Quick Hits

Article 396 (1 of 1)
Messenger-Supported Wiring — Full Article Breakdown!

SLIDE 1 — Scope (396.1)
🏗️ WHAT IS MESSENGER-SUPPORTED WIRING?
Conductors/cables supported by a messenger wire — long used in industrial installations and to supply services for commercial and residential jobs.
🔗 See also 225.6(A) and (B) for related references.

SLIDE 2 — Uses Permitted (396.10)
✅ CABLE TYPES ALLOWED (396.10(A))
Medium-voltage cable, MC, MI, multiconductor SE cable, multiconductor UF cable, other identified multiconductor control/signal/power cables, TC cable, and power-limited tray cable — each governed by its own article.
🏭 INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS ONLY (396.10(B))
Where only qualified persons maintain the system: ANY conductor type from Table 310.4(1)/(2), plus MV cable. Exposed to weather → must be listed for WET locations. Exposed to sunlight → must be sunlight resistant.
⚗️ HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS (396.10(C))
Permitted where the cables AND the messenger-supported wiring method are specifically allowed by other articles.

SLIDE 3 — Uses Not Permitted & Messenger Support (396.12, 396.30)
⛔ WHERE YOU CAN'T USE IT
Hoistways, or anywhere subject to physical damage.
🔗 MESSENGER SUPPORT (396.30(A))
The messenger must be supported at dead ends AND intermediate points to eliminate tension on the conductors — conductors can't contact the messenger supports or any structural members, walls, or pipes.
⚡ MESSENGER AS NEUTRAL (396.30(B))
Must comply with 225.4, 230.27(A), 230.27(B)(7), and 230.36(B).
🌎 MESSENGER AS EGC (396.30(C))
Must comply with 250.32(B), 250.118, 230.4, 230.36(D), 230.118, and 230.119.

SLIDE 4 — Splices & Grounding + Final Exam (396.56, 396.60)
🔗 SPLICES & TAPS (396.56)
Permitted in messenger-supported wiring when made and insulated by approved methods.
🌎 GROUNDING (396.60)
The messenger itself must be grounded as required by 250.80 and 250.86 for enclosure grounding.

🎉 That's a wrap on Article 396 — Messenger-Supported Wiring!

🧠 FINAL EXAM QUESTION FOR ARTICLE 396
Q: Per 396.10(B), in industrial establishments where only qualified persons service the system, conductors exposed to direct sunlight must be what?
A) Sunlight resistant
B) Painted white
C) Coated in enamel
D) Shielded by conduit
(Drop your final answer 👇)

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