Other Tubing Terminations and 358.30(A)

[iwire]

This might seem like a basic question but I would like some outside opinions on supporting EMT.

2002 NEC

358.30(A) Securely Fastened. EMT shall be securely fastened in place at least every 3 m (10 ft). In addition, each EMT run between termination points shall be securely fastened within 900 mm (3 ft) of each outlet box, junction box, device box, cabinet, conduit body, or other tubing termination.

I have always treated couplings as "other tubing terminations" have I been mistaken?

When I run raceway I usually have the suports about 6 to 12 inches from the couplings.

Some coworkers feel that a coupling is not "other tubing terminations" and that is better to have the support in the middle of the EMT.

When it came up I read the article and I was surprised, in my mind I thought it said something about 3 ft from any fitting.

Any opinions welcome and appreciated, I would like to know if I have been doing it wrong, right or if both are OK.

[ April 29, 2003, 08:47 PM: Message edited by: iwire ]

 

[bennie]

Re: Other Tubing Terminations and 358.30(A)

This section was reworded to eliminate a coupling being considered a fitting.

The words "a coupling is not considered a fitting" would apparently be too confusing.

 

[iwire]

Re: Other Tubing Terminations and 358.30(A)

Any idea about what year that would be?


Looks like I am buying the coffee tomorrow

 

[bennie]

Re: Other Tubing Terminations and 358.30(A)

The word "fitting" was changed to "tubing terminations" in 1993.

You can get Starbucks for three bucks

 

[txsparky]

Re: Other Tubing Terminations and 358.30(A)

The wording is the same back to 96 code. In my 96 handbook though ,figure 348-1 shows the supports within 3 feet of couplings.

I agree with you Bob and have always treated the coupling as other tubing terminations.Although it is not a termination, in the literal sense of the word, of that particular run of conduit, it is the termination point for that joint of conduit that makes up the run.

 

[bennie]

Re: Other Tubing Terminations and 358.30(A)

A conduit with a strap at 3 feet from a box, with the next one at 10 feet, there will be a strap within 3 feet of the coupling.

It is not mandatory to have a strap within 3 feet of a coupling.

 

[bennie]

Re: Other Tubing Terminations and 358.30(A)

A coupling is for joining parts together, not terminating them.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Other Tubing Terminations and 358.30(A)

Bennie is correct. See this thread.
Don

 

[txsparky]

Re: Other Tubing Terminations and 358.30(A)

Hmmm...Even though the wording changed, the picture remains the same in the handbook. Another case of 1 hand not knowing what the other is doing ? Guess it is just a design issue now. I for one will continue to put a strap within 3 feet of a coupling(usually closer than that) as I have always done.

Thanks for the info. Bennie, Don.

Donnie

 

[iwire]

Re: Other Tubing Terminations and 358.30(A)

Thanks for the replies guys I will have to change my thinking.

Don, I followed the link you gave, thanks.

Maybe the area I work in was the reason for the change. If I say fitting to my coworkers they will think connector or coupling I do not think one of them will think conduit body.

In truth we almost never use the term conduit body, we will say "LB" or "LR" etc. if that's what me need.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Other Tubing Terminations and 358.30(A)

Bob,
I just recently became aware of the difference in how the word "fitting" is used in other areas. In this area, it almost always refers to a "conduit body". Aparently that is not the case in other parts of the country.
Don

 

[tom baker]

Re: Other Tubing Terminations and 358.30(A)

Don thanks for the link, I'll print that one out. You would think the NFPA would know that change from 1990...

 

[chris white]

Re: Other Tubing Terminations and 358.30(A)

Txsparky, I'm looking at that picture in the '96 handbook, and I'm not seeing any strap 3' from a coupling. The 2 couplings pictured are shown 10' apart and from the 2 boxes at either end. 2 straps are shown on either end, 3' from the 2 boxes. No straps are marked as being 3' or any other distance in relation to the couplings, only to the boxes.

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Other Tubing Terminations and 358.30(A)

I agree that the code does not require support at the couplings but this is the first place that always seems to fail and separate. Considering the code allows EMT to be used as an equipment grounding conductor, I still think it is a good idea as Bob has stated. I feel the code's intent is to provide support at the points that are the weakest link. After 10', and the termination points, the next weakest link is the couplings. This way you have covered every possible failure that could result in a short or ground-fault.