Electrical systems mounted to handrails

[Sr.ControlTech]

I currently found that a newly installed electrical system has utilized the hand rail system for not only support of aluminum conduit and racking but also plastic pull boxes, 480v plastic control panels, 120v analyzers and receptacles. I believe that all conduit, regardless of the plastic enclosures should be bonded at both ends through the mounting hubs. And all handrails should have a low impedance path to ground. Am I missing something here?

 

[hbiss]

Am I missing something here?

Yeah. Somebody needs to be fired.

Mounted to the handrails?? Metallic conduit used with plastic boxes??

-Hal

 

[infinity]

What kind of handrails? Protective guard rails along roofs are typically used to mount al sorts of stuff.

 

[petersonra]

I dont see how the handrails are likely to become energized.

As long as it does not interfere with the handrails primary function I dont see an issue. Depending on where mounted might.be a workspace violation.

 

[tom baker]

Sounds like this is a waste or water treatment plant, most likely a waste water treatment plant due to the AL conduit. Yes the conduit needs to be bonded somehow. I will say from working at a WWTP handrails are often used for mounting equipment, rakes, life rings, etc.

 

[tom baker]

The NM boxes have instructions for bonding metallic conduits. I am guessing this was not inspected.

 

[tortuga]

I currently found that a newly installed electrical system has utilized the hand rail system for not only support of aluminum conduit and racking but also plastic pull boxes, 480v plastic control panels, 120v analyzers and receptacles. I believe that all conduit, regardless of the plastic enclosures should be bonded at both ends through the mounting hubs. And all handrails should have a low impedance path to ground. Am I missing something here?

Care to post a photo so we can see?

 

[brian john]

I dont see how the handrails are likely to become energized.

As long as it does not interfere with the handrails primary function I dont see an issue. Depending on where mounted might.be a workspace violation.

Happened here

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/a-child-touched-an-electrified-railing-at-mgm-national-harbor-resort-and-lives-changed/2019/07/05/a5a78648-9b94-11e9-9ed4-c9089972ad5a_story.html

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Handrails are commonly used in industrial facilities to support conduit, control stations, light standards and even junction boxes. The top rail must have at least 3" clearance per OSHA rules.