Conduit Bodies Supports 314.23 (E) Ex

[Derek9]

In regards to 314.23 (E) Ex, it states that IF your conduit body is larger than the raceway trade size, then it needs to be supported. To say it in Mike Holts words via his book, “IMC, RMC, PVC, RTRC, and EMT can support a conduit body if the trade size of the conduit body isn’t larger than the raceway.” Therefore, with that objective fact being stated, my question is if a larger conduit body such as an LB (2 1/2”) were used with a 2” RMC raceway, then how do you practically and mechanically support an LB? Upsizing large LB’s is fairly common to make wire pulling easier, however, I’ve never seen an LB itself be supported.

 

[Dsg319]

In regards to 314.23 (E) Ex, it states that IF your conduit body is larger than the raceway trade size, then it needs to be supported. To say it in Mike Holts words via his book, “IMC, RMC, PVC, RTRC, and EMT can support a conduit body if the trade size of the conduit body isn’t larger than the raceway.” Therefore, with that objective fact being stated, my question is if a larger conduit body such as an LB (2 1/2”) were used with a 2” RMC raceway, then how do you practically and mechanically support an LB? Upsizing large LB’s is fairly common to make wire pulling easier, however, I’ve never seen an LB itself be supported.

I work industrial and see conduit body’s all day long. And I can honestly say I have never seen one “supported”

If you have an inspector trying to ding you on this you have used a mogul fitting moving forward.

 

[infinity]

This is a very poorly written code section. Based on the title of that section for "raceway supported" conduit bodies I've always interpreted that as the conduit body itself is not supported. If the conduit body is larger than the trade size of the raceway then the raceway needs to be secured within the 3' distance from the conduit body because the 3' is the only logically applicable dimension in that entire section.

Conduit body support should have its own code section and not be thrown in as an exception to a code section that is unrelated.

314.23(E) Raceway-Supported Enclosure, Without Devices, Luminaires, or Lampholders.
An enclosure that does not contain a device(s), other than splicing devices, or supports a luminaire(s), a lampholder, or other equipment and is supported by entering raceways shall not exceed 1650 cm3 (100 in.3) in size. It shall have threaded entries or identified hubs. It shall be supported by two or more conduits threaded wrenchtight into the enclosure or hubs. Each conduit shall be secured within 900 mm (3 ft) of the enclosure, or within 450 mm (18 in.) of the enclosure if all conduit entries are on the same side.
Exception: The following wiring methods shall be permitted to support a conduit body of any size, including a conduit body constructed with only one conduit entry, provided that the trade size of the conduit body is not larger than the largest trade size of the conduit or tubing: