225.22 Code Enforcement

[Solar Scott]

Being hit with this code, inspector asking us essentially to run our pipe like plumbers and create a downhill effect for water to drain inside of the EMT. This seems contradictory to "Rain Tight" and "Water Tight".

Can anyone expound on this?

How are we complying? I know in the past we put a weep hole in an LB to let it drain, but the inspector will not allow this.

 

[Buck Parrish]

Contradictory ? Yes, seems like it to me, too. However we all know that even rain tight fittings, boxes etc... over the years will seem to get water in them from rain and not just condensation. As you mentioned a small drill hole has worked good for many years.

I've not noticed this code section being referred to in my career. It would be kind of hard to meet 110.12 if your conduit is down hill a 1/4" per foot like a plumbers

The only thing I can think of would be to install a metal j box somewhere. The manufacture should have made it with a drain in it. All though a lot of them just seems to be rain tight, with no drain.

Where does the inspector think the water is going to go if it drains like a plumbers pipe? It's got to end some where. Next thing they'll want is a pump station.:lol:

 

[iceworm]

... I know in the past we put a weep hole in an LB to let it drain, but the inspector will not allow this.

Put in a tee. Screw a drain in one leg. I'd probably pick the one pointing down:roll:

ice

 

[iceworm]

... I've not noticed this code section being referred to in my career. It would be kind of hard to meet 110.12 if your conduit is down hill a 1/4" per foot like a plumbers ...

Having spent a little bit of time in Ketchikan and on Prince of Wales Island - it matters. Probably not so much if you live in America.

As noted the question is not, How does the water get in?. It's going to. Rather, the question is, How do you deal with it?

ice

 

[Smart $]

FWIW, the requirement doesn't specify a slope, such as a plumber's 1/4" per foot... and technically that is only true for waste lines, not liquid-only and vents. The latter have to be arranged to drain, but can be level for horizontal runs. So, technically, as long as the inner portion of a horizontal conduit run doesn't dip below both ends, it is arranged to drain.

Not permitting a weep hole in an LB or other condulet is technically correct. It is still part of the raceway run. Weep holes can only be in enclosures, boxes, provided it's a rain-tight system and not a water-proof, -resistant system. A drain fitting on the other hand can be put in the run, an enclosure, or a box anywhere (obviously, at least one drain or weep hole at the low point of the system).

 

[Smart $]

... It would be kind of hard to meet 110.12 if your conduit is down hill a 1/4" per foot like a plumbers...

Code doesn't actually state that, but I agree 1/4" per foot is not required.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Being hit with this code, inspector asking us essentially to run our pipe like plumbers and create a downhill effect for water to drain inside of the EMT. This seems contradictory to "Rain Tight" and "Water Tight".

Can anyone expound on this?

How are we complying? I know in the past we put a weep hole in an LB to let it drain, but the inspector will not allow this.

There really is no contradiction because wires build up heat and condensation can be created inside the conduit. This water needs an outlet

 

[tom baker]

2014 NEC allows drain holes per 314.15 "approved drainage openings not larger than 1/4"..."