Potting Compound Approval

[byron]

Hi Group,

I have a fountain with underwater junction boxes. CEC section 680-52(b)(3) requires:
"Be filled with an approved potting compound to prevent the entry of moisture"

What am I looking for? UL? 3M says that they don't test their material for this because they have been using it for years and it is to expensive. They recommend "Scotchcast 2112 Reenterable Electrical Insulating Resin".

Anyone know what to use?

Thanks,
Byron

[ March 07, 2003, 06:08 PM: Message edited by: byron ]

 

[Nick]

Re: Potting Compound Approval

The definition of approved as far as the NEC (or CEC in your case) is concerned is ?acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.? So if it?s OK with your inspector it?s OK to use. Check with your AHJ.

 

[flightline]

Re: Potting Compound Approval

Having used the 3M product line for just such an application myself in the past, I went to their website. I used a different product, the 4442. I believe it was a "new and improved" version of their "Gella" #4441 reenterable encapsulant. Now, they have an even better version, 8882 High Gel. I remember that there had to be mo moisture in the 444X series of products when you cast the compound, or it would foam and not produce acceptable results. Anyway, while at the website, I did not find any approval, as you had stated, but there were numerous tests that were made and passed for these products. If it becomes an issue, perhaps you could use these to your advantage. I know of no other componds available for such use, and with all candor, when I have had a problem that could be solved with the use of these compounds, i have never been disapointed with the long term results.

 

[byron]

Re: Potting Compound Approval

Thank you for your input. After research by my boss he found a 3M product Scotchcast 2135 that is UL listed and specifically states that it complys with NEC 680-52(b).