UL vs non-UL Conduit

[gporter]

I've noticed that manufacturers of liquid-tight conduit offer many various types of conduit, many are UL and/or CSA listed, others are plainly labeled as non-UL. NEC article 350 requires that "LFCM and associated fitting shall be listed". What is the purpose of non-UL conduit, and could it ever be used if specifications require that the work be compliant with the NEC? What is non-UL conduit good for?

 

[infinity]

It can be used as a sleeve for things like data cables. Similarly we use unlisted Dataflex FMC for voice/data cable protection.

 

[kwired]

OEM's can use it on their equipment (or at least many do use it) and they still get a listing on their product.

Us field installers however are not supposed to use the non listed stuff.

If I want the listed stuff from the supply house - I need to specify it or I will get non listed.

Inspectors may not be aware of the differences or that there even is unlisted versions, others just don't pay attention even if they do know. Then there are those that won't let it slip no matter what, and may even try to challenge something that is a part of a listed appliance/machine/etc.

 

[gporter]

Thanks guys, that good info. I suppose the non-UL stuff is manufactured to near the same specs, maybe even better, but just not put through the (expensive) UL certification process.

Greg

 

[petersonra]

OEM's can use it on their equipment (or at least many do use it) and they still get a listing on their product.

UL allows some stuff to be used in UL508a panels that are not recognized or listed.

SA3.2 Mechanical parts, having no electrical connections and containing no liquids or flammable gas, are
not required to be Listed or Recognized or described in the manufacturer’s Procedure.

SA3.2 Mechanical parts, having no electrical connections and containing no liquids or flammable gas, are
not required to be Listed or Recognized or described in the manufacturer’s Procedure.

c) Provide a mechanical intrusion barrier are not required to be Listed, Recognized, or
Procedure described.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Thanks guys, that good info. I suppose the non-UL stuff is manufactured to near the same specs, maybe even better, but just not put through the (expensive) UL certification process.

Greg

In general the non-listed version does not have the copper shorting strand for grounding and does not meet the crush strength requirements found in the product standard.

At a trade show, I asked a manufacturer why the made the non-listed version...he said we have customers that what it, and even though it may be a violation to install it, it is not a violation to sell it.