334.15(B) Protection from Physical Damage.

Where conduits are used with NM cables, a bushing is required at each end to protect the cable from abrasion.
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Where conduits are used with NM cables, a bushing is required at each end to protect the cable from abrasion.

Code Change Summary: New requirements added for NM cables emerging from conduit or tubing.

In the 2023 NEC®, specific language was added to require Nonmetallic Sheathed Cables covered in Article 334 to have protection from abrasion when installed in conduit or tubing that provides protection from physical damage.

The new language requires a bushing or adapter that will provide protection from abrasion at the point the cable enters and exits the raceway.

Prior to this code change, Article 334 did not have specific language requiring a bushing or adapter for NM cables installed in conduit or tubing unless the installation was in an unfinished basement or crawl space covered in Section 334.15(C).

Article 300 has similar general requirements which apply to several cable types in Sections 300.5(H) and 300.15(C).

Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2023 NEC® edition of NFPA 70.

2020 Code Language:

334.15(B) Protection from Physical Damage. Cable shall be protected from physical damage where necessary by rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, Type RTRC marked with the suffix -XW, or other approved means. Where passing through a floor, the cable shall be enclosed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, Type RTRC marked with the suffix -XW, or other approved means extending at least 6 inches above the floor.

2023 Code Language:

334.15(B) Protection from Physical Damage. Cable shall be protected from physical damage where necessary by rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, RTRC marked with the suffix -XW, or other approved means. Where passing through a floor, the cable shall be enclosed in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, electrical metallic tubing, Schedule 80 PVC conduit, RTRC marked with the suffix -XW, or other approved means extending at least 6 inches above the floor. Conduit or tubing shall be provided with a bushing or adapter that provides protection from abrasion at the point the cable enters and exits the raceway.

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334.15(B) Protection from Physical Damage.

Below is a Real Question from our Electrical Continuing Education Courses for Electrical License Renewal:

Based on the 2023 NEC, when an NM cable is installed through conduit, which of the following is true?

A: Conduit used to protect NM cable must be cut with a pipe cutter.
B: Conduit must have a bushing or adapter that provides protection from abrasion at the point the cable enters and exits the raceway.
C: The cable must have several wraps of electrical tape at the point where it emerges from the conduit.
D: The cable cannot have a bend within 12 inches from where it emerges from the conduit.
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