VE Ideas

[petersonra]

Only run the first and last 2 feet of grounding conductors, stuff the loose ends into the conduits.:slaphead: I don't remember where I saw that, but it was in the last 90 days.

would this be a code violation if it was metallic conduit?

 

[petersonra]

not really a VE but I have noticed a lot of contractors now using "pre-fab" techniques, for example in offices or areas where there are a lot of typical assemblies they have these assemblies pre-made in their shop [receptacle, backbox, whip, protector plate] so once they get on site they are installing them not having to put them together on site. Just one example. I know one contractor that will even pre-plan pipe routes and have the conduit bent and ready to install when it arrives on site.

It is not anything new. I have seen this kind of thing going back a long ways. I have often wondered why it is not more common. Field labor is insanely expensive and it is so much easier to do stuff in a controlled shop environment where you have all the tools and the equipment and the people and the parts in one place at the same time.

 

[JoeStillman]

All EMT fittings are listed for grounding. If they are pulling out or breaking that sounds like poor installation practices, lack of securing and supporting etc. Can you post some numbers to back that up?

I have no statistics - only anecdotes.

Wrought steel because it's stronger than zinc, and compression because there is more complete contact.

The same motivation to save 10? on a fitting applies to the installation too. The message is "all corners shall be cut".

 

[kwired]

Wrought steel because it's stronger than zinc, and compression because there is more complete contact.

And both are compromised if installer forgets to tighten set screws or compression nuts.

 

[iwire]

I have no statistics - only anecdotes.

Wrought steel because it's stronger than zinc, and compression because there is more complete contact.

The same motivation to save 10? on a fitting applies to the installation too. The message is "all corners shall be cut".

Consider this, if we rate the connections on a 1 to 100 scale with 100 being perfect and a ,wrought iron compression fitting as a 90 and a diecast set screw fitting as a 89. Will that really make a darn bit of difference?

The fact push in AC cable connectors are listed for grounding leads me to believe an EGC connection is pretty simple to make.

 

[ActionDave]

I have no statistics - only anecdotes.

Wrought steel because it's stronger than zinc, and compression because there is more complete contact.

The same motivation to save 10? on a fitting applies to the installation too. The message is "all corners shall be cut".

. Where I live using EMT is still common.

There is no true advantage to compression connectors. It's not about cutting corners, its about what works.

I do like steel set screw connectors better but have zero worries about using die cast.

 

[fmtjfw]

would this be a code violation if it was metallic conduit?

Don't know, but if I were the customer who "paid" for copper EGCs I'd be less than happy.

 

[petersonra]

I have seen a few cases where the set screw type fittings have come apart. Don't know if it is an installer error or not.

The ones I have seen come apart the most are the ones with the little dimple in them. Although they seem not to be real common anymore.

 

[kwired]

The ones I have seen come apart the most are the ones with the little dimple in them. Although they seem not to be real common anymore.

If you are talking about those that were crimped on - it was likely an improper crimp that allowed them to come apart. Otherwise a properly crimped one is about impossible to take apart if you want to for some reason.