I have been told by my boss that the blue bushing is not code compliant and will fail a job. I said "where in the code is it?" and he didn't know. Any idea if it is illegal and where is it? I am using it to pass wires from a handi box on a furnace to the tap box in side the furnace.
Illegal "blue bushings"?
- Thread starter dhfansler
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Re: Illegal "blue bushings"?
That's easy to say, but the issue still is whether it is against NEC or not. It is less expensive in material and labor to install a "bb", and I need justification for why I can't. Too many of us out there are told not to do things because it won't pass code and in some cases it is merely preferential and not NEC.
That's easy to say, but the issue still is whether it is against NEC or not. It is less expensive in material and labor to install a "bb", and I need justification for why I can't. Too many of us out there are told not to do things because it won't pass code and in some cases it is merely preferential and not NEC.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
Re: Illegal "blue bushings"?
The blue insulating bushing is listed for 90?C. Black or brown bushings are listed for 150?C, all other colors are for 90?C. If the furnace requrires conductors listed for over 90?C, then you can't use the blue bushing.
Don
The blue insulating bushing is listed for 90?C. Black or brown bushings are listed for 150?C, all other colors are for 90?C. If the furnace requrires conductors listed for over 90?C, then you can't use the blue bushing.
Don
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
Re: Illegal "blue bushings"?
jro,
The information is from the UL Guide Sheet for conduit fittings.
jro,
The information is from the UL Guide Sheet for conduit fittings.
Don
Re: Illegal "blue bushings"?
Thanks for the info Don, but what about bonding between the handy box and the furnace make-up box, would that become an issue, or would the ground wire and screws used to mount the box be sufficent, now my understanding of a blue bushing is the snap-in type and not a plastic bushing which would go over the threads of say a close nipple, connector etc.
[ May 21, 2003, 06:31 PM: Message edited by: jro ]
Thanks for the info Don, but what about bonding between the handy box and the furnace make-up box, would that become an issue, or would the ground wire and screws used to mount the box be sufficent, now my understanding of a blue bushing is the snap-in type and not a plastic bushing which would go over the threads of say a close nipple, connector etc.
[ May 21, 2003, 06:31 PM: Message edited by: jro ]
Re: Illegal "blue bushings"?
I don't think bonding is the issue here. Although I have no better answer from my superiors than "it's in the code", without knowing fully where. The ground wire bonds in the handy box and in the junction box in the unit. I think the issue would be that the wires are not secured as would be with a plastic or metal connector, but that should not be relevant in this case due to the fact they are secure in both boxes. Which gets me back to my orignal Q.
Where does it state that these are illegal?
I don't think bonding is the issue here. Although I have no better answer from my superiors than "it's in the code", without knowing fully where. The ground wire bonds in the handy box and in the junction box in the unit. I think the issue would be that the wires are not secured as would be with a plastic or metal connector, but that should not be relevant in this case due to the fact they are secure in both boxes. Which gets me back to my orignal Q.
Where does it state that these are illegal?
Re: Illegal "blue bushings"?
Dh, its not if the blue bushing is illegal, it is the application of the blue bushing in your case, NEC 2002 Art. 250.96(A) Bonding Other Enclosures gives the answer, and if you go to Definitions Art.100 Bonding (Bonded), if there is a fault the blue bushing would not provide a path to clear the fault, this would be in violation of Art.250.96 (A)
[ May 23, 2003, 06:50 PM: Message edited by: jro ]
Dh, its not if the blue bushing is illegal, it is the application of the blue bushing in your case, NEC 2002 Art. 250.96(A) Bonding Other Enclosures gives the answer, and if you go to Definitions Art.100 Bonding (Bonded), if there is a fault the blue bushing would not provide a path to clear the fault, this would be in violation of Art.250.96 (A)
[ May 23, 2003, 06:50 PM: Message edited by: jro ]
Re: Illegal "blue bushings"?
In reference to the one question regarding the screws used to mount the box serving as a sufficient bonding attachment, I would say no. An approved electrical connection is required and mounting screws cannot be used for that purpose. Sure they do provide a mechanical connection but the connection has never been tested by a listing laboratory or inspection jurisdiction and is in question until tested, submitted and then approved. Not much chance of your box screws ever going through that process. Consult your product catalogs and find a correct way to do it that is fast and inexpensive to you. Keep up the good work and never be afraid to ask for proof.
In reference to the one question regarding the screws used to mount the box serving as a sufficient bonding attachment, I would say no. An approved electrical connection is required and mounting screws cannot be used for that purpose. Sure they do provide a mechanical connection but the connection has never been tested by a listing laboratory or inspection jurisdiction and is in question until tested, submitted and then approved. Not much chance of your box screws ever going through that process. Consult your product catalogs and find a correct way to do it that is fast and inexpensive to you. Keep up the good work and never be afraid to ask for proof.
Re: Illegal "blue bushings"?
If the switch box is bonded with a grounding screw and the junction box inside the unit is bonded with a ground screw, it shouldn't matter that I use duct tape to attach the box to the unit and go through the back, it is still effectively bonded. he screws are not te issue here.
I agree with the fact that the NEC gives reference to the bushing applicatino for bonding, but the box is effectively bonded. Not to beat a dead horse, but I don't see sufficient evidence here yet to validate the need for me to not use the BB. I will ask the AHJ the next time I have a chance.
If the switch box is bonded with a grounding screw and the junction box inside the unit is bonded with a ground screw, it shouldn't matter that I use duct tape to attach the box to the unit and go through the back, it is still effectively bonded. he screws are not te issue here.
I agree with the fact that the NEC gives reference to the bushing applicatino for bonding, but the box is effectively bonded. Not to beat a dead horse, but I don't see sufficient evidence here yet to validate the need for me to not use the BB. I will ask the AHJ the next time I have a chance.
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