Ask the electrician to put HIS opinion in writing on HIS letterhead. I bet he doesn’t want to do that.
NM-cables must be securely fastened where they enter an electric panel, so that tugging on a cable from outside the box will not pull wires loose from their terminations inside. This is usually accomplished by installation of an NM-connector at the knockout that is secured to the box from both sides and clamps down on the cable. Most NM-connectors are approved for securing only one or two cables, but there are connectors listed to handle even more.
The National Electrical Code [NEC 312.5 (C)] allows one exception to the requirement for securely fastening NM-cables at panel entry, as long as the cables enter the top of a surface-mounted panel box through a non-flexible raceway that is between 18-inches and 10-feet long, and meet the following additional requirements:
Each cable is fastened within 12-inches of the outer end of the raceway.
The raceway extends directly above the panel and does not penetrate a structural ceiling.
A fitting is installed at each end of the raceway to avoid abrasion of the cable jacket and fitting remain accessible after installation.
The raceway is sealed at the outer end.
The cable sheathing is continuous through the raceway and extends a minimum of 1/4” into box enclosure.
The raceway is securely fastened at outer end.
Where installed as conduit, the allowable cable fill should not exceed permitted level in Table 1 of Chapter 9 of NEC Code, approximately 60%.
Thanks Larry. I was just looking for that. I hate to get involved in anything further than calling out these things, but my poor client has already been overcharged by this guy and I don’t think he’s treating her well. I’m going back out to re-inspect.
That would be correct, as the sheathing of the NM cable is the protection for the conductor insulation.
DO NOT confush BUSHING with CLAMP/FASTENER as they are two seperate things.
Note that there are Nylon/Plastic fasteners that also act as a bushing, but Bushings do not generally act as a fastener.
Note that all conductors require a fastener, whether they need a bushing or not.
Jeffrey you’re saying it’s correct for Romex coming through the panel without protection from the metal edge? Or am I using the wrong words like “bushings”? I was researching and everything from NEC says it should be protected. Please elaborate and thanks for your feedback.
A fastener is required in your photos!
When one of these common types of fastener is used, no bushing is necessary for NM cable (as long as the sheathing has not been stripped back too far, and must extend into the panel box).
A bushing is for protection from sharp edges. An approved fastener will also provide that protection… for sheathed NM cable!
Good point… did the electrician see your photos or the panel in person? Perhaps he misunderstood, without all the correct information.
As mentioned bushing is the incorrect terminology. If a bushing were used it would violate the NEC requirement for the cable to be connected to the cabinet with a cable connector. A cable connector is the correct terminology.
