National Electrical Code Articles and Information

Code Quiz: Article 372

Based on the 2014 NEC

Questions and answers written by Mark Lamendola, who has worked as a master electrician, electrical inspector, and design engineer. Mark is an IEEE Senior Member, and the Code article author for Codebookcity.com. Since 1996, he has been writing National Electrical Code articles for electrical trade magazines and has an extensive portfolio of hundreds of NEC articles..

After a series of Articles on various raceways, from Article 350 to Article 362, the NEC jumps to Article 366. Then the normal sequence of raceway Articles resumes, and here we are at Article 372, "Cellular Concrete Floor Raceways."

First, note that this has nothing to do with cellular phones. These raceways are cellular in their construction; that is, they form "cells" through which wiring can pass.

This wiring method is widely used in everything from warehouses to commercial bank buildings to shopping centers. It's a logical approach, if the electrical is planned in advance of construction. To get a better idea of how it works, picture the typical stick frame home. The electrician drills (typically 3/4" or 1/2 ") holes in the studs so that wires can pass through the framework. That wall space (including the holes in the studs) creates a raceway of sorts. You're running the wiring through the structure, rather than on the structure. Cellular concrete floor raceways perform a similar function, except of course it's in the floor and it's preformed concrete instead of drilled wood (in the walls).

1. Article 372 is a Chapter 3 article addressing a specific wiring method. Which wiring method does it address, and what are its defining characteristics?
    

2. Name three permitted uses for this wiring method.
    

3. Name the prohibited uses for this wiring method.
    

4. What type hardware is permitted for supporting this wiring method?
    

5. What restriction is there on using couplings and connectors with this wiring method?

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