PLFA Cable fitting for metal boxes

[Pierre C Belarge]

Hey guys, how are you?

I find it hard to believe, but I have searched a large number of websites trying to determine what fittings are being used to install the PFLA nonmetallic cables to a metal box or enclosure.

Can anyone show me a pic or direct me to a site that shows a fitting(s) permitted to be used for this type of installation? or tell me what fittings you guys may be using.

Thanks
Pierre

 

[nhfire77]

Hey guys, how are you?

I find it hard to believe, but I have searched a large number of websites trying to determine what fittings are being used to install the PFLA nonmetallic cables to a metal box or enclosure.

Can anyone show me a pic or direct me to a site that shows a fitting(s) permitted to be used for this type of installation? or tell me what fittings you guys may be using.

Thanks
Pierre

Great question, there is no listed PLFA fitting that I am aware of. I found the 1997 edition of UL 514B (standard on fittings). It doesn't mention fire alarm or plfa. I'm guilty of using NM clamps in the past, but never now. Although rare, ground faults had been caused by those clamps.



I guess if you want to enter a box or panel using PLFA without a complete raceway, it has to be:

A. Through a stub, with listed fittings such as insulating bushing and a bang on bushing, to comply with the physical protection requirements of 760.

or

B. Use a listed KO insulating bushing.


I guess this pic could be misleading if you assume those are NM clamps:

 

[masterinbama]

Since PLFA manufactures don't list any connectors aren't you pretty much free to use whatever will secure it to the box?

I don't see why you couldn't use these.

http://www.aifittings.com/products/spec-sheets/NM94.pdf

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

I agree that there are no listed fittings for PLFA cable. At least I could not find them in my search.

Here is how I would try to follow some logic.

PLFA cable is required by 760.130(B)(1) to use listed fittings.
PLFA cable is nonmetallic.
Hence a nonmetallic fitting such as the ones used for romex (they are listed for nonmetallic cables) could be used - especially with the absence of any specific listed fitting.

But, fittings listed for AC cable or MC cable would not be suitable. They are designed for metallic sheath cables.

* I wonder if the 'buttons' are suitable in regards to securing the small diameter cable to the box, as pullout strength of those may not be strong enough???

 

[iwire]

I use plastic NM connectors and sleep well.

 

[nhfire77]

Since PLFA manufactures don't list any connectors aren't you pretty much free to use whatever will secure it to the box?

I don't see why you couldn't use these.

http://www.aifittings.com/products/spec-sheets/NM94.pdf

I agree with those as well.


Why would pullout strength matter? Plfa isn't tested for it, you could argue only NM can pass through but it's not unsafe, IMO.

 

[peter d]

I am fine with plastic or metal NM connectors.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

I appreciate the responses from you guys.

One more question.

Would any of you use any of the listed MC connectors as a means of securing PLFA cable to metal boxes?

Thanks again.

 

[iwire]

I appreciate the responses from you guys.

One more question.

Would any of you use any of the listed MC connectors as a means of securing PLFA cable to metal boxes?

Thanks again.

It depends, is it 3:00 PM on a Friday?

 

[peter d]

It depends, is it 3:00 PM on a Friday?

Good answer.