Split coupling issue

[greenspark1]

A new one to me- split conduit couplings. A contractor used them throughout the project but made a key error by installing one outside on rigid conduit. They are C1D2 and concrete-tight, but not wet location. It wasn't caught until after it was energized so now we have a 3" conduit with 5 kV cable with one fitting that shouldn't be there.

Any good ideas on how to either swap it out or otherwise fix it up? I'm thinking of sleeving the coupling then filling the space between with sealant. Or building/installing a box around the coupling.

The coupling is something like this- www.goo.gl/05UkSF

 

[infinity]

I would guess that those are no less water tight than a standard rigid coupling. You could just encase it in concrete.

 

[Carultch]

I would guess that those are no less water tight than a standard rigid coupling. You could just encase it in concrete.

Are standard RMC couplings allowed in wet locations in general? I've never seen one that is specifically wet-location or raintight rated.

 

[petersonra]

Are standard RMC couplings allowed in wet locations in general? I've never seen one that is specifically wet-location or raintight rated.

why would they need to be wet location? I have seen them rated rain tight though.

 

[infinity]

Are standard RMC couplings allowed in wet locations in general? I've never seen one that is specifically wet-location or raintight rated.

Yes but it's also assumed that the interior of the RMC is a wet location so the coupling doesn't really matter much.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

why would they need to be wet location? I have seen them rated rain tight though.

A standard threaded rigid coupling rated "rain tight"? I have never seen any type of rating on that type of coupling.

 

[tom baker]

Are standard RMC couplings allowed in wet locations in general? I've never seen one that is specifically wet-location or raintight rated.

Yes because we assume and allow the water will get inside RMC. That's why the conduit is installed to drain. A water pipe coupling has an internal taper, electrical does not.

 

[petersonra]

A standard threaded rigid coupling rated "rain tight"? I have never seen any type of rating on that type of coupling.

You might be right about that. I know I've seen fittings of various types labeled raintight though. I don't know if there was couplings on the list of raintight fittings. I'm pretty sure I've Seen Rain Tight unions.

 

[rbalex]

I would suggest reviewing the definition of Location, Wet in Article 100. I believe you will find the form of a properly listed RMC coupling in the application described is irrelevant; i.e., the installation is in a wet location no matter what form of coupling is used. Of greater concern should be the 5kV cable; in which case see Section 328.10(1).

 

[kwired]

Yes but it's also assumed that the interior of the RMC is a wet location so the coupling doesn't really matter much.

So is the interior of EMT installed outdoors, yet they want us to use those ridiculous "rain tight" fittings with the additional nylon piece inside that makes it difficult to assemble, worse yet if installing it in cold weather:rant::rant:

RMC can be made more rain tight with thread sealants, but thread sealants defeat some of the design purposes of using threaded connections in hazardous locations that are required for "explosion proof" situations, those fittings need to be able to "exhale", when there is a contained explosion, but at same time they cool the escaping gases as they make their way through the threads.