MC to PVC

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woodduder

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West Central FL.
Is it possible (to code) to connect a 12-2 MC cable to a 1/2" PVC conduit using a PVC female and an MC connector? The PVC is in a block wall down to the outlet. I would have to strip about 10' of the MC sheath to get the conductors to the box. The MC sheath would be bonded by the fitting to a metal box on the other end of the cable run.
 
Although it works, I don't believe it's legal because the transition is not accomplished by a listed means. I would mount a jbox for the MC and PVC to terminate to above the wall.
 
I would much rather have the box, but above the ceiling will be inaccessible and putting a box flush to ceiling at the location will be unacceptable to the owner.

Let me ask a similar question. If I was connecting EMT to PVC by a female and connector, would that be OK?

We sometimes use PVC under a slab on grade then put a female on as soon as it emerges from the concrete and change to EMT. That is an accepted practice, but is it to code? The EMT is bonded at its other end by a metal box and fitting.
 
There was a tremendously long thread on this sort of use of fittings, http://www.mikeholt.com/code_forum/showthread.php?t=82317 where using an EMT fitting, a flex fitting, and a rigid coupler as a transition between EMT and flex was discussed. There were good arguments made as to why this was or was not a code violation, and lots of experience presented as to 'this is how it is done'.

As a separate issue, the conductors inside the MC are almost certainly not appropriately labeled as individual conductors, and are thus not technically suitable for use in the PVC conduit. Again, stripping the outer sheath of MC or NM and running the conductors through raceways has been discussed, the consensus being that it is probably a fine install, but again a code violation. The specific example was going from NM cable into a sealtite whip into the final piece of hardware, and there were side issues about wet locations and such.

Could you run the MC through the PVC conduit simply for physical protection, then come out of the conduit again and go into a metal box with appropriate MC clamp?

-Jon
 
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Is the MC exposed to physical damage? If not, although I don't like the way it looks, just run it exposed to the receptacle.
 
The problem is with the cable being exposed. It is a new facility and exposed MC cable would not be acceptable nor would sleeving the cable on the surface. This issue occurs at 17 locations within a building about 3000 sq. ft. It would be awkward to explain the exact situation.

I believe I will go ahead with my intended install since I didn't hear any strong arguments against the way I proposed it.

I know the install will be safe. There is nothing to pose any risk of fire or hazard to people.

Thanks for your input.
 
woodduder said:
Is it possible (to code) to connect a 12-2 MC cable to a 1/2" PVC conduit using a PVC female and an MC connector? The PVC is in a block wall down to the outlet. I would have to strip about 10' of the MC sheath to get the conductors to the box. The MC sheath would be bonded by the fitting to a metal box on the other end of the cable run.
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Are you using 330.12(4) to determine that the MC cannot terminate at the box in the wall? :cool:
 
woodduder said:
I believe I will go ahead with my intended install since I didn't hear any strong arguments against the way I proposed it.
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I know I would. Sometimes common sense just has to prevail :grin:
 
1793 said:
Are you using 330.12(4) to determine that the MC cannot terminate at the box in the wall? :cool:
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No, there isn't a way to terminate the cable at the box since I woundn't be able to attach a connector once it emerged from the PVC connector at the box
 
Ive seen some WaWA stores with a sleeve like a 3'' conduit to the center where the registers are and run multiple Mc wire for recepts
 
woodduder said:
No, there isn't a way to terminate the cable at the box since I woundn't be able to attach a connector once it emerged from the PVC connector at the box
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What I was trying to find out is why are you sleeving the MC in the first place?
 
woodduder said:
That's a good point. What does that imply? That I can slide MC in a raceway? Got an example of where this would occur?
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The job I'm working on has pre-cast concrete panels. 1" PVC was half @$$ installed at the factory at the time of the pour. The problem is the 90s protrude about half way out. So since the isn't any easy way of mounting a box over them, I am thinking about setting a j-box near it and running MC down it. My example. :)
 
Well since you have made up your mind and everyone is still going on, I may as well put my two cents in. What about placing a junction box on the wall right where the MC exits the ceiling. Then PVC down to the device box
 
Is the pipe just for protection and to make the route down the wall a neater install and is there a ceiling or all exposed
 
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