If conductors are not service conductors, can they be installed in the same raceway or service cable?

Conductors that do not serve the same function, such as service conductors and conductors carrying branch circuits, must not be installed in the same raceway or service cable. This requirement is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines to ensure that electrical systems operate safely and effectively.

The principle behind this restriction involves the potential for different voltage levels, the risk of interference, and the need for maintaining clear separation to avoid issues with heat dissipation and electrical noise. By requiring that these conductors be separated, the NEC minimizes the risk of electrical faults and maintains the overall integrity and safety of the electrical installation.

For example, if service conductors were to be mixed with other types of conductors in the same raceway, any fault or overcurrent situation could potentially affect both sets of conductors and create hazardous conditions. Therefore, maintaining separate pathways for different types of conductors is a critical aspect of electrical safety practices.