MC snap connectors in healthcare

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greenspark1

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New England
We have a hospital application wired with HCF MC. The contractor would like to use snap MC fittings but I prefer the traditional screw/lock nut fittings. Especially for healthcare where the MC sheath is a ground, are the snap fittings as reliable? Probably opening a can of worms here. Appreciate any feedback.
 
Ask the EC for the listing info on the connectors before you make your decision.

FWIW, I'm like you and prefer the locknut versions.

Roger
 
Is this being called out in a spec book? I have found 9 out of 10 times in those the A&E copy and paste stuff they really don't care about. If possible, submit a basic RFI asking only to "elaborate" and half the time they will omit it from the spec. In my opinion anything "push in" with electrical applications is asking for trouble. If they aren't seated just right the wire can kick it off-site, which will effect the listing of the enclosure it is entering.
 
Is this being called out in a spec book? I have found 9 out of 10 times in those the A&E copy and paste stuff they really don't care about. If possible, submit a basic RFI asking only to "elaborate" and half the time they will omit it from the spec. In my opinion anything "push in" with electrical applications is asking for trouble. If they aren't seated just right the wire can kick it off-site, which will effect the listing of the enclosure it is entering.
I have mostly only used Arlington's snap in connectors, been a while since checking but I'm sure they are listed for the application. Is just as easy, maybe even easier, to not get a lock nut tight, I think I trust the snap in versions even more in this situation.
 
Has the contract price already been set? Or is it just already known who the contractor will be, and he is providing input on the design?

To be clear, I have no problem with the snap connectors, but I don't do healthcare facilities to even care if they are needlessly overkill on this as they are on other things.

It just sounds as if the contractor is ready to get to work, but something not specified in the contract is now being considered as a requirement, which will add time to the job.
 
What voltage ?
I may well be incorrect but in reading the notes on Arlington's snap-in fittings and looking at 250.97 I question their being approved for >250v
 
The job is already awarded and we are looking at submittals. I don't have a big problem with the snap in but haven't seen them submitted before. I don't think the spec says one way or another.
It reminds me a little of the setscrew vs threaded EMT fittings debate. Specs sometimes specified one over the other but even the VA now accepts either.
I don't see any posts with any major issue with snap in, which is good. Always helpful to hear what others have experienced.
Good point re: voltage. This will be 120-480V.
 
Agreed, though at this point, can he say no without a reason for a violation?
Depends on how the specs are written and it's not based on whether or not it's a violation.

Roger
 
Yea yea but not all engineers are old grumpy stubborn men. :)

What voltage ?
I may well be incorrect but in reading the notes on Arlington's snap-in fittings and looking at 250.97 I question their being approved for >250v

I would be surprised if these UL listed connectors aren't also listed for bonding purposes for >250V. I don't see any notes on Arlington's fittings, do you have a link or doc we can look at?
 
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