NEC Articles 320 through 399 - SolveForce Communications

NEC Articles 320 through 399 cover various types of cables and raceways, each with specific requirements to ensure safe and reliable electrical installations. Here is a summary of the key articles within this range:

Article 320: Armored Cable: Type AC (Sections 320.1 to 320.108)

320.1 Scope: This article covers the use, installation, and construction specifications for Armored Cable, Type AC.
320.2 Definitions: Defines key terms, including “Armored Cable, Type AC.”
320.6 Listing Requirements: AC cable and associated fittings must be listed.
320.23(A) Cables Run Across the Top of Framing Members: Requires protection for cables run across framing members.
320.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies how AC cables should be secured and supported to prevent damage.
320.40 Boxes and Fittings: Requires fittings to protect wires from abrasion at termination points.
320.80 Ampacity: The ampacity of AC cable is determined per Table 310.15.
320.100 Construction: Describes the construction requirements for Type AC cable.
320.104 Conductors: Specifies the types of insulated conductors that can be used in AC cable.
320.108 Equipment Grounding Conductor: AC cable must provide an adequate path for fault current.

Article 330: Metal-Clad Cable: Type MC (Sections 330.1 to 330.112)

330.1 Scope: Covers Metal-Clad Cable, Type MC.
330.6 Listing Requirements: MC cable and fittings must be listed.
330.17 Through or Parallel to Framing Members: Specifies protection for MC cable installed through or parallel to framing members.
330.30 Securing and Supporting: Details how MC cables should be supported and secured.
330.80 Ampacity: Ampacity for MC cable is determined in accordance with Table 310.15.
330.100 Construction: Describes construction requirements for Type MC cable.
330.108 Equipment Grounding Conductor: MC cable must provide an adequate grounding path.

Article 334: Nonmetallic-Sheathed Cable: Types NM, NMC, and NMS (Sections 334.1 to 334.116)

334.1 Scope: Covers the use and installation of nonmetallic-sheathed cable.
334.10 Uses Permitted: Lists the environments where NM cables can be used.
334.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists the environments where NM cables cannot be used.
334.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies the requirements for securing and supporting NM cables.
334.80 Ampacity: Ampacity determined per Table 310.15.

Article 338: Service-Entrance Cable: Types SE and USE (Sections 338.1 to 338.112)

338.1 Scope: Covers the use of service-entrance cables.
338.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where SE and USE cables can be used.
338.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where SE and USE cables cannot be used.
338.30 Securing and Supporting: Details how SE and USE cables should be supported and secured.

Article 340: Underground Feeder and Branch-Circuit Cable: Type UF (Sections 340.1 to 340.112)

340.1 Scope: Covers the use and installation of Type UF cables.
340.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where UF cables can be used.
340.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where UF cables cannot be used.
340.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies requirements for securing and supporting UF cables.

Article 342: Intermediate Metal Conduit: Type IMC (Sections 342.1 to 342.120)

342.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC).
342.2 Definition: Defines IMC as a threaded metal raceway of circular cross-section.
342.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where IMC can be used.
342.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where IMC cannot be used.
342.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies how IMC should be secured and supported.
342.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used in accordance with their listing.
342.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires IMC to be grounded and bonded.
342.120 Marking: Requires IMC to be marked with its trade name or trademark.

Article 344: Rigid Metal Conduit: Type RMC (Sections 344.1 to 344.120)

344.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC).
344.2 Definition: Defines RMC as a threaded metal raceway of circular cross-section.
344.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where RMC can be used.
344.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where RMC cannot be used.
344.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies how RMC should be secured and supported.
344.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used in accordance with their listing.
344.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires RMC to be grounded and bonded.
344.120 Marking: Requires RMC to be marked with its trade name or trademark.

Article 348: Flexible Metal Conduit: Type FMC (Sections 348.1 to 348.60)

348.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC).
348.2 Definition: Defines FMC as a raceway of circular cross-section made of helically wound, formed, interlocked metal strip.
348.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where FMC can be used.
348.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where FMC cannot be used.
348.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies how FMC should be secured and supported.
348.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used in accordance with their listing.
348.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires FMC to be grounded and bonded.

Article 350: Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit: Type LFMC (Sections 350.1 to 350.60)

350.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC).
350.2 Definition: Defines LFMC as a raceway of circular cross-section with a smooth, liquidtight outer covering.
350.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where LFMC can be used.
350.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where LFMC cannot be used.
350.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies how LFMC should be secured and supported.
350.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used in accordance with their listing.
350.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires LFMC to be grounded and bonded.

Article 352: Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Conduit: Type PVC (Sections 352.1 to 352.60)

352.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Conduit (PVC).
352.2 Definition: Defines PVC as a nonmetallic raceway of circular cross-section.
352.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where PVC can be used.
352.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where PVC cannot be used.
352.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies how PVC should be secured and supported.
352.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used in accordance with their listing.
352.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires PVC to be grounded and bonded where required.

