O CAL CONDUIT

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sparkcontrol

sparkcontrol

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Queens, NY. USA
Has anyone here ever installed PVC COATED GAL(O CAL). Here is the question...why is it not found in the NEC?

i have been using this for many jobs and now the construction management company is asking questions. The job specs say to use O CAL conduit on the outside of the building and to stub into thru the foundation wall. We stubbed in at 18" and changed over to EMT. The CM is questioning the use of pvc inside. There is no where in the NEC that states that I cannot do this method. It does not state in the job spec that this cannot be done either. The conduit enters thru the foundation wall into non public space in the basement at approximately 9' above the floor in a 10' high electric closet.
Anyone have any input.
Thanks, Sparkcontrol. IBEW Local 3 NYC
 
I have installed it in a manner similar to yours except we changed over to RMC once we entered the building. I would guess that they're concerned about the PVC jacket within the building but I think that the NEC is silent on this given the location that you've mentioned.
 
sparkcontrol said:
Has anyone here ever installed PVC COATED GAL(O CAL). Here is the question...why is it not found in the NEC?

i have been using this for many jobs and now the construction management company is asking questions. The job specs say to use O CAL conduit on the outside of the building and to stub into thru the foundation wall. We stubbed in at 18" and changed over to EMT. The CM is questioning the use of pvc inside. There is no where in the NEC that states that I cannot do this method. It does not state in the job spec that this cannot be done either. The conduit enters thru the foundation wall into non public space in the basement at approximately 9' above the floor in a 10' high electric closet.
Anyone have any input.
Thanks, Sparkcontrol. IBEW Local 3 NYC
Click to expand...

What, exactly is their concern with the PVC coating? How would that be any different than using PVC conduit inside, or even the use of PVC plumbing pipe? The NEC does not prohibit PVC indoors (with the exception of "theater spaces and similar locations"). Job specs or other locations may dictate otherwise.


SceneryDriver
 
SceneryDriver said:
What, exactly is their concern with the PVC coating? How would that be any different than using PVC conduit inside, or even the use of PVC plumbing pipe? The NEC does not prohibit PVC indoors (with the exception of "theater spaces and similar locations"). Job specs or other locations may dictate otherwise.


SceneryDriver
Click to expand...

If it were in a drop ceiling you might have some issues; I doubt it's plenum rated with a PVC coating.
 
sparkcontrol said:
Has anyone here ever installed PVC COATED GAL(O CAL). Here is the question...why is it not found in the NEC?
...
Click to expand...
(O CAL) = Ocal®

...Thomas & Betts version PVC-coated rigid steel conduit and accessories: https://s3.amazonaws.com/cesco-content/unilog/Batch6/704508/107896-Catalog.pdf


For compliance issues, it falls under Article 344. As such, going from a corrosive to non-corrosive environment, changing over to standard galvanized-steel rigid would be considered no change in wiring method under the NEC.
 
sparkcontrol said:
Has anyone here ever installed PVC COATED GAL(O CAL). Here is the question...why is it not found in the NEC?

i have been using this for many jobs and now the construction management company is asking questions. The job specs say to use O CAL conduit on the outside of the building and to stub into thru the foundation wall. We stubbed in at 18" and changed over to EMT. The CM is questioning the use of pvc inside. There is no where in the NEC that states that I cannot do this method. It does not state in the job spec that this cannot be done either. The conduit enters thru the foundation wall into non public space in the basement at approximately 9' above the floor in a 10' high electric closet.
Anyone have any input.
Thanks, Sparkcontrol. IBEW Local 3 NYC
Click to expand...
People in new York just want to mindlessly spend more money I guess.. like smart said the code treats them the same way. Plastic is only OK when steel manufacturers use it apparently. This just shows who is on code making panels...

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sparkcontrol said:
Has anyone here ever installed PVC COATED GAL(O CAL). Here is the question...why is it not found in the NEC?

i have been using this for many jobs and now the construction management company is asking questions. The job specs say to use O CAL conduit on the outside of the building and to stub into thru the foundation wall. We stubbed in at 18" and changed over to EMT. The CM is questioning the use of pvc inside. There is no where in the NEC that states that I cannot do this method. It does not state in the job spec that this cannot be done either. The conduit enters thru the foundation wall into non public space in the basement at approximately 9' above the floor in a 10' high electric closet.
Anyone have any input.
Thanks, Sparkcontrol. IBEW Local 3 NYC
Click to expand...
I'm going to take a stab being from NYC as well and say your working a dep contract or doing site lighting for nycha

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peter d said:
I read on another forum that all wiring for the NYC port authority must be in 3/4" RMC minimum, and must use all XHHW conductors.
Click to expand...

Yes this is true. All wiring xhhw and all pipe (except for a few exceptions) is rmc and seal tight. Despite your location.
 
gadfly56 said:
If it were in a drop ceiling you might have some issues; I doubt it's plenum rated with a PVC coating.
Click to expand...

Agreed, but not all areas above drop ceilings are plenums. Like I said, "Job specs or other locations may dictate otherwise." :)


SceneryDriver
 
f04040e57cbf0e810bf97bafa0616643.jpg
218820754dc36b8034dae4b105f5e71b.jpg
this is ocal

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Cow said:
That is one expensive conduit run just for an exterior wallpack!!
Click to expand...
Nycha loves to waste tax payer dollars . We're currently on a job replacing the front doors and installing layered access. All stainless steel equipment. 50k a door give or take between labor and materials

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