352.46 poll

352.46 poll

  • Yes. On any size PVC with any conductor

    Votes: 6 16.7%

  • Only on runs containg #4 or larger conductor

    Votes: 20 55.6%

  • Do not require on any

    Votes: 9 25.0%

  • Other

    Votes: 1 2.8%
  • Total voters
    36
  • Poll closed .
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augie47

augie47

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Staff member
Location
Tennessee
Occupation
State Electrical Inspector (Retired)
per C Picard;s post
"Has anyone ever been able to get to consensus on the debate over whether a bushing is required on RNC regardless of size. I just read every post on this forum, and it seems that it all hinges on whether the CMP considers a male "adapter" an "adapter" that truly provides "equivalent" protection. A box adapter is clearly smooth, but a male adapter? I'm not convinced, and for what it's worth, I would require the bushing."
 
I wanted to say on all terminal adapters not just for #4 and larger conductors, but IMO the code doesn't clearly state that as a requirement, although I can see it either way.
 
What other kind of adapter could be used ? Is there an adapter that is more like a bushing?

It sure looks to me like a bushing or an adapter will make it compliant. I know what you

are talking about with the male adapter, and it might cut into the wire, but I don't see how

that changes what the code says ?
 
TexasMaster said:
while I must agree w/ finding the #4 and up "fpn", it all seems unnecessary on a nonmetallic raceway and is never enforced by any inspector in my area.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum TexasMaster.:)

Fine print notes are not enforceable, they are only for informational purposes.

The fact that there is a fpn to 352.46 that referenced 300.4 has no bearing on what the text in 352.46 says, it says what it says.

352.46 Bushings.
Where a conduit enters a box, fitting, or other enclosure, a bushing or adapter shall be provided to protect the wire from abrasion unless the box, fitting, or enclosure design provides equivalent protection.
Click to expand...

So the real question is,

Does a PVC male adaptor provide the same protection from abrasion that a bushing does?

If it does then no bushings are needed, but if it doesn't then a bushing would be needed for ALL size conductors, not just #4 and larger.

Chris
 
Never used one,

never been asked to use one,

never seen wire damaged from PVC connector/adapter.
 
TexasMaster said:
while I must agree w/ finding the #4 and up "fpn", it all seems unnecessary on a nonmetallic raceway and is never enforced by any inspector in my area.
Click to expand...

Don't think one is necessary since IMO the fitting provides equivalent protection. But I think it's up to the inspector's call and wouldn't argue it if required.

I would how long it would take to saw through the insulation with the PVC adapter?
 
benaround said:
What other kind of adapter could be used ? Is there an adapter that is more like a bushing?

?
Click to expand...

Carlon (and perhaps others) make a "terminal adapter" that resembles a chase nipple. It will fit in a coupling. They are used in this area very often to innerconnect panels. A 2" coupling is slipped between panels and a terminal adapter pushed in from each panel. Neat install...neglibale panel intrusion and rounded surface.

See pg 3 adapters: http://www.carlon.com/Master Catalog/Conduit_Fittings_Schedule_40_and_80.pdf
 
raider1 said:
Where does 352.46 say only for #4 and larger?

IMO if you are enforcing bushing requirements for PVC male adapters it should be for ALL conductors not for just #4 or larger.

Chris
Click to expand...

Actually, upon closer examination, (I didn't even look before, I just shot from the hip, -which I know better than to do on this site-) I do not believe that a bushing is required regardless of the size conductors provided that the throat of the PVC adapter is smooth and rounded. Too late to change my vote.
 
raider1 said:
So the real question is,

Does a PVC male adaptor provide the same protection from abrasion that a bushing does?

If it does then no bushings are needed, but if it doesn't then a bushing would be needed for ALL size conductors, not just #4 and larger.

Chris
Click to expand...


It seems that the requirement of 300.4(G) is more stringent than whether or not a TA requires any bushing for any size conductor. For an EMT connector no bushing is required when smaller than #4 conductors are used. For #4 and larger the requirement becomes more stringent.

IMO the same would apply to a TA. #4 and larger conductors require a "substantial fitting providing a smoothly rounded insulating surface" that would preclude the use of the edge of the TA to protect the conductors therefore a bushing would be required.
 
augie47 said:
Carlon (and perhaps others) make a "terminal adapter" that resembles a chase nipple. It will fit in a coupling. They are used in this area very often to innerconnect panels. A 2" coupling is slipped between panels and a terminal adapter pushed in from each panel. Neat install...neglibale panel intrusion and rounded surface.

See pg 3 adapters: http://www.carlon.com/Master Catalog/Conduit_Fittings_Schedule_40_and_80.pdf
Click to expand...

Gus,

That would be the way to go, but, I scrolled through the Carlon site while I was there. On

page #5 under " Washers" I finally found the words--"use a standard locknut" " or a threaded bushing".

I would really like to know the answer, might be that it all depends where you are!!!!
 
infinity said:
It seems that the requirement of 300.4(G) is more stringent than whether or not a TA requires any bushing for any size conductor. For an EMT connector no bushing is required when smaller than #4 conductors are used. For #4 and larger the requirement becomes more stringent.

IMO the same would apply to a TA. #4 and larger conductors require a "substantial fitting providing a smoothly rounded insulating surface" that would preclude the use of the edge of the TA to protect the conductors therefore a bushing would be required.
Click to expand...

These are great points Rob. I guess I have sat at read 300.4(G) about 30 times now...

I guess I need a do over. With the 300.4(G) verbage I'm leaning toward 4-and-up need the bushing....

Dang guess I'm learning everyday though
 
infinity said:
It seems that the requirement of 300.4(G) is more stringent than whether or not a TA requires any bushing for any size conductor. For an EMT connector no bushing is required when smaller than #4 conductors are used. For #4 and larger the requirement becomes more stringent.

IMO the same would apply to a TA. #4 and larger conductors require a "substantial fitting providing a smoothly rounded insulating surface" that would preclude the use of the edge of the TA to protect the conductors therefore a bushing would be required.
Click to expand...

This is the way I look at it.
 
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