union fitting

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

mannyb

Senior Member
Location
Florida
Occupation
Electrician
This question pertains to gas station. Can you install a union underground between dispenser sump after it leaves classified area all the way to the store where it comes out of the ground? I know I cant install a union, coupl, etc as it emerges out of ground near dispenser sump in classified area before seal off.
 
Example: Erickson type? As you mentioned per 514.8 would be a no no, if underground I don’t find any prohibited text as long as it’s listed for its use 344.6, 345.10, 314.15
Disclaimer: (I may have overlooked something)
 
See the next to last sentence of Section 514.8 main text. This can be a bit confusing in the context of the earlier main text's content. While the underground is not typically classified, it is often treated as if it is for fuel dispensing facilities. This is because spillage is frequent enough that there is some concern that fuels may enter the underground wiring and be transmitted as vapors to the above grade through the raceways; hence the requirement that a seal must be installed within 10' of emergence from grade and there be no union, coupling, box, or fitting between the seal and emergence from grade.

That said, between a properly sealed dispenser sump location and the above grade 'emergence' seal, an underground explosionproof union (not an Erickson as mentioned by JGinIndy) is no different than a standard coupling.

NOTE Section 501.15(C)(1) requires seals fittings to be accessible, thus the 'emergence' seal must be above grade.
 
Last edited:
I have installed unions underground many times at gas stations. I tried hard not to because of the cost (I used x-proof unions). I always wondered if those unions were rated for u/g use, but never checked and never was turned down because of it.
 
oldsparky52 said:
I have installed unions underground many times at gas stations. I tried hard not to because of the cost (I used x-proof unions). I always wondered if those unions were rated for u/g use, but never checked and never was turned down because of it.
Click to expand...

:) I can only speak for myself and the dozen or so other inspectors I work with closely.. not getting "turned down" on a Classified area job is not a good indication of it's being compliant... few inspectors have a good knowledge of Hazardous ::(
 
Within the context of this discussion, unions typically fall under Sections 344.6 and 344.10(A)(1).
 
So I thought I did answer the OP about using a union UG.......no?
 
oldsparky52 said:
I have installed unions underground many times at gas stations. I tried hard not to because of the cost (I used x-proof unions). I always wondered if those unions were rated for u/g use, but never checked and never was turned down because of it.
Click to expand...
I have used unions under ground also. Generally just a galv 3 piece coupling. Ive seen many aluminum exp proof ones used that have turned to dust. My take is that area outside dispenser sump is not classified

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top