RTRC

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Electroteach

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Hello, I’m wondering if anyone has ran any RTRC, (fiberglass conduit) and if there’s requirements to having to run it. They’re saying where it’s a basketball arena all emergency panel feeders has to be ran in this crap
 
We've used it on a few projects.

We've installed it on the water where subject to saltwater immersion where nothing else holds up. And on a project where it was specified due to fire resistance and for circuit integrity cables.

It has it's challenges and there's a learning curve to the installation of the conduit. For example, you can field bend it, but you're going to mess up a few lengths before you get the hang of it. Also, factory bends are huge. Where using terminal adapters you'll need to throw out the supplied locknuts and order thicker locknuts of else you run the possibility of stripping the threads. The epoxy is finicky, we dispense what we're going to use into Dixie cups and mix and apply with popsicle sticks.
 
Has anyone ever heard of emergency power in basketball arenas needing to be ran in special conduit. That’s what the engineers are telling us here and is why the usage of RTRC is an issue. It’s being ran above ceiling on conduit racks with emt.
 
If they are saying it's code they're wrong, if they are including it in their specifications that's their prerogative.
 
Electroteach said:
Hello, I’m wondering if anyone has ran any RTRC, (fiberglass conduit) and if there’s requirements to having to run it. They’re saying where it’s a basketball arena all emergency panel feeders has to be ran in this crap
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Calling it crap is misguided in my opinion. I WISH more Engineer's would spec it. I also wish 517 would allow it for their emergency circuits. It is extremely light and in some ways, more protective than IMC or rigid.
 
Strathead said:
Calling it crap is misguided in my opinion. I WISH more Engineer's would spec it. I also wish 517 would allow it for their emergency circuits. It is extremely light and in some ways, more protective than IMC or rigid.
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The only thing misguided is the pipe itself, yes it’s light, any cut has to be sanded for a coupling, have to use more straps because the code for spacing is different, ( 1” has to be supported every 3 ft ). Not to mention it’s too fragile, have to be careful putting on a strut strap or you’ll bust it.
 
Electroteach said:
The only thing misguided is the pipe itself, yes it’s light, any cut has to be sanded for a coupling, have to use more straps because the code for spacing is different, ( 1” has to be supported every 3 ft ). Not to mention it’s too fragile, have to be careful putting on a strut strap or you’ll bust it.
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That is brand specific based on the product listing per the NEC.
(B) Supports.
RTRC shall be supported as required in Table 355.30(B). Conduit listed for support at spacing other than as shown in Table 355.30(B) shall be permitted to be installed in accordance with the listing. Horizontal runs of RTRC supported by openings through framing members at intervals not exceeding those in Table 355.30(B) and securely fastened within 900 mm (3 ft) of termination points shall be permitted.
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At least one brand has everything up to and including 1 1/2" listed for 10' spacing and 2" through 4" listed for 12' spacing. If you are using the XW it is 10' for 3/4" and 1" then 15' up to 2 1/2", and 3" and up is 17'.
 
I found out the hard way how PVC conduit degrades when it is exposed to the weather. At my mom's house the previous owner had many years ago put up a flagpole in her yard made from that stuff, and she asked me to take it down. I did, but I found out that sunlight apparently breaks down the binder and exposes the ends of the glass fibers. I handled the conduit without gloves and it took me a week to get all that prickly stuff out of my hands.
 
ggunn said:
I found out the hard way how PVC conduit degrades when it is exposed to the weather. At my mom's house the previous owner had many years ago put up a flagpole in her yard made from that stuff, and she asked me to take it down. I did, but I found out that sunlight apparently breaks down the binder and exposes the ends of the glass fibers. I handled the conduit without gloves and it took me a week to get all that prickly stuff out of my hands.
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I once had a fiberglass rake handle splinter. It was to my hands what light sprays are to feet.

1694202902546.jpeg
 
Electroteach said:
The only thing misguided is the pipe itself, yes it’s light, any cut has to be sanded for a coupling, have to use more straps because the code for spacing is different, ( 1” has to be supported every 3 ft ). Not to mention it’s too fragile, have to be careful putting on a strut strap or you’ll bust it.
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I'm sorry but I just don't agree, we've used this stuff and it's very rugged, even the thin wall stuff holds up to a beating.

The XW wall product close to bullet proof.

Everything has its proper application.
 
Ken_S said:
I'm sorry but I just don't agree, we've used this stuff and it's very rugged, even the thin wall stuff holds up to a beating.

The XW wall product close to bullet proof.

Everything has its proper application.
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I haven’t had enough experience to contradict him, but this is my experience as well.
 
It’s very easy to pull thru. Good for exposed runs under bridges. Different epoxy depending on air temp, special dispensing gun as well. Slower to install as epoxy has to cure. But a great product for certain applications
 
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