Conduit Draining - Outdoor Installations

[Michele]

Seems that I post when a contractor pushes back regarding an interpretation of the National Electrical Code. We have been installing low point drains in all of our outdoor conduit since I started working for the team. Our Electrical Construction Coordinators have LPD's on their radar when looking at contractor installs. We have retrofitted conduit to add LPD's. Most of our electrical contractors have installed outdoor LPD's.
Currently, we have an electrical contractor pushing back on installing LPD's.
The push back is that the NEC article 225.24 is mentioned in the Outside Branch Circuits and Feeders section of the CODE, which the contractor says does not apply to them as they are running control/instrument wiring. They push back on article 230.53 as this article mentions service entrance conductors.

I read the Mike Holt threads regarding draining conduit and I still have a question as to the CODE potential requirement or is this my interpretation? The contractor is installing outdoor - rigid galvanized conduit from a control box (C1/D2) to instruments and to devices near a small LNG tank. As we are in New England, there is surely a potential for temperature differences from freezing to warmer temps in a days time.

Can the forum please weigh in with their interpretation of the CODE for draining outdoor - above ground conduit.
I interpret the CODE mentioning draining to protect the cable and also the conduit from deteriorating, not specifically for service entrance or feeder cables.
Thank you for your reply.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

This installation may not be within the scope of Article 225, but it is clearly covered by 501.15(F). Nothing in Article 230 would apply so there is no reason to look at any rule in that article.

Note that arranged to drain does not require the use of actual drain fittings as 314.15 permits the use of field drilled holes in conduit bodies or outside enclosures to provide drainage. I have also see notches cut in the conduit body cover gasket to provide a drainage opening. Those methods would be permitted in a Class I, Division 2 location.

In addition to liquid from condensation, rigid conduit couplings installed in vertical installation do not prevent the entrance of rainwater as they do not provide a water tight seal.