PVC expansion fittings

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aaknj

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I recently did a residential, underground, 200A service upgrade only to have the inspector fail it because we didn't use an expansion fitting on the underground riser. Since the final grading had not been done, the riser was not fastened to the dwelling yet (we were waiting for the grading to determine where to fasten the pipe so that the strap would not be below grade). The exposed 2" riser was approximately 6' in length from the meter panel termination to the underground sweep. It is expected that when the final grade is complete, the exposed pipe will be about 4' in length. The inspector made the comment that we obviously did not know the code since the expansion fitting had not been installed.

It is my understanding that an expansion fitting is only required if the expansion/contraction is expected to be 1/4" or more and based on 352 table 44a, it appears that the expansion/contraction to be expected on the exposed length will be less than the 1/4" measurement based on a 100F degree change.

Was I incorrect in assuming we didn't need the expansion fitting? Our temperature ranges here from 0 degrees in winter to as high as 98 degrees in summer. I based my calculations on the 100 degree temperature change indicated in the table.

I have never dealt with this particular inspector before and he doesn't know me, but had a real attitude when I just tried to explain what we had done.

Any thoughts? And yes I do know who has jurisdiction and final say so.
 
Re: PVC expansion fittings

I imagine he was thinking of 300.5(J)

300.5(J) Ground Movement. Where direct-buried conductors, raceways, or cables are subject to movement by settlement or frost, direct-buried conductors, raceways, or cables shall be arranged to prevent damage to the enclosed conductors or to equipment connected to the raceways.

FPN:This section recognizes ?S? loops in underground direct burial to raceway transitions, expansion fittings in raceway risers to fixed equipment, and, generally, the provision of flexible connections to equipment subject to settlement or frost heaves.
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Re: PVC expansion fittings

Bob,

Bad part was that he wouldn't tell me why, just that I obviously "didn't know the code". I did think about 300.5(J), but at this point can only guess as to his motivation. I wouldn't have a problem with it if he was at least civil in his explanation. By the way, he never did cite a code article on his failure sticker.
 
Re: PVC expansion fittings

The code is pretty specific, math might not be his better subject. just argued with someone who said i had to sleve pvc through concrete for just that reason. pointed out the code, he never gave me the dollar he owes me
 
Re: PVC expansion fittings

Originally posted by justwondering:
The code is pretty specific, math might not be his better subject.
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Math has nothing to do with this.

Ground movement due to frost or settlement is what 300.5(J) deals with.

This is entirely different than thermal expansion of PVC.

[ July 24, 2004, 05:31 AM: Message edited by: iwire ]
 
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