Stapling NM wiring at the SE panel

Can someone give me a code reference that states that all branch wiring must be stapled to within 12 inches of exiting the panel?

I need something quick…PLEASE.

334.30 Securing and Supporting.

Nonmetallic-sheathed cable shall be supported and secured by staples, cable ties, straps, hangers, or similar fittings designed and installed so as not to damage the cable, at intervals not exceeding 1.4 m (41/2 ft) and within 300 mm (12 in.) of every outlet box, junction box, cabinet, or fitting.

Flat cables shall not be stapled on edge.

Sections of cable protected from physical damage by raceway shall not be required to be secured within the raceway.

Joe,

You are the man.

One more quick code reference and I’ll then explain what’s going on here.

I need a an NEC reference to double lugging neutrals on a new constructiuon SE panel.

I did this new construction inspection a couple days ago and the builder was telling me to make my inspection short with minimum write-ups. I told him that the inspection will be done just like any other inspection and that no home is perfect. I told him that there would be a list of defects no matter what house I inspect, new or old. He then gave me an attitude so I decided to write up every little defect I could find.

I wrote up the SE for the double lugs and for no stapling within 12 inches of the SE panel and I get a call from the Realtor telling me that the builders Electrician is stating that I do not know my code and that he refuses to correct anything at the panel because he installs to code and that the city code inspector passed his installation.

I am standing by my report and I simply need references at this point because I don’t keep Electrical codes on my computer.

408.41 Grounded Conductor Terminations.

Each grounded conductor shall terminate within the panelboard in an individual terminal that is not also used for another conductor.

Joe,

You are the best.

Did you read my last post? This builder thinks he has me by the balls, but he doesn’t know that I’m laughing right now.

Joe,

That references grounded conductors. How about when a neutral is mixed with a ground wire?

A grounded conductor may be a neutral, and the rule is clear only one per terminal. The mixing of the neutral or grounded conductor with the EGC is not the correct way. Here’s the commentary from the handbook, and ask if the electrician has the Massachusetts Amendments if any that allow otherwise, or contact the State Board of Electricians at 239 Causeway Street in Boston, MA for information.

"In accordance with their listing and the requirement of 110.14(A), conductor terminations are suitable for a single conductor unless the terminal is marked or otherwise identified as suitable for more than one conductor. This requirement applies to the termination of grounded conductors in panelboards. The use of a single termination point within a panelboard to connect more than one grounded conductor or to connect a grounded conductor and an equipment grounding conductor can be problematic when it is necessary to isolate a particular grounded conductor for testing purposes. For example, if the grounded conductors of two branch circuits were terminated at a single connection point and it were necessary to isolate one branch circuit for the purposes of troubleshooting, the fact that the circuit not being tested remained energized could create an unsafe working condition for service personnel disconnecting the grounded conductor of the circuit being tested. In some cases, panelboard instructions are provided that permit the use of a single conductor termination for more than one equipment grounding conductor. See 408.40 for the requirements on panelboard terminations for grounded and equipment grounding conductors.

Exception: Grounded conductors of circuits with parallel conductors shall be permitted to terminate in a single terminal if the terminal is identified for connection of more than one conductor."

Joe,

You have been a huge help for me and I appreciate you responding so fast.

Thank you kindly.