Liquidtight Flexible Steel Conduit, Type LFMC

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rob569

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Ok Fellas I have a question, about Liquidtight Flexible Steel Conduit, Type LFMC, when I use to be out in the field working with my tools on, installing this stuff, my JW or Foreman use to always slam me if I install this stuff with like winkles. Is there a reason other than cosmetic that you don't install Liquidtight of this variety with winkles in it?

I just can't come up with any reason way not. I just know I would not do it.
 
IMHO - It was not made to be installed in that manner. The plastic would have stress on it. It might crack in that location over a period of time.
 
When the PVC 'buckles' like that it usually indicates that the installed bend radius is too tight for the design of the LFMC. The wrinkles are compressed PVC, and on the opposite side, there is stretched PVC. This is where you may get a fracture of the PVC over time and exposure to the elements (Sun UV, Ozone, Temps, Etc.). Your foreman would be correct to remind you not to install with wrinkles. Of course, type B would be a better choice for tighter bends. No wrinkles, and you just need to run a bond wire through it.
 
I have had this problem especially with larger sizes of LFMC.

A heat gun will take the wrinkles out.
 
I think that some photos are in order to show what is happening to the LiquiTite. If you bend the conduit to too tight of a radius you put too much stress on the outer pvc sheath, and just the same as with flex, you risk breaking the flex open inside the pvc. Which could down the line cause a short in your conduit.
 
I like nonmetallic also

I like nonmetallic also

Dittoes on the wrinkles, means stress on the flex and a rupture is coming sooner or later. For many uses, I like LFNC, nonmetallic. It can take a bit sharper bend and also doesn't damage wires if mashed flat somehow. I've seen it run over by a forklift and not damage wires. Metallic would have no chance there. Nonmetallic is also cheaper & easy to cut. Can be a bit hard to pull through but is mostly good.
 
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