It addresses Type SE and USE cable. The designation "SE" stands for Service
Entrance. The "U" is for Underground. [338.1, 338.2].
Article
338 lists two uses. Obviously, it can be used as a service-entrance conductor.
But (if you don't mind the expense) you can also use it for branch or feeder
circuit conductors [338.10] if you meet certain requirements in the
installation.
-
You can't
use it where it's exposed to physical damage. Methods such as rigid conduit and
intermediate conduit (Articles 342 and 342, respectively) fill this particular
niche, but even in those cases you want to reduce the exposure as much as is
practical.
You can't install it underground
unless it's USE, regardless of whether you enclose it in a raceway. You can't
use it for outdoor branch or feeder wiring unless the installation complies with
Article 225 and you provide support per 334.30 (or as messenger-supported wiring
per Part III of Article 396) [338.12(A)].
Further, there are restrictions on where you can use USE: interior wiring; above
ground installations (except where the cable emerges from underground and it has
to be terminated there); as aerial cable, unless the installation meets
specified conditions [338.12(B)].
-
For aerial
installations, you can use a messenger wire. Otherwise, you can use any hardware
suitable to the application and to the size cable you are using. Whatever you
do, don't exceed the bend radius [338.24].
-
Article 338
doesn't specify the types of terminations to be used. But as the typical use of
this cable means a large conductor, you should use a power crimping tool with
the correct compression dies, being sure you use lugs that match the cable. And
that is after you use the proper tools to correctly remove the insulation (a
pocketknife is not correct).
If you haven't been specifically trained in preparing and terminating large
service conductors, you're not a qualified person. Leave the job to someone who
knows what they're doing.
|
