Service entrance cables, where subject to physical damage, shall be protected by which of the following?

The requirement that service entrance cables, when subject to physical damage, must be protected aligns with the National Electrical Code (NEC) standards. The code specifies that appropriate raceways should be used to ensure that conductors are adequately protected in areas that might expose them to potential physical harm.

Using EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing), IMC (Intermediate Metal Conduit), and RMC (Rigid Metal Conduit) collectively provides various levels of mechanical protection. EMT is lighter and easier to install, IMC is heavier and can be used in a wider range of environments, while RMC offers the highest level of protection due to its thickness and durability. Therefore, when all three types of conduit are available for use where service entrance cables may face physical damage, it provides the most comprehensive solution to safeguarding those cables.

Choosing only one type or a limited number of conduits would not address all situations where physical damage might occur, making the option of using all three a sound choice for ensuring compliance and safety in electrical installations.