Chain hung lights supporting conduit

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xguard

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Baton Rouge, LA
I'm not sure what to make of this.

One thing I see wrong with it is 344.30(A) requires the conduit to be secured within 3 feet of each termination. Can this be done with chain? Similar to the way the lights are done. Though I haven't came across conduit hung by chain before :?.
 

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xguard said:
I'm not sure what to make of this.

One thing I see wrong with it is 344.30(A) requires the conduit to be secured within 3 feet of each termination. Can this be done with chain? Similar to the way the lights are done. Though I haven't came across conduit hung by chain before :?.
Click to expand...
Might be acceptable to use a chain, it's not much different than a piece of grid wire. I'd most like use a piece of all thread and a mini to get the required securment.
 
If you want to get technical, from the pictures, the conduit looks like it isn't supported at all except by where it enters the fixtures. The fixtures are being held by the chain, not the conduit. I can't imagine this would pass any inspection.
 
From

https://iaeimagazine.org/magazine/2014/05/04/raceway-systems/
a discussion of the difference between securing and supporting


Continuing with the article layout, 3xx.30 deals with Securing and Supporting. One thing to keep in mind here is the difference between securing and supporting. The code language states that you will securely fasten the raceway within a certain distance of any box, cabinet or other termination. This is pretty easy to picture, as it will require some type of device that is designed and properly installed to make the raceway secure. Securing prevents motion between the connection point and the raceway, which might lead to a loss of solid contact. If we have a loosening of this type, it could create a faulty ground path for the system, which could then lead to overcurrent devices not operating or a fire hazard. Let’s consider the difference between support and securement. Picture this: if you hold your hand up in the air and simply create a saddle with your hand to hold something without grasping it tightly in your hand, you are supporting it. However, you are not securing it, only offering support. When you are running a conduit on a vertical wall, the supports and securement methods may be one and the same; however, when running through framing members that have openings provided or drilled, then support will be provided by these openings, but not securement.
 
If that was my building with exposed beams and rafters, I'd want the very least evasive support there could be also.

JAP>
 
I have seen similar installs where the conduit is secured and supported by all-thread. Not a whole lot different than chain as it can still move laterally. Why one is ok and the other is not escapes me.

IMO, as is though, the conduit is not 'legally" supported or secured.
 
Run unistrut from one end to the other, mount the fixtures to the bottom of the strut with twirlnuts, bolts and washers, run the conduit between the fixtures and secure the conduit to the strut with twirl nuts, fender washers, minies and bolts.

JAP>
 
jap said:
If that was my building with exposed beams and rafters, I'd want the very least evasive support there could be also.

JAP>
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If it is evasive enough it certainly cannot support or secure anything. You won't even be able to pin it down. :happyno:
If you want it not to stand out and look ugly, try for least invasive.
 
GoldDigger said:
If it is evasive enough it certainly cannot support or secure anything. You won't even be able to pin it down. :happyno:
If you want it not to stand out and look ugly, try for least invasive.
Click to expand...

Ok, ok ,, that's enough of that,,, you knew what I meant. :)

JAP>
 
petersonra said:
I have seen similar installs where the conduit is secured and supported by all-thread. Not a whole lot different than chain as it can still move laterally. Why one is ok and the other is not escapes me.

IMO, as is though, the conduit is not 'legally" supported or secured.
Click to expand...


Strut is the best way IMHO, but to play devils advocate, the original install is not code compliant, but how unsafe is it?
 
For the least intrusive look, I would take one of these, cut it in half, screw a half down on each end of the fixture protruding just enough to be past the connector.

https://www.erico.com/category.asp?category=R959

It will definitely provide proper securement. I believe it will also fulfill the support requirement. However, if you feel independent support of the conduit is required, I would add a jack chain in the middle of the conduit. (Just wrapped around the pipe and linked to itself.)
 
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