Factory 90 degree elbow and conduit bodies support locations

[Dale001289]

I have a 3” RMC conduit straight run with a support approximately 6’ from a 3”, 90 degree factory elbow. This appears to be non-compliant with NEC 344.30(A) - i.e. a support will need to be added within 3’ of the 90 degree elbow.
And, 314.23(E) exception seems to be written only for conduit bodies - and factory elbows are not included.
Is this correct?

 

[Eddie702]

I think you need a support within 3' of a coupling so yes it would need a support for the factory 90. Conduit bodies wouldn't have a coupling for RMC

 

[Dale001289]

I think you need a support within 3' of a coupling so yes it would need a support for the factory 90. Conduit bodies wouldn't have a coupling for RMC

I think you’re right. But 344.30(A) doesn’t include couplings.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

You do not need a support at each coupling and you do not need a support at a bend per the code.

 

[Dale001289]

You do not need a support at each coupling and you do not need a support at a bend per the code.

Thanks Don

 

[infinity]

As Don stated the bend (elbows, offsets, kicks) are no different than straight pipe when measuring the distances for the required supports.

 

[LarryFine]

I try to place a strap to whichever side of the elbow is farther from the next nearest strap.

 

[kwired]

With pretty much all non flexible type raceways supports are needed within 3 feet of cabinets, boxes conduit bodies or other terminations of the raceway. Couplings, bends, elbows (whether a factory elbow or a field made bend) are considered part of the raceway run when considering support requirements.

 

[Carultch]

You do not need a support at each coupling and you do not need a support at a bend per the code.

The code may not require it, but it's probably best practice to have a support nearby your bends, so that you don't have a 5 ft cantilever from both of the nearest supports. Job specs may call for a maximum distance from the bend on both sides, to the nearest support. If practical, a diagonal support at the midpoint also does the trick.

If it's my choice to specify it, I'd limit this distance to 30% of an allowable span of the conduits size-and-type on both ends of a standalone bend that's 45 degrees or greater, based on beam mechanics. For saddle bends and offset/return bends, that add up to net zero change in direction, I'm OK with the standard spans from the NEC, with no special attention given to the bend.