Unistrut as a raceway?

[factoryrat]

We are installing some fluorescent lighting. We are using 1-5/8? x 1-5/8? Unistrut to hang the lights off of. We also want to use the Unistrut as a raceway. Does the NEC allow this? How many #12 AWG ?THHN conductors can I put in the Unistrut if the code does allows this? Can this be calculated? Where in the NEC would I find this information.

Thank you

 

[tony_psuee]

factoryrat,

Referencing NEC 2005, Article 384, Strut-Type Channel Raceway, has the answers to your questions.

Tony

 

[ryan_618]

Just know that it must be listed as a raceway.

 

[mdshunk]

I've used "strut type channel raceway" only one time. It has a "cap" that you clip on sorta like wiremold 3000, and the strut has no holes in it. You need to drill your own holes (at least the stuff I used). It was sort of a pain, and I didn't really see the benefit. I never really investigated it further to see of ordinary Kindorf with the holes is also listed as this type of raceway.

 

[infinity]

I have used the Kindorf product many times. It usually has 1/2" Ko's on the bottom of the strut to wire the fixtures. For long rows of suspended fixtures the stuff is really great. It is expensive but will save labor and conduit.

 

[George Stolz]

Got a link? It might come in handy for me in the next few days. I have an impossible problem I'm working on.

 

[infinity]

Got a link? It might come in handy for me in the next few days. I have an impossible problem I'm working on.

Look here for the Kindorf system:

http://www.tnb-canada.com/en/catalogues/online/industrial_MRO/pdf/c11/07_strutcat_e.pdf

 

[kingpb]

See the following:

http://unistrut.com/Browse/ref_data.php?P=Electrical_Technical_2

http://www.unistrut.com/about/index.php?doc=Part2&pg=1&zm=color

 

[Rockyd]

Code catching up to "secret" practices. Section 384 covers strut. First time ever used it as a raceway (had the factory covers) was back in 1990 in Vancouver Washington at HP Computer plant. We used heat shrink over the all-thread where we "thought wire might be at risk to mechanical vibration". Mke sure to file your strut (ream).

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

I have seen the product many times, mostly in larger commercial work. It does come with the 1/2 KOs. As has been mentioned, I have seen it mostly for lighting.

Standard Unistrut installed mostly as a support means is not a raceway.

 

[George Stolz]

Thanks for the links; I'm downloading (slowly on dial-up) as I type.