Code Quiz of Day

Service-Entrance Cable Requirements

Sept. 19, 2014

Service-entrance conductor requirements are outlined in Part IV of Art. 230.

Overhead service-entrance conductors of Type SE cable can be formed in a _____ and taped with self-sealing weather-resistant thermoplastic.

a) loop
b) circle
c) gooseneck
d) none of the above

See answer and applicable Code reference

The correct answer is: c) gooseneck

Service-entrance conductor requirements are outlined in Part IV of Art. 230. Sec. 230.54 focuses on the requirements for overhead service locations. More specifically, as per 230.54(B), "Service-entrance cables shall be equipped with a service head. The service head shall be listed for use in wet locations." An Exception notes: "Type SE cable shall be permitted to be formed in a gooseneck and taped with a self-sealing weather-resistant thermoplastic."

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.