Intended Use of Chase Nipple?

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kenjsil

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This may cause some jokes, but what are chase nipples intended for?

In residential/light commercial, we don't run a lot of rigid or IMC, and chase nipples only seem to be useful for ganging boxes. I think I saw a textbook picture ages ago of a chase nipple and coupling used to connect rigid to a box, but why that instead of locknuts and bushing?

Seems that without locknuts, the nipple wouldn't make a satisfactory bond in any case.
 
Re: Intended Use of Chase Nipple?

The first thing that comes to mind,connecting flourescent fixtures and it`s 4 am still fuzzy up there ;)
 
Re: Intended Use of Chase Nipple?

I'm sure there are many uses for chase nipples. For the most part they are used to "closely" connect 2 wiring compartments together (i.e fluorescent light fixtures as AWayne pointed out). If you were to use a 1/2" nipple (close or any other length) between the two fluorescent fixtures in AWayne'sa example there would be a space between the fixtures and you would need 4 lock-nuts. The most common application that I use a chase nipple for is when I wire a disconnect for an AHU in a residential attic. I mount a 4" square box right to the unit and directly inline with the electrical 1/2" knock-out. I chase nipple into the unit, the belled portion of the chase nipple sits almost flush with the bottom of the 4" square box and the lock-nut goes inside the AHU. Don't need any bushings because the fitting is manufactured smoothe, unlike a close nipple.

BTW, if you're hanging 2-lamp fluorescent fixtures in line with one another, the end cap can be flattened out and slipped into a channel provided at the base of each fixture, thereby locking them together. That way you can eliminate a few steps (i.e don't have to remove knock-outs in the end caps, don't have to screw in the end cap and don't need a chase nipple and lock-nut.
 
Re: Intended Use of Chase Nipple?

That`s what those extra connectors are for lol lolmbut when using chase nipples 4 sq to 4 sq I always have to fight the screwhole allignment.short nipples and 2 extra lock nuts,bushings same install but easier finish JMHO
 
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