CABINETS, CUTOUT BOXES, & METER SOCKETS 70-291

(b) Wire Bending Space at Terminals. Wire bending space at each terminal shall be provided in accordance with (1) or (2) below. (1) Table 373-6(a) shall apply where the conductor does not enter or leave the enclosure through the wall opposite its terminal. Exception No. 1: A conductor shall be permitted to enter or leave an enclosure through the wall opposite its terminal provided the conductor enters or leaves the enclosure where the gutter joins an adjacent gutter that has a width that conforms to Table 373-6(b) for that conductor. Exception No. 2: A conductor not larger than 350 kcmil shall be permitted to enter or leave an enclosure containing only a meter socket(s) through the wall opposite its terminal, provided the terminal is a lay-in type where either: a. The terminal is directly facing the enclosure wall and offset is not greater than 50 percent of the bending space specified in Table 373-6(a), or b. The terminal is directed toward the opening in the enclosure and is within a 45-degree angle of directly facing the enclosure wall. (FPN): Offset is the distance measured along the enclosure wall from the axis of the centerline of the terminal to a line passing through the center of the opening in the enclosure. (2) Table 373-6(b) shall apply where the conductor enters or leaves the enclosure through the wall opposite its terminal. (c) Insulated Fittings. Where ungrounded conductors of No. 4 or larger enter a raceway in a cabinet, pull box, junction box, or auxiliary gutter, the conductors shall be protected by a substantial fitting providing a smoothly rounded insulating surface, unless the conductors are separated from the raceway fitting by substantial insulating material securely fastened in place. Exception: Where threaded hubs or bosses that are an integral part of an enclosure provide a smoothly rounded or flared entry for conductors. Conduit bushings constructed wholly of insulating material shall not be used to secure a raceway. The insulating fitting or insulating material shall have a temperature rating not less than the insulation temperature rating of the installed conductors. 373-7. Space in Enclosures. Cabinets and cutout boxes shall have sufficient space to accommodate all conductors installed in them without crowding. 373-8. Enclosures for Switches or Overcurrent Devices. Enclosures for switches or overcurrent devices shall not be used as junction boxes, auxiliary gutters, or raceways for conductors feeding through or tapping off to other switches or overcurrent devices. Exception: Where adequate space is provided so that the conductors do not fill the wiring space at any cross section to more than 40 percent of the cross-sectional area of the space, and so that the conductors, splices, and taps do not fill the wiring space at any cross section to more than 75 percent of the cross-sectional area of the space. 70-292 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE Table 373-6(b). Minimum Wire-Bending Space at Terminals for pecified - - - 8 1½ - - - 6 2 - - - 4 3 - - - 3 3 - - - 2 3½ - - - 1 4½ - - - 1/0 5½ 5½ 7 - 2/0 6 6 7½ - 3/0 6½ (1/2) 6½ (1/2) 8 4/0 7 (1) 7½ (1½) 8½ (1/2) - 250 8½ (2) 8½ (2) 9 (1) 10 300 10 (3) 10 (2) 11 (1) 12 350 12 (3) 12 (3) 13 (3) 14 (2) 400 13 (3) 13 (3) 14 (3) 15 (3) 500 14 (3) 14 (3) 15 (3) 16 (3) 600 15 (3) 16 (3) 18 (3) 19 (3) 700 16 (3) 18 (3) 20 (3) 22 (3) 750 17 (3) 19 (3) 22 (3) 24 (3) 800 18 20 22 24 900 19 22 24 24 1000 20 - - - 1250 22 - - - 1500 24 - - - 1750 24 - - - 2000 24 - - - 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 a direction perpendicular to the enclosure wall. For removable and lay-in wire terminals intended for only one wire, bending space shall be permitted to be reduced by the number of inches shown in parentheses. 373-9. Side or Back Wiring Spaces or Gutters. Cabinets and cutout boxes shall be provided with back wiring spaces, gutters, or wiring compartments as required by Section 373-11(c) and (d). B. Construction Specifications 373-10. Material. Cabinets and cutout boxes shall comply with (a) through (c) below. (a) Metal Cabinets and Cutout Boxes. Metal cabinets and cutout boxes shall be protected both inside and outside against corrosion.