Conduit Sealant for Class 1 Div 2 Areas

[harleybob]

I need to seal a conduit passing through a Class 1 Division 2 rated area.

Our Fire Prevention Manager thought that there was a product on the market that could be used to fill conduits and conduit bodies, such that all voids were filled (so flammable liquids or gases could not enter). He thought the product name was cheeka - a (unsure of spelling), but could not direct me to a manufacturer or offer product data.

Is anyone aware of such a product?

FYI (here's the scenario)...

I have a rigid conduit cast in a concrete floor. The conduit exits the floor and terminates at a double gang box at less than 18 inches above the floor (two duplex receptacles in the box). To meet Class 1 Div 2 requirements, the receptacles must be raised above 18 inches. The Fire Prevention Manager indicated that I could put a nipple on top of the existing box to extend to the proper height and terminate with a new double gang box. He indicated that the conduit, the old gang box, and the new nipple should then be filled with this material.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[ March 19, 2003, 02:35 PM: Message edited by: harleybob ]

 

[tom baker]

Re: Conduit Sealant for Class 1 Div 2 Areas

The product you refer to is a sealing compound made by appleton called chico. This product is designed to be used in a standard seal off fitting not in the manner you describe.

 

[Guest]

Re: Conduit Sealant for Class 1 Div 2 Areas

The nec requires a sealing fitting or y within 18 inches of the entrance of the conduit into the hazardous area . it must be placed where the conduit emerges into the haz. area. then you can enter the conduit box which also must meet the requirements of the code. In other words must be a listed enclosure.+see 501.4 a3 and in fact you should read the entire section on seals in case you have a switch in the box etc. The thing to keep in mind is you do not want to have any migration of fumes from the haz loc to the other ares which are not wiothin the haz loc. I have worked in the propane distribution business and took 2 code classes just to understand the nuances of the haz loc code. gets a little tricky sometime. In order for the chico compound to remain in pplace while it cures you use a stuffing material also avail at your elec supply. The stuffing material is inserted first tm prevent chico from moving. you separate the conductors so that when the chico is installed it goes around each conductor forming a nice vapor proof seal. good luck but read the code it will help you immensley

 

[flightline]

Re: Conduit Sealant for Class 1 Div 2 Areas

Not to contradict Tom, Chico "A" or "X" is the Crouse Hinds version of the sealing compound. The Chico link will only get you as far as the home page of the website. You than have to select "Fittings-Haz Loc from the first drop down menu, and "Sealing Fittings and Compounds from the one to the right, Sorry I couldn't post a direct link; their website uses some sort of Javascript I don't know how to link to better,

Appleton has a great website, and this link has some nice diagrams for you. Their sealing compound is called Kwiko.

There's also O Z Gedney , Both Appleton and OZ are owned by a company called EGS. But they still maintain their autonomy.

Some things to be aware of.

1) Most seals have fill resitricted to 25%, rather than the 40% for conduit. There are some that have the 40% fill, and you have to be careful as to your application.

2) These are "listed" to be used as a "system". By that I mean, that one manufacturer's sealing fitting may not necessarilly be listed for use with another's sealing compound. Some are. For instance, I copied this from the Appleton Kwiko page: * U.L. Listed for use with Appleton ?Kwiko? A? and Crouse-Hinds ?Chico? A? cement. Be sure to check

Joe is also correct in that you need a fiber to "dam" the conductors, prior to pouring the sealing compound, which is really pretty runny; be careful not to get any on the threads of the fill hole. I always used a "ketchup" bottle like they have at the hot dog stand; one with that cone squiter nozze cap. I just kept washing it out when I was done, and it worked great for years.

One of the manufacturers makes a bagged compound complete with water. Just break the internal divider, shake & pour. I saw it at the NECA convention; it was one of the produts that won the "Best of Show" awards. Nice, Clean, No muss, no fuss.

Lastly, Appleton makes a really GOOD book; it'll explain what the code is trying to say in plain language. It is called "NEC 2002 Code Review, Guide for use of Electrical Products in Hazardous Locations". It's free if you write them, and there is one for each code cycle.

I hope this helps.

 

[tom baker]

Re: Conduit Sealant for Class 1 Div 2 Areas

Right, crouse hinds. I thought it was appleton as chico has become a generic term, like Jello.
and this is the most important part
"2) These are "listed" to be used as a "system". By that I mean, that one manufacturer's sealing fitting may not necessarilly be listed for use with another's sealing compound. Some are. For instance, I copied this from the Appleton Kwiko page: * U.L. Listed for use with Appleton ?Kwiko? A? and Crouse-Hinds ?Chico? A? cement. Be sure to check"
Thanks, flightline!

[ March 19, 2003, 07:50 PM: Message edited by: tom baker ]

 

[Guest]

Re: Conduit Sealant for Class 1 Div 2 Areas

the 25% requirement is also the reason i always use 3/4 inch fittings in most 12 gage applications . and 1" for 10 gage.

 

[harleybob]

Re: Conduit Sealant for Class 1 Div 2 Areas

Thanks for all the help!