Insulated Connectors in Outdoor Box

[xguard]

According to cut sheets Polaris Black connectors are rated for "Dry Locations". I know the NEC specifically states the inside of a raceway outdoors is considered a wet location. I'm not aware of a similar statement for boxes. I've talked with Polaris (NSI) tech support twice, two different people, one told me it was okay to put them in a NEMA 3R box outdoors another told me it wasn't. Is this a typical limitation for this type of connector even from other manufacturers? It doesn't make any sense to me but that's why I'm asking questions. Thanks for any feedback.

 

[Frank DuVal]

I use them all the time in 3R gutters...... Haven't been questioned yet. Working fine.

You put breakers in a NEMA 3R box too, right?

 

[infinity]

The inside of a box is not a wet location. 300.9 makes no mention of boxes. A wireway might be a different story.

300.9 Raceways in Wet Locations Above grade. Where raceways are installed in wet locations above grade, the interior of
these raceways shall be considered to be a wet location. Insulated conductors and cables installed in raceways in wet locations
above grade shall comply with 310.10(C).

 

[don_resqcapt19]

The area below the top of any factory KO in a 3R enclosure is a wet location. If there are no factory KOs and no non-watertight entries above the connection it should be compliant.

 

[Cletis]

does 3R enclosures have to keep rain out during a tornado ?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

does 3R enclosures have to keep rain out during a tornado ?

They have drain holes, so they are not designed to keep water out. They are designed to keep water off of the energized parts.

 

[infinity]

does 3R enclosures have to keep rain out during a tornado ?

No offense but why would you ask such a dumb question?

 

[ptonsparky]

does 3R enclosures have to keep rain out during a tornado ?

I believe that would require a washdown rated enclosure.

 

[LarryFine]

No offense but why would you ask such a dumb question?

Gee, how could anyone be offended by that?

 

[xguard]

Thanks for the replies guys.

 

[Eddie702]

3R if I am not mistaken is water resistant not waterproof

 

[kwired]

3R if I am not mistaken is water resistant not waterproof

Basically resistant to falling water. Not rated for pressure spray other than possibly from primarily above, might not have to be 90 degrees from horizontal but likely needs to be at least 60 maybe 70 degrees from horizontal.

But then we do have thunderstorms with high wind and rain and nearly horizontal driven rain quite often here and they don't really reject 3R enclosures for that reason.