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#120863 05/14/05 10:13 AM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,682
Likes: 3
Admin Offline OP
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Quote
Question: How would you go about fixing this installation? Or…would you not even bother?


Background: “Smurf” tube is installed to protect UF cable that is supplying power to a GFCI convenience receptacle on the side of a wastewater treatment chlorine contact tank.

Glenn (safetygem)
[Linked Image]

#120864 05/14/05 10:34 AM
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,233
H
Member
First question I would ask is "Is the area classified? i.e. Class 1 Div. I? or is it in an unclassified area?

#120865 05/14/05 01:59 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,445
Likes: 2
Cat Servant
Member
I'm going to start by stating the assumptions upon which my answer is based.

- I assume the area is unclassified;
- that there is a circuit entering the back of the box;
- that corrosion is a problem; and,
- that the area where the wire is run- right along the curb- can be considered to be 'without traffic,' due to the heigth of the curb.

So, here's a solution:
1- Replace "Bell" box with 4x4x4 PVC box (you can drill opening anywhere in back);
2- From bottom of box, stub out PVC 90, continue PVC run slightly below grade;
3- At end of PVC, use a female adapter and a compression-type UF cable grip to attach UF.

As I see it, the "smurf" is being used for additional mechanical protection, and possibly to reduce a trip hazard. The only problem....if there is one...is that it appears the Smurf is connected properly to the box- which makes me wonder if there is anything mechanically connecting the UF. The wiring connections need some sort of strain relief.

I also suspect that the install was done with the box horizontal to prevent it from profecting above the curb; it is possible that a round box would also create such a trip hazard.

#120866 05/15/05 12:52 PM
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 706
T
Member
I'm tired of getting down on the ground for things like this. Maybe we could plant a cedar 4X4 and mount the bell box high enough so I could pull up a chair and be comfortable. I'm sure I'd be using something more "Rigid" than smurf tube.

Dave

#120867 05/15/05 01:05 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,445
Likes: 2
Cat Servant
Member
:-) Tiger...I like your idea, and would like to see it made "code". My old bones are tired of all this crawling, stooping, climbing, etc.

#120868 05/15/05 08:41 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 693
L
Member
I agree. We should lobby to have the floor raised to a height that would eliminate having to bend down to retrieve dropped stuff.


Larry Fine
Fine Electric Co.
fineelectricco.com

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