Threadless Rigid Connector to Service Hub?

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kenjsil

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Is there any objection to using a threadless rigid connector between the service entance conduit and the threaded hub on the meter box/main LC?
I'm bidding a residential (aerial) service upgrade where the conduit/mast and guying are all in great shape, but I'd need to shorten the bottom of the conduit to fit the new box. The SE conduit penetrates the roof and runs inside the wall to a large recessed external enclosure. I'd rather not have to open the wall and mess with the roof integrity, and there's insufficient clearance to thread the cut end in place.
 
Re: Threadless Rigid Connector to Service Hub?

The only problem will be if you can find a listed rain-tight compression connector.
 
Re: Threadless Rigid Connector to Service Hub?

The local utility in my area refuses to accept a threadless connector (or Ericson) on the standpipe (in my opinion, for pretty good reasons), I would refer to your local utility manual and/or rep prior to such an application.
 
Re: Threadless Rigid Connector to Service Hub?

How can the utility company refuse to accept? Its not their equipment. Section 250.92(B)(3) clearly permits threadless couplings and connectors. :confused:
 
Re: Threadless Rigid Connector to Service Hub?

Originally posted by bphgravity:
How can the utility company refuse to accept? Its not their equipment. Section 250.92(B)(3) clearly permits threadless couplings and connectors. :confused:
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If I understand the original question correctly, we are talking about the line side of the meter equipment. In NY the Utility dictates their specifications up to the point of line side metering.
 
Re: Threadless Rigid Connector to Service Hub?

Thanks all for your comments.

To clarify: when I referred to the SE conduit, I was talking about the IMC run between the weatherhead and the meter box - most definitely on the line side of the meter equipment. For clearance, the aerial service drop is attached to an angle-iron rack - the conductors then drip-loop into the weatherhead. If the conduit were supporting the service drop, I would not contemplate using a threadless connector.

The utility concerned is the Los Angeles Dept of Water and Power - their service requirements handbook is silent on this point, and I have not yet gotten an answer from their planning office. The LA electrical code (which extends and amends the NEC) also doesn't specifically address this question.

My concern here was with the NEC requirements. 250.92 does clearly allow threadless connectors here, but I was concerned that there might be other applicable articles with which I wasn't familiar.
 
Re: Threadless Rigid Connector to Service Hub?

DWP makes the call here. The answer is not with Building & Safety. Call 411 and get the telephone number for DWP. Call and ask the DWP operator for the name and telephone # for the "Meter Spotter" for the address of the property in question. Schedule an appointment at the jobsite to discuss the issues involved.

Keep in mind that you will not be able to get a permit at the B&S counter unless you first have a meter spot ticket from DWP. This only applies if your service is 200 amps or under. Larger than 200 amps and DWP self inspects and does not issue a spot ticket. You stil need a signed off B&S permit regardless of service size before DWP will hook to you.
 
Re: Threadless Rigid Connector to Service Hub?

Originally posted by megawire:
I believe its Department of Water & Power!
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What in the world do they have to do with the NEC? The original post did not specify the locality or jurisdiction the installation is taking place. There may not be a DWP or B&S department. This is a code forum. The NEC allows it? :confused:
 
Re: Threadless Rigid Connector to Service Hub?

Kenjsil,

As I read your question and second post, I note that the conduit is inside the wall. This would be a normally dry location as far at the NEC is concerned. The compression connector won't actually have to be listed for its raintite-ness.

And as to whether your PoCo (Los Angeles Dept of Water and Power) cares, only they can answer.
 
Re: Threadless Rigid Connector to Service Hub?

Originally posted by bphgravity:
Originally posted by megawire:
I believe its Department of Water & Power!
Click to expand...
What in the world do they have to do with the NEC? The original post did not specify the locality or jurisdiction the installation is taking place. There may not be a DWP or B&S department. This is a code forum. The NEC allows it? :confused:
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The original post indicated "are there any objections", clearly in my opinion the post asked for any objections - not just objections to the NEC. Is there any NEC section that recognizes local authorities regarding electrical installations?
 
Re: Threadless Rigid Connector to Service Hub?

I think it most cases we should only stick to the NEC requirements and assume the poster has the understanding that local codes may exist.

(deleted useless comment)

[ June 04, 2004, 04:11 PM: Message edited by: bphgravity ]
 
Re: Threadless Rigid Connector to Service Hub?

The service entrance conductors are regulated by part IV of article 230. They are after the point of service from the utility. The electrical inspector would have jurisdiction with this portion of the service entrance. Theadless connectors would be acceptable if they are water tight.
 
Re: Threadless Rigid Connector to Service Hub?

the inspector may be considering that compression style fittings are not listed to satisfy the bonding requirements, at least as far as i understand them. He (she) may also consider that the metal pipe from the weatherhead to the disconnect needs to be considered bonded.

paul
 
Re: Threadless Rigid Connector to Service Hub?

From the 2003 UL Certifications Directory (White Book):
Conduit Fittings DWTT
GROUNDING
All metal fittings for metal cable, conduit and tubing are considered suitable for grounding for use in circuits over and under 250 V and where installed in accordance with the NEC, except as noted for flexible metal conduit fittings and liquid-tight flexible metal conduit fittings.
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Bonding of the IMC mast, weatherhead & threadless connector will be a function of how the connector is attached to the service center enclosure, not the connector itself. . .In my PoCo's turf, a hub bonds; a connector and locknut needs a bonding bushing or other bond between the mast assembly and the enclosure.
 
Re: Threadless Rigid Connector to Service Hub?

oops! sorry, it was a long day yesterday and i thought i was responding to a different post. reread whole post and agree, threadless would work fine.

paul
 
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