Article 356: Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit: Type LFNC (Sections 356.1 to 356.60)

356.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit (LFNC).
356.2 Definition: Defines LFNC as a raceway of circular cross-section with a liquidtight, nonmetallic outer covering.
356.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where LFNC can be used.
356.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where LFNC cannot be used.
356.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies how LFNC should be secured and supported.
356.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used in accordance with their listing.
356.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires LFNC to be grounded and bonded where required.

Article 358: Electrical Metallic Tubing: Type EMT (Sections 358.1 to 358.60)

358.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT).
358.2 Definition: Defines EMT as a raceway of circular cross-section with a nonmetallic coating.
358.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where EMT can be used.
358.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where EMT cannot be used.
358.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies how EMT should be secured and supported.
358.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used in accordance with their listing.
358.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires EMT to be grounded and bonded.

Article 362: Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing: Type ENT (Sections 362.1 to 362.60)

362.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing (ENT).
362.2 Definition: Defines ENT as a raceway of circular cross-section with a nonmetallic coating.
362.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where ENT can be used.
362.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where ENT cannot be used.
362.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies how ENT should be secured and supported.
362.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used in accordance with their listing.
362.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires ENT to be grounded and bonded where required.

Article 366: Auxiliary Gutters (Sections 366.1 to 366.60)

366.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of auxiliary gutters.
366.2 Definition: Defines auxiliary gutters as sheet metal troughs with hinged or removable covers.
366.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where auxiliary gutters can be used.
366.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where auxiliary gutters cannot be used.
366.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies how auxiliary gutters should be secured and supported.
366.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used in accordance with their listing.
366.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires auxiliary gutters to be grounded and bonded.

Article 368: Busways (Sections 368.1 to 368.60)

368.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of busways.
368.2 Definition: Defines busways as metal enclosures containing conductors.
368.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where busways can be used.
368.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where busways cannot be used.
368.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies how busways should be secured and supported.
368.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used in accordance with their listing.
368.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires busways to be grounded and bonded.

Article 370: Cablebus (Sections 370.1 to 370.60)

370.1 Scope: Covers the use and installation of cablebus systems.
370.2 Definitions: Defines cablebus as an assembly of units or sections with insulated conductors forming a structural system in a protective metal housing.
370.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where cablebus can be used, such as exposed work and corrosive, wet, or damp locations.
370.12 Uses Not Permitted: Specifies environments where cablebus cannot be used, like hoistways and hazardous locations unless specifically approved.
370.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies requirements for securing and supporting cablebus systems.
370.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used according to their listing.
370.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires cablebus systems to be grounded and bonded for safety.

Article 372: Cellular Concrete Floor Raceways (Sections 372.1 to 372.60)

372.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of cellular concrete floor raceways.
372.2 Definition: Defines cellular concrete floor raceways as embedded within or beneath a floor for electrical installations.
372.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where these raceways can be used.
372.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where these raceways cannot be used.
372.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies requirements for securing and supporting cellular concrete floor raceways.
372.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used according to their listing.
372.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires these raceways to be grounded and bonded where necessary.

Article 374: Cellular Metal Floor Raceways (Sections 374.1 to 374.60)

374.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of cellular metal floor raceways.
374.2 Definition: Defines cellular metal floor raceways embedded within or beneath a floor for electrical installations.
374.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where these raceways can be used.
374.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where these raceways cannot be used.
374.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies requirements for securing and supporting cellular metal floor raceways.
374.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used according to their listing.
374.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires these raceways to be grounded and bonded where necessary.

Article 376: Metal Wireways (Sections 376.1 to 376.60)

376.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of metal wireways.
376.2 Definition: Defines metal wireways as sheet metal troughs with hinged or removable covers for housing conductors.
376.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where metal wireways can be used.
376.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where metal wireways cannot be used.
376.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies requirements for securing and supporting metal wireways.
376.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used according to their listing.
376.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires metal wireways to be grounded and bonded.

Article 378: Nonmetallic Wireways (Sections 378.1 to 378.60)

378.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of nonmetallic wireways.
378.2 Definition: Defines nonmetallic wireways as troughs made of nonmetallic material with hinged or removable covers for housing conductors.
378.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where nonmetallic wireways can be used.
378.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where nonmetallic wireways cannot be used.
378.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies requirements for securing and supporting nonmetallic wireways.
378.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used according to their listing.
378.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires nonmetallic wireways to be grounded and bonded where necessary.

Article 380: Multioutlet Assembly (Sections 380.1 to 380.60)

380.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of multioutlet assemblies.
380.2 Definition: Defines multioutlet assemblies as surface-mounted or recessed assemblies that provide multiple outlets.
380.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where multioutlet assemblies can be used.
380.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where multioutlet assemblies cannot be used.
380.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies requirements for securing and supporting multioutlet assemblies.
380.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used according to their listing.
380.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires multioutlet assemblies to be grounded and bonded.

Article 382: Nonmetallic Extensions (Sections 382.1 to 382.60)

382.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of nonmetallic extensions.
382.2 Definition: Defines nonmetallic extensions as flexible nonmetallic materials used to extend electrical circuits.
382.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where nonmetallic extensions can be used.
382.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where nonmetallic extensions cannot be used.
382.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies requirements for securing and supporting nonmetallic extensions.
382.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used according to their listing.
382.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires nonmetallic extensions to be grounded and bonded where necessary.

