wireways used as pull box

[don_resqcapt19]

What determines if a wireway is being used as a pull box?

It is my opinion that if a conductor enters a wireway and that same conductor leaves the wireway, that the wireway is being used as a pull box.

 

[petersonra]

What determines if a wireway is being used as a pull box?

It is my opinion that if a conductor enters a wireway and that same conductor leaves the wireway, that the wireway is being used as a pull box.

IMO, a wireway is a wireway, even if one of its incidental functions is to serve as a pullbox.

in any case, doesn't every wire that enters a wireway always leave the wireway at some point? it would seem pointless to just leave the wire inside the wireway.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Bob,
My point is the sizing of the wireway. If it is used as a "pull box" for conductors #4 and larger, 376.23(B) requires that the wireway be sized per the rules in 314.28(A)(1) or (2).

How do I know if the wireway is being used as a pull box? As far as I know that is not a defined term.

 

[plumb bob]

I would consider it a pull box and subject to sizing restrictions if the raceway system into which it is installed would exceed 360 degrees of bending without it

edit: or any time the wire does not pass strait thru the wireway, using it as a ninety degree turn for example

 

[augie47]

don, That one has been a thorn in my side for years. I have a run of 4/0s in a 3" raceway and my jbox has to have a minimum dimension of 18", but the same conduit terminates in my 6x6 wire and everyone is happy as long as my raceways are 18" apart.

 

[texie]

Bob,
My point is the sizing of the wireway. If it is used as a "pull box" for conductors #4 and larger, 376.23(B) requires that the wireway be sized per the rules in 314.28(A)(1) or (2).

How do I know if the wireway is being used as a pull box? As far as I know that is not a defined term.

As long as you don't call it a pull box you refer to 376.23(A) which takes you to Table 312.6(A), which I like much better.

Kidding aside, it's a fair question and I have wondered the same. Maybe some better language would be in order to limit the use of 376.23(A) and by reference 312.6(A) to cases where the conduit entering is of a certain max. length. Maybe use the 24" rules that we use for nipples.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

24" may be too short. The rules in 314.28(A) are for the protection of the conductors. With a 24" run, I think you could easily push the conductors through the raceway and there would be a minimal possibility of damaging the conductors. I was thinking 10' or 15'. I am not sure if the footage should be based on wire length or raceway length beyond the wireway.

 

[texie]

24" may be too short. The rules in 314.28(A) are for the protection of the conductors. With a 24" run, I think you could easily push the conductors through the raceway and there would be a minimal possibility of damaging the conductors. I was thinking 10' or 15'. I am not sure if the footage should be based on wire length or raceway length beyond the wireway.

I'm inclined to agree that 24" would be a little short. I do think the length of the conduit should be the criteria. Maybe we're onto a good idea here.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I'm inclined to agree that 24" would be a little short. I do think the length of the conduit should be the criteria. Maybe we're onto a good idea here.

The "public input" (formerly known as a proposal) is due the first Friday of November 2014.