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Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Question:

Hello Code Friends. My company performed a job for a customer that required installation of a straight pull service with 8 (eight) parallel 4-inch Aluminum Rigid Conduits. Each Conduit had a fill of 32% (5-600MCM). We used a standard size Conduit Body for the pull. The customer stated we are in violation of NEC 314.28 (A)(1). We countered that 314.28(A)(3) allowed the use of a smaller Conduit Body. Who is using the correct interpretation of the Code?  Best, Richard Springer
A

Answer:

Hi Richard, thanks for the question. This will depend on the conduit body. You are correct Section 314.28(A)(3) does permit the use of a listed conduit body smaller than the dimensions listed in (A)(1) & (A)(2). However, some conduit bodies have a maximum volume or maximum number of conductors stamped on them, and in many cases that volume is more restrictive than Table 1 or 2 of Chapter 9. This would be considered manufacturer installation instructions and part of the listing of that conduit body, and therefore it would supersede Section 314.28(A)(3).

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