ECN Electrical Forum
Discussion Forums for Electricians, Inspectors and Related Professionals

In a repair garage, the area up to 18" is considered a Class 1 Div 2 location.
These folks did put in the required conduit seals at about 20", but I think there's still a problem.

What do ya think?

Are those EMT connectors coming into the bottom of the sealoffs???

Certainly are!
So, what's the problem?

Well, EMT isn't allowed in a Class 1 Div 2 area per 501.4(B), assuming that this is power wiring not exempted under 501.4(B)3.

If the conduit is rigid or IMC, then the use of EMT connectors on it would be a violation of listing requirements under 110.3(B).

You got it right on the money, but
This one's double-trouble!.
Although not shown, right up above is a panelboard.
That's a waterline to a drinking fountain.(Why would anyone run a 3/4" plumbing feed to a single drinking fountain?)...S

[This message has been edited by electure (edited 11-11-2003).]

Electure, did you check to see if the sealoffs were filled?

Roger

Would somebody please "translate" this into layman's terms?

Some areas in repair garages are considered "classified areas", primarily because of the potential for fuel vapor buildup. Wiring in such areas is subject to very demanding requirements, including the use of rigid or IMC conduit, threaded connections, explosionproof boxes and fixtures, and proper sealing to prevent flammable vapors from moving through the conduit to remote locations.

The fittings shown here are called "sealoffs" or "EY seals", and are used to physically seal the conduit at the boundary of the hazardous area. After the wires are pulled, a liquid sealing compound is poured into the fitting (through the plugs with the square recesses), which fills up the spaces around the wires and prevents flammable vapors from passing the seal.

The use of EMT fittings could allow flames and hot gases from a vapor explosion inside the conduit system to ignite the surrounding atmosphere. Only threaded connections are allowed here.

The requirements for wiring in hazardous locations are spelled out in Articles 500 and 501 of the NEC.

Maybe the water line will rupture and put out the fire after the explosion. a 3/4 line would really help then

I pulled one of the plugs, and yes, these were poured. There was even a little dab of NoAlox, or some anti-sieze lube, on the threads of the plug!
The waterline run through the dedicated space for the panelboard is a violation as well.

TG, before the liquid is poured in, a fiber material is driven into the conduit to keep the liquid sealing compound (one mfr. calls their's "Chico") from pouring down the conduit.