Changing conduit size underground

[steve66]

Can you change the size of conduit underground without installing a handhole?

I would have said no, you can't pull wire through a reducing fitting, but then I remember seeing a "Y" fitting that someone posted a picture of. If you can pull through a "Y", I would assume you can pull through a reducer.

We have a case where there is an existing 1.5" conduit. Contractor needs to connect this to a pole foundation they installed, and apparently they put 1" in the foundation. They say they can't connect the two conduits unless we pay them to add a handhole.

If it matters, the main run is 1.5" PVC, with (3) #10 wires, and the reduced conduit size is 1".

 

[growler]

I'm not going to say for sure that they don't make them but I have never seen a "Y" fitting for electrical. I have never used one.

I have pulled cable where the conduit was reduced (years ago). Getting 3 ea. #10s in a 1" conduit that changes to 1.5" shouldn't be a problem if you pull with the feed at the reduced end. It's not going to damage the cable as there will be more room in the conduit as the size increases.

If anyone knows of a reason why these two should not be married let them speak now or forever hold there peace.

 

[iwire]

People will try hard to find a violation in changing sizes underground but there are no direct rules against it.

As long as the smallest pipe size used can fit the conductors you are good to go.

It might take some time to find proper fitting(s) to connect 1.5" to 1"

We have changed from 3/4" to 1" by sliding the bell end of the 3/4" into a 1" coupling. It works great but is likely outside of the listing.



As far a a Y, Walker duct fittings include a type of Y so you can bring two 1" conduits into the end of a single narrow duct.


See page 8 http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...ehkNoiE5AWrgQ_A&bvm=bv.70138588,d.aWw&cad=rja

 

[iwire]

Hey look at that, Home Depot carries the fitting they need to do this.


http://www.homedepot.com/p/Carlon-1-5-in-By-1-in-PVC-Reducer-Bushing-E950HF-CAR/202077365

 

[growler]

As long as the smallest pipe size used can fit the conductors you are good to go.

I have use an oversized LB. They sell the reducers to go from a 2 1/2" LB to a 2" conduit. It cost a little more but it's much easier to get the cable in. Naturally these are above ground but the reducers seem to fit as well as the regular connectors or couplings.

 

[steve66]

Hey look at that, Home Depot carries the fitting they need to do this.


http://www.homedepot.com/p/Carlon-1-5-in-By-1-in-PVC-Reducer-Bushing-E950HF-CAR/202077365

I'd say that is a big yes.

I don't remember what thread it was, but someone posted a photo a "Y" fitting for conduit. It surprised me - didn't know they made such an animal. And it didn't look like it had any access points like a fitting - it looked like it could be buried.

Is seems like the "Y" would have to be a violation of the "pull all wires in together" rule. But that wouldn't be a problem for a reducing fitting.

 

[qcroanoke]

We have changed from 3/4" to 1" by sliding the bell end of the 3/4" into a 1" coupling. It works great but is likely outside of the listing.

Ya think?
Desperate times call for desperate measures.

 

[iwire]

Ya think?
Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Floor box would not accept 1", had just a couple of 3/4" sticks with a much longer run to go, cement guys already working on pouring slab ...... Get err done.