Has anyone heard of this ?

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solo618

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Orange County, N.Y.
It is not allowed to use sealtight in a commercial space , like office space . If so please give code ref. if possible , because my foremam swears by this but i never heard of it.
 
Possibly.. depends on where it's being installed...Look at 300.22 especially (C)
 
Most modular office furniture use's sealtite whips to connect to power, don't know any reason why it can't be used, if installed in accordance with that code chapter.
 
yes I've head of that rule AHJ

yes I've head of that rule AHJ

The reasoning is that the sealtite creates tomuch smoke when it burns. It may be a fire code that firemarshalls have created???
 
WET indoors

WET indoors

There are many other whip methods less expensive than using Liquid-Tight and Sealtite whips in indoor areas (Unless wet location). Yes it is permitted. rbj
 
Some local codes permit only short lengths (18" or less) or do not permit any LFMC in interior office spaces because the outer jacket is made with PVC which gives off toxic gas in a fire as rt66electric stated.
 
infinity said:
Some local codes permit only short lengths (18" or less) or do not permit any LFMC in interior office spaces because the outer jacket is made with PVC which gives off toxic gas in a fire as rt66electric stated.
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If the fire marshal or local building official has created such a rule he really doesn't understand fires, and buildings. The amount of toxic fumes produced by building materials like sealtight or even full runs of PVC raceway, is so small compared to the volume of toxic smoke and gases produced by the building furnishing and finishes is so small that it make no difference. Now if he is only talking about a 300.20(C) space I can agree, but not in general.
 
I think this would be an (understandable) interpretation of the NEC, depending on what type of circuiting the sealtight is being used on.

Article 350 "Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit" states that LFMC shall be permitted to be used in exposed or concealed locations "where conditions of installation, operation, or maintenance require flexibility or protection from liquids, vapors or solids."

I would think that in an office space you would not be looking at protection from liquids, vapors or solids. You could have an installation where flexibility of the circuit may be required, such as whips to modular furniture, but general purpose wiring in a commercial space would NOT be a permitted use of LFMC.
 
david luchini said:
I think this would be an (understandable) interpretation of the NEC, depending on what type of circuiting the sealtight is being used on.

Article 350 "Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit" states that LFMC shall be permitted to be used in exposed or concealed locations "where conditions of installation, operation, or maintenance require flexibility or protection from liquids, vapors or solids."

I would think that in an office space you would not be looking at protection from liquids, vapors or solids. You could have an installation where flexibility of the circuit may be required, such as whips to modular furniture, but general purpose wiring in a commercial space would NOT be a permitted use of LFMC.
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Their is no reason it could not be used for general purpose wiring, it may be overkill because office spaces are generally not wet locations or have vapors or solids that would affect it, but code is just a minimum standard.
 
hillbilly1 said:
Their is no reason it could not be used for general purpose wiring, it may be overkill because office spaces are generally not wet locations or have vapors or solids that would affect it, but code is just a minimum standard.
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I must disagree with you on this point. The code has mandatory rules (what you must or must not do) and permissive rules (what you are allowed to do.) Take a look at EMT. EMT is PERMITTED for both concealed and exposed locations (essentially anywhere) but is NOT permitted where subject to severe physical damage or in hazardous locations, etc.

Or IMC. IMC is permitted in all atmospheric conditions and occupancies.

But LFMC is permitted only in exposed or concealed locations where the installation, operation, or maintenance requires flexibility or protection from liquids, vapors or solids; or, where permitted in hazardous locations, or for direct burial.

Or to put it another way, the NEC permits you to install EMT or IMC essentially everywhere, except where it is specifically prohibited, but the the NEC permits you to install LFMC only in specific applications, except as specifically prohibited.
 
david luchini said:
I must disagree with you on this point. The code has mandatory rules (what you must or must not do) and permissive rules (what you are allowed to do.) Take a look at EMT. EMT is PERMITTED for both concealed and exposed locations (essentially anywhere) but is NOT permitted where subject to severe physical damage or in hazardous locations, etc.

Or IMC. IMC is permitted in all atmospheric conditions and occupancies.

But LFMC is permitted only in exposed or concealed locations where the installation, operation, or maintenance requires flexibility or protection from liquids, vapors or solids; or, where permitted in hazardous locations, or for direct burial.

Or to put it another way, the NEC permits you to install EMT or IMC essentially everywhere, except where it is specifically prohibited, but the the NEC permits you to install LFMC only in specific applications, except as specifically prohibited.
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One might argue that 350.10 is so broad that it can be used in just about any installation.

350.10 Uses Permitted.
LFMC shall be permitted to be used in exposed or concealed locations as follows:
(1) Where conditions of installation, operation, or maintenance require flexibility or protection from liquids, vapors, or solids
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