Luminaire Support in Hazardous Area

[SLPROB1]

Does the NEC allow for Rigid Metal Conduit to be used a support for a Light Fixture in a hazardous area? Specifically all of the 70, 100, 150w Stanchion Lighting I see in Refineries and Plants.

I have seen all kinds of different statements, but would like the definitive answer.

I have heard that it falls into Accepted Practice within the Electrical Inspectors jurisdiction. What factors would be used to determine this?

From what I know, Rigid Metal Conduit has no structural ratings.

Thanks.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

It is a very common practice to make this installation, but it appears that in many cases there would be a violation of 314.23(F) as in most cases all of the required conditions in Exception #2 will not have been met.
As far as the structural rating of conduit, I have no idea, but it is often used where structural strength is required. The most common application would be where a service drop is attached to a service mast.