LTFNMC vs. LTFMC

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If I am hooking up an ac compressor at an existing dwelling, and there are dogs, I ask the owners a few questions about do the dogs like to chew things up. If I find out they do, then I use sealtight, otherwise I'll use carflex for speed. On new houses, unsold as I wire them, I just use carflex. I'll blame the realtor for selling to the wrong people/dogs...
 
I've searched before for the code differances between LFNC and LFMC and have found very little. I use LFMC where there are temperature issues, locations where I feel the added strength is needed (like an area with chew happy dogs or near the ocean where a storm can bring up so good sized rocks) and situations where I need to easily pull through wire. I'll use LFNC in other cases
 
Generally speaking, carflex = residential, sealtight = commercial.

Although I was really turned off to using sealtight last summer when I did a repair on a pool pump. The original whip was sealtight and it was completely rusted out on the inside.
 
About 15 years ago, 1991, I was running under a road with a bunch of control conductors - tank farm and pumps on one side and loading rack on the other.

2" would have have worked well, However, Carlon was only listed up to 1" for DB. So, I called. Their response was - Only the utilities use the larger sizes for DB and they don't have to have it listed.

I don't know if things have changed in the last 15 years.

carl
 
mdshunk said:
How much do you pay for those? I was buying EPCO brand AC whips, until I realized that I'm paying just shy of 20 bucks for them. I can make a heck of a lot of AC whips from Carflex scraps and end rolls of #10 and #8 for 20 bucks. No more pre-made AC whips for me.
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Marc....I pay about $11 for a 6' whip consisting of 3 # 10's, one straight and one 90 degree connector at the local Menards. Seems like a good deal to me.
 
m73214 said:
Marc....I pay about $11 for a 6' whip consisting of 3 # 10's, one straight and one 90 degree connector at the local Menards. Seems like a good deal to me.
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It is a good deal, the thing is, how many AC units will that work for? and will the AC whip be too long, too short? Once you have to modify it whats the difference?
 
I usually have to shorten the whip but with the LTFNMC, a quick score with the utility knife and your in business. The fittings come hand tight and it's a breeze to re-install them. I guess I'm becoming a fan.....
 
Thanks for those pics, John.

That's sorta what I'm talking about. I think I've pretty much convinced myself to switch to Carflex for a year or so, and see how it hashes out. Once I deplete my supply of Sealtite fittings and raceway, I'm going to be a Carflex man for a spell.

I can honestly say that I've never seen failed Carflex for any reason, but the cold temp concern has me a little bit worried. I've got several 3/4" fittings and some raceway in my deep freeze right now, at -10 (on top of the packs of deer steaks, ice cream, and hamburger patties :) ). Gonna try to smash them with a hammer tomorrow. Granted, this crude test does not take into account years of UV degradation coupled with low temps.
 
"Dear what the h*** is this in the freezer?!?"
"Oh, just an experiment I'm doing for the guys over at Mike Holt's"


Let us know what the response is. :grin:
 
ive seen carflex react badly to sunlight after a few years... say on a A/C condensing unit that sits in direct sunlight..

after some time, the carflex gets very brittle and almost rots. to the point where you could squeeze it and it collapses..

i replaced it with sealtite
(we will see how long that lasts...)
 
I think sunlight beats up both types pretty bad. And so does whatever it is black junk that builds up on the top side of the rooftop ones especially when located near the airport.
 
mdshunk said:
I can honestly say that I've never seen failed Carflex for any reason, but the cold temp concern has me a little bit worried. I've got several 3/4" fittings and some raceway in my deep freeze right now, at -10 (on top of the packs of deer steaks, ice cream, and hamburger patties :) ). Gonna try to smash them with a hammer tomorrow. Granted, this crude test does not take into account years of UV degradation coupled with low temps.
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OK, is the test complete?:smile:
 
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