Quick Hits

Episode 3: Wiring Methods, Traveling Cables & Raceways (620.21)

SLIDE 1 (HOOK / COVER) ⚡ NEC Quick Hit: Elevator Wiring Methods & Traveling Cables (Part 3) ⚡ 

Can you run standard Romex inside an elevator hoistway? What wiring methods are approved for car tops and machine rooms? Let's break down Section 620.21! 👇

SLIDE 2 (HOISTWAY & MACHINE ROOM WIRING METHODS) Rigid Pathways Required:

• General Rule: Conductors in hoistways, machine rooms, and car assemblies must be installed in rigid metal conduit (RMC), IMC, EMT, rigid nonmetallic conduit, wireways, or Type MC, MI, or AC cable.

• The 6-Foot Flexible Exception: Flexible metal conduit (FMC), liquidtight flexible metal conduit (LFMC), or LFNC in lengths not to exceed 1.8 m (6 ft) are permitted for equipment connections (with exceptions for limit switches and car doors).

SLIDE 3 (TRAVELING CABLES & CAR WIRING) Flexible Connections to the Moving Car:

• Elevator Traveling Cables: Flexible cables spanning between the car/counterweight and the hoistway must be of listed elevator cable types (Table 400.4).

• Car Top Work Lights: Hard-service cords are permitted as flexible connections for car-top operating devices and work lights, provided all equipment is properly grounded via an equipment grounding conductor.

SLIDE 4 (WRAP-UP) 💡 Apprentice Pro-Tip: 

Unused conductors inside an elevator raceway or enclosure must always be carefully insulated or protected from accidental contact with exposed live parts!

💬 Save this post for your next elevator shaft wiring inspection! 🔗 

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