Another Al Wiring Question

[Jim Port]

I am wondering if they are confusing the differing insulation materials to have a higher ampacity over other types of insulation, like XHHN vs RHW.

[Robert Meier]

Maybe Mark can explain. I can guess that he meant that a cable such as NM, which would have a 90 degree C conductors, but would be sized for ampacity at 60 degrees C would have a built in safety factor due to the cable operating well below it maximum insulation temperature value.

[mwolff]

Originally Posted by Jim Port

Direct burial cable used to feed a service are not for use inside the house.

Correct. As of 2005 NEC. Before that, 6 feet were aloud inside. Type USE

Jim and Robert, I had to think about all this and why this was put in place. Thanks for keeping me honest. OK. I originally believed that the service entrance (meter to panel wire) was changed to 90c. wire to give that wire a better temp rating due to other ambient temps that may surround it, but also the fact that there is no over current protection for these conductors. A 200 amp main breaker protects the panel. If it trips, your service entrance can still be live. If a bad connection on the main breaker happens it could heat that wire considerably without tripping the main.
I'm pretty sure these and other situations have played a part in the change to 90c. But now that I have looked into it more, I have found out that USE type wire does not have a flame retardant covering. So it was no longer aloud inside, as it would probably add fuel to a fire.
OK, so if that is clear, what should I write on a report if ever I have to inspect one of the homes I wired before 2005.