Service entrance cables, where subject to physical damage, shall be protected by which of the following? I. EMT II. IMC III. RMC

• A. III only
• B. II & III only
• C. I, II, & III
• D. I & III only

Answer: (C)

Protection from physical damage for service entrance conductors means enclosing them in a listed protective raceway. EMT, IMC, and RMC are all recognized metal conduits that serve as such raceways, shielding the conductors from impact, abrasion, and other hazards. Because the question specifies exposure to physical damage, any of these raceways provides the required protection, so all three are acceptable. In practice, EMT is lightweight and easy to install, IMC offers a middle ground of protection and rigidity, and RMC provides the greatest ruggedness for harsh outdoor or underground installations. The essential idea is that the conductors must be inside a protective raceway, and all three options meet that requirement.