What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Airborne PVC Conduit

June 22, 2023

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: Airborne PVC conduit

Airborne PVC conduit on back of restaurant

I spotted this interesting wiring arrangement at the back of a restaurant I was visiting. That is a rigid PVC conduit installed from the building to the post where the floodlight is mounted. The only support for this conduit is the glue and the connectors on the end of the raceway! In fact, if you look closely, you may notice the conduit has pulled apart near the downspout on the building because of all the weight and strain on the fittings. Rigid PVC conduit must be supported and secured in accordance with the requirements of Sec. 352.30. Section 352.30(A) requires the conduit to be securely fastened with 3 ft of each box, conduit body, or other conduit termination. In addition, Sec. 352.30(B) requires the conduit to be supported at intervals not exceeding those specified in Table 352.30(B). For this conduit, supports would be needed at intervals no greater than 3 ft.

About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.