code, abbreviations of the wiring- the top of floor joists, or run within 7 feet (2134 mm) of
method types shall be as indicated in Table E3801.2. [110.8, floor or floor joists across the face of rafters or studding, in
300.3(A)] attics and roof spaces that are provided with access, the
cable shall be protected by substantial guard strips that are
TABLE E3801.2
ALLOWABLE WIRING METHODS at least as high as the cable. Where such spaces are not
provided with access by permanent stairs or ladders, pro-
DESIGNATED
ALLOWABLE WIRING METHOD tection shall only be required within 6 feet (1829 mm) of
ABBREVIATION
the nearest edge of the attic entrance. [320.23(A) and
Armored cable AC
334.23]
Electrical metallic tubing EMT
E3802.2.2 Cable installed through or parallel to fram-
Electrical nonmetallic tubing ENT ing members. Where cables are installed through or paral-
Flexible metal conduit FMC lel to the sides of rafters, studs or floor joists, guard strips
and running boards shall not be required, and the installa-
Intermediate metal conduit IMC
tion shall comply with Table E3802.1. [320.23(B) and
Liquidtight flexible conduit LFC 334.23]
Metal-clad cable MC E3802.3 Exposed cable. In exposed work, except as pro-
Nonmetallic sheathed cable NM vided for in Sections E3802.2 and E3802.4, cable assemblies
shall be installed as specified in Sections E3802.3.1 and
Rigid metallic conduit RMC
E3802.3.2. (320.15, 330.15 and 334.15)
Rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit (Type PVC) RNC
E3802.3.1 Surface installation. Cables shall closely fol-
Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit RTRC low the surface of the building finish or running boards.
(Type RTRC) [334.15(A)]
Service entrance cable SE E3802.3.2 Protection from physical damage. Where
Surface raceways SR subject to physical damage, cables shall be protected by
rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical
Underground feeder cable UF
metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, RTRC-XW or
Underground service cable USE other approved means. Where passing through a floor, the
cable shall be enclosed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate
E3801.3 Circuit conductors. All conductors of a circuit, metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC
including equipment grounding conductors and bonding con- conduit RTRC-XW or other approved means extending
ductors, shall be contained in the same raceway, trench, cable not less than 6 inches (152 mm) above the floor.
or cord. [300.3(B)] [334.15(B)]
E3801.4 Wiring method applications. Wiring methods shall E3802.3.3 Locations exposed to direct sunlight. Insu-
be applied in accordance with Table E3801.4. (Chapter 3 and lated conductors and cables used where exposed to direct
300.2) rays of the sun shall be listed or listed and marked, as
being “sunlight resistant,” or shall be covered with insulat-
ing material, such as tape or sleeving, that is listed or listed
and marked as being “sunlight resistant.” [310.10(D)]

2018 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE ® 721
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