Article 384: Strut-Type Channel Raceways (Sections 384.1 to 384.60)

384.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of strut-type channel raceways.
384.2 Definition: Defines strut-type channel raceways as raceways consisting of a strut-type channel with a removable cover.
384.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where strut-type channel raceways can be used.
384.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where strut-type channel raceways cannot be used.
384.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies requirements for securing and supporting strut-type channel raceways.
384.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used according to their listing.
384.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires strut-type channel raceways to be grounded and bonded.

Article 386: Surface Metal Raceways (Sections 386.1 to 386.60)

386.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of surface metal raceways.
386.2 Definition: Defines surface metal raceways as enclosed metal channels mounted on the surface of walls.
386.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where surface metal raceways can be used.
386.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where surface metal raceways cannot be used.
386.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies requirements for securing and supporting surface metal raceways.
386.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used according to their listing.
386.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires surface metal raceways to be grounded and bonded.

Article 388: Surface Nonmetallic Raceways (Sections 388.1 to 388.60)

388.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of surface nonmetallic raceways.
388.2 Definition: Defines surface nonmetallic raceways as enclosed nonmetallic channels mounted on the surface of walls.
388.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where surface nonmetallic raceways can be used.
388.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where surface nonmetallic raceways cannot be used.
388.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies requirements for securing and supporting surface nonmetallic raceways.
388.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used according to their listing.
388.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires surface nonmetallic raceways to be grounded and bonded where necessary.

Article 390: Underfloor Raceways (Sections 390.1 to 390.60)

390.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of underfloor raceways.
390.2 Definition: Defines underfloor raceways as raceways installed beneath the surface of the floor.
390.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where underfloor raceways can be used.
390.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where underfloor raceways cannot be used.
390.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies requirements for securing and supporting underfloor raceways.
390.42 Couplings and Connectors: Requires couplings and connectors to be listed and used according to their listing.
390.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires underfloor raceways to be grounded and bonded where necessary.

Article 392: Cable Trays (Sections 392.1 to 392.80)

392.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of cable tray systems.
392.2 Definition: Defines cable trays as structural systems used to support cables and raceways.
392.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where cable trays can be used.
392.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where cable trays cannot be used.
392.18 Cable Tray Selection and Installation: Specifies requirements for selecting and installing cable trays.
392.22 Number of Cables or Conductors: Details how many cables or conductors can be placed in a cable tray.
392.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies how cable trays should be secured and supported.
392.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires cable trays to be grounded and bonded.
392.80 Ampacity of Conductors in Cable Trays: Specifies how to determine the ampacity of conductors installed in cable trays.

Article 394: Concealed Knob-and-Tube Wiring (Sections 394.1 to 394.46)

394.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of concealed knob-and-tube wiring.
394.2 Definition: Defines knob-and-tube wiring as a method of wiring using porcelain knobs for support and tubes for protection through walls and joists.
394.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where knob-and-tube wiring can be used.
394.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where knob-and-tube wiring cannot be used.
394.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies how knob-and-tube wiring should be secured and supported.
394.46 Splices and Taps: Specifies requirements for making splices and taps in knob-and-tube wiring systems.

Article 396: Messenger-Supported Wiring (Sections 396.1 to 396.30)

396.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of messenger-supported wiring.
396.2 Definition: Defines messenger-supported wiring as a system where insulated conductors are supported by a messenger wire.
396.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where messenger-supported wiring can be used.
396.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where messenger-supported wiring cannot be used.
396.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies requirements for securing and supporting messenger-supported wiring.

Article 398: Open Wiring on Insulators (Sections 398.1 to 398.30)

398.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of open wiring on insulators.
398.2 Definition: Defines open wiring on insulators as a wiring method using insulated conductors supported on insulators.
398.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where open wiring on insulators can be used.
398.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where open wiring on insulators cannot be used.
398.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies how open wiring on insulators should be secured and supported.

Article 399: Outdoor Overhead Conductors over 1000 Volts (Sections 399.1 to 399.108)

399.1 Scope: Covers the installation and use of outdoor overhead conductors operating at over 1000 volts.
399.2 Definition: Defines outdoor overhead conductors as conductors installed overhead and exposed to the outdoor environment.
399.10 Uses Permitted: Lists environments where outdoor overhead conductors can be used.
399.12 Uses Not Permitted: Lists environments where outdoor overhead conductors cannot be used.
399.30 Securing and Supporting: Specifies how outdoor overhead conductors should be secured and supported.
399.60 Grounding and Bonding: Requires outdoor overhead conductors to be grounded and bonded.
399.108 High-Voltage Markings: Requires high-voltage markings for outdoor overhead conductors operating at over 1000 volts.

For detailed information and specific requirements, consulting the NEC Handbook and additional resources provided by the NFPA is highly recommended. For further reading, you can refer to sources such as Electrical Contractor Magazine and Electrical License Renewal