CABINETS, CUTOUT BOXES, AND

METER SOCKET ENCLOSURES 373-1. Scope. This article covers the installation and construction specifications of cabinets, cutout boxes, and meter socket enclosures. A. Installation 373-2. Damp, Wet, or Hazardous (Classified) Locations. (a) Damp and Wet Locations. In damp or wet locations, cabinets and cutout boxes of the surface type shall be so placed or equipped as to prevent moisture or water from entering and accumulating within the cabinet or cutout box, and shall be mounted so there is at least ¹/₄-inch (6.35-mm) air space between the enclosure and the wall or other supporting surface. Cabinets or cutout boxes installed in wet locations shall be weatherproof. (FPN): For protection against corrosion, see Section 300-6. (b) Hazardous (Classified) Locations. Installations in hazardous (classified) locations shall conform to Articles 500 through 517. 373-3. Position in Wall. In walls of concrete, tile, or other noncombustible material, cabinets shall be so installed that the front edge of the cabinet will not set back of the finished surface more than ¼ inch (6.35 mm). In walls constructed of wood or other combustible material, cabinets shall be flush with the finished surface or project therefrom. 373-4. Unused Openings. Unused openings in cabinet or cutout boxes shall be effectively closed to afford protection substantially equivalent to that of the wall of the cabinet or cutout box. Where metal plugs or plates are used with nonmetallic cabinets or cutout boxes, they shall be recessed at least ¼ inch (6.35 mm) from the outer surface. 70-290 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 373-5. Conductors Entering Cabinets or Cutout Boxes. Conductors entering cabinets or cutout boxes shall be protected from abrasion and shall comply with (a) through (c) below. (a) Openings to Be Closed. Openings through which conductors enter shall be adequately closed. (b) Metal Cabinets and Cutout Boxes. Where metal cabinets or cutout boxes are installed with open wiring or concealed knob-and-tube wiring, conductors shall enter through insulating bushings or, in dry locations, through flexible tubing extending from the last insulating support and firmly secured to the cabinet or cutout box. (c) Cables. Where cable is used, each cable shall be secured to the cabinet or cutout box. 373-6. Deflection of Conductors. Conductors at terminals or conductors entering or leaving cabinets or cutout boxes and the like shall comply with (a) through (c) below. (a) Width of Wiring Gutters. Conductors shall not be deflected within a cabinet or cutout box unless a gutter having a width in accordance with Table 373-6(a) is provided. Conductors in parallel in accordance with Section 310-4 shall be judged on the basis of the number of conductors in parallel. Table 373-6(a). Minimum Wire-Bending Space at Terminals and Minimum Width of Wiring Gutters in Inches Wires per Terminal AWG or Circular-Mil Size of Wire 1 2 3 4 5 14-10 Not Specified - - - - 8-6 1½ I - - - 4-3 2 - - - - 2 2½ - - - - 1 3 - - | - 1/0-2/0 3½ 5 7 - - 3/0-4/0 4 6 8 - - 250 kcmil 4½ 6 8 10 - 300-350 kcmil 5 8 10 12 ---- 400-500 kcmil 6 8 10 12 14 600-700 kcmil 8 10 12 14 16 750-900 kcmil 8 12 14 16 18 1000-1250 kcmil 10 — - | I 1500-2000 kcmil 12 - - - - For SI units: one inch = 25.4 millimeters. Bending space at terminals shall be measured in a straight line from the end of the lug or wire connector (in the direction that the wire leaves the terminal) to the wall, barrier, or obstruction.