Code Change Summary: A new code section was added to address raceways in wet locations above grade for installations over 1000 volts.

Wet locations can exist above and below grade. The following NEC^® sections make it clear that the inside of a raceway installed in a wet location is considered a wet location, whether above or below grade:

• 300.5: “The interior of enclosures or raceways installed underground shall be considered to be a wet location”.

• 300.9: “Where raceways are installed in wet locations above grade, the interior of these raceways shall be considered to be a wet location”.

Both of the code sections above are in Part I of Article 300 which applies to installations of 1000 volts or less.

Now, in the 2014 NEC^® there is similar code language in Part II of Article 300 which applies to installations over 1000 volts.

• New Section 300.38: “Where raceways are installed in wet locations above grade, the interior of these raceways shall be considered to be a wet location. Insulated conductors and cables installed in raceways in wet locations above grade shall comply with 310.10(C)”.

To comply with 310.10(C) means that the conductors in the above mentioned raceway must be one of the following:

(1) Be moisture-impervious metal-sheathed.

(2) Be types MTW, RHW, RHW-2, TW, THW, THW-2, THHW, THWN, THWN-2, XHHW, XHHW-2, ZW.

(3) Be of a type listed for use in wet locations.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®.  See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).