The real question here is for what distance are these cables run in this conduit and bundled up like they are? Is it for greater than 24 inches?
If it is greater than 24 inches then I don't know what your city goes by, but I can tell you that per the NEC you are not within code. And the NEC is the minimum protection, most local codes will be the same or strickter, but never less.
"When you run multiple wires through a raceway (aka conduit), the combined heating from the adjacent wires can overheat the wires. Wires and cables are designed to allow a certain amp flow under specific ambient temperatures with a specific number of adjacent current carrying conductors. If the local temperature is over 85F, or you have more than 3 conductors in a raceway then you must reduce the ampacity of the wire. Oh, and if the conduit or bundling is less than 24" long, then you don't have to apply the multiple conductor derating rules."
The following is a quote from the link I'll post below:
"Section 334.80 [NEC 2002], Ampacity, allows the 90-degree column in the ampacity table to be used for derating, and the 60-degree column for maximum ampacity. It also refers to 310.15(B)(2), Adjustment Factor, that states where multiconductor cables are stacked or bundled longer than 600 mm (24 in.) without maintaining spacing, the allowable ampacity of each conductor shall be reduced as shown in Table 310.15(B)(2)(a).
Therefore, if there are ten – No. 12 NM cables pulled through 1˝ in. holes in joists without maintained spacing, the ampacity would have to be derated using Table 310.15(B)(2)(a). Ten MN cables would have twenty current-carrying conductors and be required to be derated to 50 percent of the ampacity. Table 310.16 allows 30 amps in the 90-degree column with a derating of 50 percent, equaling fifteen amps allowed on these cables and fifteen amps of overcurrent protection.
If there were six No. 12 NM cables pulled through studs, the same would apply. There would be twelve current-carrying conductors. Section 310.15(B)(2)(a) would require derating 50 percent of 30, equaling fifteen amps allowable, and fifteen amps off center.
If there were only four No. 12 NM cables, there would be eight current-carrying conductors with a derating of 70 percent of 30 amps, equaling 21 amps. Twenty-amp overcurrent protection is allowed per 240.4(D).
Additional derating may be required for high ambient temperatures in attic spaces and other high temperature areas. "
http://www.iaei.org/foc/cmp6.htm
So, you have a problem and a dangerous one if your cables are run bundled together for greater than 24". This is whether they're in conduit or just all run together outside of conduit. And the derating factor is extended even further if any of these wires are exposed to high ambient temperatures, such as run through exterior walls, attics or conduit that is in direct sunlight. The breakers that are protecting the types of circuits you have here are too large for the derated factor of the wires. If I were you I would hire an electrician, a licensed one with lots of experiance to come in and take a look at what you have.
Hazy, it would be helpful if you'd throw in your 2 cents on this as I know you know the code pretty good.
Linear Mode
