342.42(A) - Threadless Connectors

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AZEngr

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Hi All,

I am new on this forum and have a question that I haven't been able to get answered elsewhere. With so much expertise hanging around this forum, I hope someone can help.

The electrical contractor on a job I am working on has done something that I find quite suspicious. On a portion of underground conduit (IMC), he joined two pieces of conduit with a standard threaded coupling plus a compression connector. OK, that probably would not be a problem, except he inserted the threaded end of the next piece of conduit into the slip side of the compression fitting.

Section 342.42(A) of the 2005 NEC states the following:

"Threadless couplings and connectors shall not be used on threaded conduit ends unless listed for the purpose."

Here's my question: Does anyone know of a manufacturer that makes a compression fitting listed for such an installation?

The electrician insists that this connection is even better than a plain slip fit, although he hasn't explained why he believes this. He has so far ignored my requests to provide the manufacturer and part number of the connector so I can verify if it is listed for use with the threaded end of conduit. I don't believe this fitting is going to have any chance of keeping water out of the conduit.

Any comments?
 
1) the electrician is wrong. Compression connectors are not made to go on threads. If he has 2 threaded pipes coming together, why does he not use a 3 piece union?
2) you will never keep water out of a conduit.

~Matt
 
TOOL_5150 said:
1) the electrician is wrong. Compression connectors are not made to go on threads. If he has 2 threaded pipes coming together, why does he not use a 3 piece union?
2) you will never keep water out of a conduit.

~Matt
Click to expand...

I agree with Matt on all points. :cool:
 
I agree with all that too. If you are able to find any compression connector that's listed to go on threads please post it - I'd really like to see that.
 
I agree about not being able to keep water out of conduit. I assume that the NEC requirements are meant to at least slow it down a little by requiring rain tight fittings for wet locations.

Maybe my electrician figured water will get in so why bother making any effort to keep it out. He wrapped the conduit with corrosion protection tape prior to beginning installation. He then wrapped the joints after routing the conduit. The tape at every joint was so loaded with dirt, it didn't stick well and left places where bare metal was exposed.

I'm guessing he didn't expect me to see his shoddy workmanship; I just wonder what other corners he cut on this job.

Of course the city inspector didn't help much since he signed off before the wiring had even been pulled.
 
AZEngr said:
Hi All,
The electrician insists that this connection is even better than a plain slip fit, although he hasn't explained why he believes this. He has so far ignored my requests to provide the manufacturer and part number of the connector so I can verify if it is listed for use with the threaded end of conduit. I don't believe this fitting is going to have any chance of keeping water out of the conduit.

Any comments?
Click to expand...

My guess is because he is done and doesn't want to take it apart.

I'm guessing he didn't expect me to see his shoddy workmanship; I just wonder what other corners he cut on this job.
I agree.
 
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