Securely Fastened conduits

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deerhead

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Would a floater piece of uni strut connected to multiple conduits satisfy the code requirement (344.30 (A)) for securely fastening conduit within 3' of a box,etc?

The definition of fastened is: to attach firmly to something else.
 
deerhead said:
Would a floater piece of uni strut connected to multiple conduits satisfy the code requirement (344.30 (A)) for securely fastening conduit within 3' of a box,etc?

The definition of fastened is: to attach firmly to something else.
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IMO yes. But I'm not sure what an inspector would say. I think some would probably say ok and some no.
 
300.11(B)1

(B) Raceways Used as Means of Support. Raceways shall be used only as a means of support for other raceways, cables, or nonelectrical equipment under any of the following conditions:
(1) Where the raceway or means of support is identified for the purpose

I say the uni strut is listed for use of multiple raceways.

Rick
 
RUWired said:
300.11(B)1

(B) Raceways Used as Means of Support. Raceways shall be used only as a means of support for other raceways, cables, or nonelectrical equipment under any of the following conditions:
(1) Where the raceway or means of support is identified for the purpose

I say the uni strut is listed for use of multiple raceways.

Rick
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I say you are right!! :)
 
It appears that you are using the other raceways to support another raceway via the strut...I see that as a violation of 300.11(B)(1).
 
"Where the raceway or means of support is identified for the purpose "

The problem I see with this is that the strut is listed for supporting the conduit, but you are supporting the strut via pipe.
I don't think pipe is a listed means of support.

Perhaps an example of the (1) would be cable tray.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
It appears that you are using the other raceways to support another raceway via the strut...I see that as a violation of 300.11(B)(1).
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Don you don't think the strut is listed for multiple raceways.(or means of support is identified for the purpose)

Rick
 
RUWired said:
Don you don't think the strut is listed for multiple raceways.(or means of support is identified for the purpose)

Rick
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As far as I know the strut is not listed for the purpose of supporting anything, but that is not the issue. Unless you provide independent support of the strut you are using the other raceways to support this raceway.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
As far as I know the strut is not listed for the purpose of supporting anything, but that is not the issue. Unless you provide independent support of the strut you are using the other raceways to support this raceway.
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Agreed.

The strut is a means of support, but not when attached to the conduit only.

The strut must be secured to other than the conduit alone.

Strees and strain added to a conduit system by supporting other conduits.....Not good.
 
I'm intending this to be in an industrial establishment where multiple rmc's are coming out of a control panel and there is no structural or piece of equipment to attached a rod/strap to the uni strut.

Thanks for all the responses.
 
deerhead said:
I'm intending this to be in an industrial establishment where multiple rmc's are coming out of a control panel and there is no structural or piece of equipment to attached a rod/strap to the uni strut.

Thanks for all the responses.
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It is my opinion that you are using a raceway to support another raceway if you do that.
 
If you follow the logic that the strut doesn't need to be attached to anything you could free air your entire run and just strut it together. Self supporting! LOL!
 
frizbeedog said:
Agreed.

The strut is a means of support, but not when attached to the conduit only.

The strut must be secured to other than the conduit alone.

Strees and strain added to a conduit system by supporting other conduits.....Not good.
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Logic and intent is needed when reading the Code.

It is the intent that raceways are to be securely supported at designated intervals. It is recognized that raceways are not self-supporting therefore they need to be attached to some PERMANENT structure that will stay there for the duration of intended use of the raceway.

Logic: An example of acceptable support would be a building wall that the raceway services. Building gone, support is no longer there, but the service is no longer needed either. Multiple raceways serve multiple needs, when one need is eliminated the corresponding raceway is no longer needed, so even if it was accepted as a support, it is no longer available to support the adjacent raceway(s).

The OP's proposed installation is one of the most common occurences I see.:mad:
 
An empty conduit, in parallel with the others, could be used to support the "flying" piece of strut. Just label it "support".
The loophole is that, even though this piece of UniStrut has to be supported by the structure, there is no clear definition of the quality of this support. Thus even a single strand of grid wire from the strut to the building will do. I don't like it but there you go.
~Peter
 
peter said:
An empty conduit, in parallel with the others, could be used to support the "flying" piece of strut. Just label it "support".
The loophole is that, even though this piece of UniStrut has to be supported by the structure, there is no clear definition of the quality of this support. Thus even a single strand of grid wire from the strut to the building will do. I don't like it but there you go.
~Peter
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I do not believe that is true. The code says "securely fastened in place" It does go on to say that if you use "...support wires are used, they shall be secured at both ends." Pencil rod, yes, ceiling wire, no.
 
They really need to come up with a sky hook system.
And I agree with weressl. This seems to be something that a lot of people feel like they can get away with. I see it as being unprofessional and sloppy regardless of the code violation. There is always a way to get a securley fastened system. That's what they make all those awesome strut accessories for and also other types of metal and welders. Welding is our friends sometimes... But not always :roll:
 
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