Sealing Locknuts

[Flatpad]

Let's say that you were coming in the side of a 3r outdoor ATS at two points, both of these points are "entering above the level of uninsulated live parts" in the ATS.


The first entry is a 2" PVC close nipple, for this you put a sealing lock nut on the outside of the box and a normal locknut on the inside. Good?


The second entry is a 2" PVC connector (male adapter), for this you put the sealing locknut on the inside of the box. Still good?


It just seems odd to do it both ways on the same box, I want to be sure that it is compliant.


Would it be wrong to thread a sealing locknut backwards on the connector before putting it in the box, then install the connector and put a normal locknut inside? This way the sealing locknut is on the outside?

 

[iwire]

I think either way you do it creates a seal.

 

[petersonra]

I think either way you do it creates a seal.

I agree. i just don't see it mattering much one way or the other.

 

[Flatpad]

Thanks guys, I just like reassurance when it comes to new things like this. Especially because I will do it both ways on the same enclosure.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Then there are guys like me that love to bring up the fact that they are UL listed for rmc not PVC. Personal I don't see an issue with it but someone might.

If you thread the locknut on the connector backwards you may not have enough threads for a locknut on the inside of the panel. I would just use the sealing locknut on the inside.

 

[Flatpad]

Then there are guys like me that love to bring up the fact that they are UL listed for rmc not PVC.

I've been seeing a lot of that, now that I've been looking. Things like meyers hubs, female adapters, even locknuts.

 

[infinity]

If it's above the live parts why do you need anything other than a standard locknut?

 

[realolman]

Only thing I would mention about whether they were inside or outside.... If they were on the conduit you wouldn't be twisting the seal around on the knockout like you would if you were tightening them up on the inside of the box.

how much does it matter???? I dunno

 

[Flatpad]

If it's above the live parts why do you need anything other than a standard locknut?

312.2

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Yep

312.2 Damp and Wet Locations. In damp or wet locations,
surface-type enclosures within the scope of this article
shall be placed or equipped so as to prevent moisture
or water from entering and accumulating within the cabinet
or cutout box, and shall be mounted so there is at least
6-mm (1⁄4-in.) airspace between the enclosure and the wall
or other supporting surface. Enclosures installed in wet locations
shall be weatherproof. For enclosures in wet locations,
raceways or cables entering above the level of uninsulated
live parts shall use fittings listed for wet locations.

 

[infinity]

Sorry for some reason I thought that the entry was below live parts even though my post said the opposite. :ashamed1:

 

[jeremysterling]

...The first entry is a 2" PVC close nipple...

IIRC, the other day someone posted asking if such nipple existed. Do you have a picture?

IMO, either way, outside or inside, you are good with sealing lockring.

 

[Flatpad]

IIRC, the other day someone posted asking if such nipple existed. Do you have a picture?

That was me who asked about it! I am famous now

I haven't been able to actually find a PVC close nipple yet

 

[Cow]

Would it be wrong to thread a sealing locknut backwards on the connector before putting it in the box, then install the connector and put a normal locknut inside? This way the sealing locknut is on the outside?

If your supply houses carry the kind of MA's mine do, there are nowhere near enough threads for two locknuts and a pb plus enclosure thickness for that to work.

 

[kwired]

IIRC, the other day someone posted asking if such nipple existed. Do you have a picture?

IMO, either way, outside or inside, you are good with sealing lockring.

I think I could find a PVC close nipple - but it will not be listed for use as an electrical raceway.

 

[Flatpad]

I think I could find a PVC close nipple - but it will not be listed for use as an electrical raceway.

Exactly. A Google search comes up with many of them, but they are all plumbing supplies.

If I found a dark gray one, would anyone know?

 

[kingpb]

Exactly. A Google search comes up with many of them, but they are all plumbing supplies.

If I found a dark gray one, would anyone know?

You would! :jawdrop:

If you have time to redo it, you certainly had time to do it right the first time.

 

[Flatpad]

You would! :jawdrop:

If you have time to redo it, you certainly had time to do it right the first time.

So you know where to find a PVC close nipple?? :?

As for me knowing that I used a plumbing fitting, you're right, I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing how many children's lives I put in danger! :lol:

 

[kingpb]

I do not beleive the product you are looking for exists, and as Dennis pointed out the sealing locknuts are not approved for PVC.

Therefore, the best solution would be to find a product listed for the intended use.

As far as sleeping at night, the question is not how many people would be injured, because in this case, maybe none. But, say 5 years from now when the installation using non-approved parts starts to fail, another electrician shows up to fix it, and posts the picture in this forum pointing out the violations, and everybody gets a good laugh, will you be able to sleep then? or maybe you won't care because you'll already be out of business because of lawsuits due to failed systems using non-approved parts.

Reputation and pride in workmanship should not be for sale or compromised. :thumbsup:

On the flip side, take a piece of sch 80 PVC, stick it in your rigid threader and make your own nipple. Not saying it's right, but seen it done.:ashamed:

 

[Flatpad]

I do not beleive the product you are looking for exists, and as Dennis pointed out the sealing locknuts are not approved for PVC.

They aren't approved for anything except RMC (and IMC?) but we all use them on other fittings.

As far as sleeping at night, the question is not how many people would be injured, because in this case, maybe none.

Maybe? Just curious, how would someone be injured by using a plumbing close nipple vs. an electrical one in this exact situation?? :?

But, say 5 years from now when the installation using non-approved parts starts to fail, another electrician shows up to fix it, and posts the picture in this forum pointing out the violations, and everybody gets a good laugh, will you be able to sleep then?

Of course! i am laughed at all the time BTW< how would people on the forum know whether that little nipple was approved or not?? :?

or maybe you won't care because you'll already be out of business because of lawsuits due to failed systems using non-approved parts.

Jeeze Chicken Little, take it easy. I'd ask you to explain how using a plumbing close nipple would lead to me going out of business, but we both know you are just being a big baby now.

I never said that I would use a plumbing nipple anyway. I merely made a joke about no one knowing...

Reputation and pride in workmanship should not be for sale or compromised. :thumbsup:

Here you go again, prideful that you never used a plumbing nipple. And we all know you never knowingly skirted the code, such as using a sealing locknut on a PVC male adapter :lol:

On the flip side, take a piece of sch 80 PVC, stick it in your rigid threader and make your own nipple. Not saying it's right, but seen it done.:ashamed:

I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I did that, they would take my license away and the entire forum would laugh at me!!!!!