Q. What are the Code rules for securing and supporting Type LFMC?
See answer below.
A. Liquidtight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) must be securely fastened in place and supported per Sec. 350.30(A) and (B).
As per Sec. 350.30(A), LFMC must be securely fastened by a means approved by the authority having jurisdiction within 1 ft of termination and must be secured and supported at intervals not exceeding 4½ ft.
Where cable ties are used for securing LFMC they must be listed and identified for securement and support.
Exception No. 1: LFMC is not required to be securely fastened or supported where fished between access points through concealed spaces and supporting is impracticable.
Exception No. 2: If flexibility is necessary after installation, unsecured lengths from the last point where the raceway is securely fastened are not permitted to exceed:
(1) 3 ft for trade sizes ½ through 1¼
(2) 4 ft for trade sizes 1½ through 2
(3) 5 ft for trade sizes 2½ and larger
Exception No. 4: Lengths not exceeding 6 ft from the last point where the raceway is securely fastened can be unsecured within an accessible ceiling for a luminaire(s) or other equipment (Figure).
For these exceptions, listed LFMC fittings are permitted as a means of securement and support.
Author’s comment: This last sentence following the four exceptions means that the use of LFMC fittings as the means of securing and supporting only applies to installations made using one of the four exceptions. It should not be misconstrued as blanket permission to use the fittings to secure and support the LFMC in all applications.
These materials are provided to us by Mike Holt Enterprises in Leesburg, Fla. To view Code training materials offered by this company, visit www.mikeholt.com/code.
