Oops...EMT offset on service

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sfav8r

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San Francisco Bay Area
I just installed new service to a 4-unit bldg. I ran 2/0 to a 4-gang meter box then used offset nipples to each load center. The problem is, I wasn't thinking about the fact that since there is no OCPD prior to each load center, I think I should have used rigid offset nipples instead of die-cast. Is that correct or can I avoid the hassle of going back and replacing the die-cast with rigid?

Thanks!
 
Re: Oops...EMT offset on service

Why do you think that you can only use rigid offset nipples?
 
Re: Oops...EMT offset on service

What I was thinking is that since it is ahead of the disconnect, they are service wires and therefore must be in rigid, just like the conduit needs to be rigid.
 
Re: Oops...EMT offset on service

sfav8r,
Please take a look at 230.43. Service raceways are not limited to rigid conduit.
Don
 
Re: Oops...EMT offset on service

Ever hear of "Service Entrance Cable" ?

Maybe you have a local code that you are thinking of.
 
Re: Oops...EMT offset on service

Ever hear of "Service Entrance Cable" ?
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Yes, I have. However, this installation is 2/0 THHN in a rigid conduit as required in San Francisco. Normally, the service raceway would go to a meter/main then after that point EMT is fine.

In this istallation, the raceway goes to the 4-gang meter, then there are 4 offsets, one going to each of the four panels. Therefore, there is no OCPD prior to the offset nipples, so I am wondering if they would consider this part of the service entrance and therefore require Rigid offsets as opposed to EMT.

Hope that makes it a little clearer.
 
Re: Oops...EMT offset on service

Originally posted by hardworkingstiff:
Just don't use flex.
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Why not? :)

230.43(15) Flexible metal conduit not over 1.8 m (6 ft) long or liquidtight flexible metal conduit not over 1.8 m (6 ft) long between raceways, or between raceway and service equipment, with equipment bonding jumper routed with the flexible metal conduit or the liquidtight flexible metal conduit according to the provisions of 250.102(A), (B), (C), and (E)
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Re: Oops...EMT offset on service

Yes, I have. However, this installation is 2/0 THHN in a rigid conduit as required in San Francisco. Normally, the service raceway would go to a meter/main then after that point EMT is fine.
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If it's a local requirement to only use rigid then you'll have to change the offset nipples. But as mentioned in the other posts the NEC does not require you to only use rigid conduit on a service entrance.
 
Re: Oops...EMT offset on service

thank god or our pvc wonderland down here in florida would be an NEC nightmare

Isn`t that the truth ;)
 
Re: Oops...EMT offset on service

I'd consider a cast 2" ofsett nipple to be pretty darn rigid. Seriously, they're not considered so?
 
Re: Oops...EMT offset on service

It`s alright to build a nuclear power plant almost dead on top of a fault line,but don`t you dare use an offset nipple there :confused:
 
Re: Oops...EMT offset on service

Emt offset nipples in San Francisco. There is probably a "rights" group in San Fran that would take up the cause, discrimination against emt, and so forth. Just don't tell them exactly what an emt nipple is.
 
Re: Oops...EMT offset on service

Originally posted by LarryFine:
I'd consider a cast 2" ofsett nipple to be pretty darn rigid. Seriously, they're not considered so?
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Funny you should mention that. I just did a web search to locate exactly what I need and came up with an Arlington 6A5 "Rigid" offset nipple. funny thing is ITS DIE-CAST just like the "EMT one. What the H#$% is the difference?

Look, I'm as big a fan of rigid nipples as the next guy ;) but in this particular case, I'd like to leave the existing nipples, which now I'm not even sure if they are "rigid" or not.

[ October 19, 2005, 01:10 AM: Message edited by: sfav8r ]
 
Re: Oops...EMT offset on service

Originally posted by sfav8r:
Originally posted by LarryFine:
[qb]Look, I'm as big a fan of rigid nipples as the next guy ;) but in this particular case, I'd like to leave the existing nipples, which now I'm not even sure if they are "rigid" or not.
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Gee, I can only think of a pair of responses to that remark! :p
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Re: Oops...EMT offset on service

Well the verdict is in :mad:

Even though the Arlington 6A5 is listed in the RIGID/IMC section of the catalog, the inspector says it doesn't matter..."if it's zinc-die cast it isn't rigid, you need to change them"

I know of no such standard. Am I alone here? I really hate disagreeing with inspectors. I almost always just do what they want if there is a reasonably easy way to comply. But to pull 4 panels (they all have rigid conduit going to them from several sides) to replace a 3/4 offset nipple that is never going to pose any problem seems ridiculous and I resent having to eat the time an materials to do this if there is not a REAL reason to do so.

Where is it written that a zinc die cast fitting cant me "rigid". I'm not saying categorically that it is, I'd just like to know in advance. Interestingly enough, Arlington was kind enough to lookup UL6 for me and they said that there was no specific description.

Any ideas where to look for this info.

If not, I guess I'll just go change them so the world can be a better place.

[ October 24, 2005, 12:06 PM: Message edited by: sfav8r ]
 
Re: Oops...EMT offset on service

Hire an attorney to fire off a letter with his letterhead. He can put attorney mumbo jumbo into it. Suddenly you won't be such a small fry, easy to push around, and cooler heads may prevail.
 
Re: Oops...EMT offset on service

Originally posted by macmikeman:
Hire an attorney to fire off a letter with his letterhead.
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Tempting, but I do have to pass future inspections.

The NEC defines RMC as "A threadable raceway of circular cross section designed for the physical protection and routing of conductors and cables....and is generally made of steel (ferrous) with protective coatings or of aluminum (nonferrous). Special use types are silicon and bronze and stainless steel."

the only reference it makes to fittings is that they must be liste. Sooo, who decides is a zinc fitting is rigid or not?
 
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