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#26387 06/10/03 08:13 PM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 830
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I'm getting ready to install for a customer, 3 400 watt HPS floodlights on 3 telephone poles. I see everywhere, that when pvc is run outside, the heat usually makes it bowed and it really looks bad. Is this where expansion fittings come in at?? I've never used them before. I'm thinking about just running emt up the pole. What are your thoughts. Thanks for your replies... Steve

#26388 06/10/03 08:16 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,392
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EMT's not rated for ground contact Steve, if you use pvc with expnsion joints and quickclips you should have a neat job

~S

#26389 06/11/03 03:13 AM
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 8,443
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sparkync,
Over here in NZ, we use PVC conduit to run the mains down poles and into peoples houses.
The secret to keeping the conduit straight is to adequately support it with sufficient saddles for the length of run.
Also, it should be noted that not using uPVC(UV stabilised PVC) will cause the conduit to buckle and dis-integrate, because of the effects of the sunlight.
Ordinary PVC won't last long in direct sunlight!.
Hope that this helps. [Linked Image]

#26390 06/11/03 06:27 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,391
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I agree that many times you see PVC looking bad is a direct result of inadequate support.

2002 NEC Table 352.30(B) requires supports every 3 feet for PVC in sizes 1/2", 3/4" and 1", even 6" PVC needs support every 8'.

As sparky said if you use expansion joints and the correct clip for PVC (they let the PVC slide back and forth) not minis or 1 hole clips, the job will stay looking good.

Does the customer own these poles?

If they do not you could be taking the lights back down soon after you put them up.


Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts
#26391 06/11/03 06:58 AM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,749
Member
Some important rules that should also be reviewed can be found in the 2002 NEC®

See Section 300.5(D), and 300.5(J)

National Electrical Code® and NEC® are Registered Trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. 02269


Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant
#26392 06/11/03 09:26 AM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 830
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Thanks for the replies. Sparky, if I do use emt, it will not come into contact with the ground, since I will have a weaterproof junction box at the bottom of the pole, and I will be coming into the top of it, then I would use pvc into the ground. To iwire, the customer does own these poles. I know what you're talking about though. The power company frowns on using their poles. I definitely don't like doing my work 2 or three times [Linked Image] That's why I try to get it right the first time. Thanks for all the input. This is a great resource for professional information. Steve [Linked Image]

#26393 06/13/03 02:11 AM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14
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We use stand-off's on poles here with service entrance PVC, but the PVC has to be schedule 80. and its the UV stuff. It wil definitley look bad if you dont support it every 3 foot. Here in south TX, it takes about half a day to warp the shed80 PVC before you get a chance to install it !!LOL
I get to the job and I have to make a pile of banana shaped pipe look good. Ugh, im mostly complaining of the heat right?

#26394 06/13/03 08:36 PM
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 48
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Member
I have to reaffirm what lonestar said about the UV stuff, My local supply house got in a jam a while back, they had a bunch of non Uv they were selling, I got a chunk of it on a truck one day, It was already Faded and warped from the sun. I live in Northern Minnesota where the frost heaves everything and when supported properly It holds up pretty well.


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