All references are based on the 2026 edition of the NEC.

The Missing Connector Mystery

I’m guessing that the original installation here included a complete 90° connector for the liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit (LFNC) entering the side of the weatherproof box. But what happened to it? It’s broken, and some parts are missing. The discolored appearance of the other two LFNC connectors and the LFNC itself suggests sunlight damage played a role in the mystery of the missing connector.

Section 300.8(C)(1) requires nonmetallic raceways and fittings exposed to direct sunlight to be either listed or identified as being sunlight resistant. And since this installation is in New England, perhaps the bitter cold of the winter months also played a role. While Sec. 356.10(3) permits LFNC outdoors, the Informational Note for Sec. 356.10 reminds us that extreme cold can cause nonmetallic raceways and fittings to become brittle. When this occurs, they can easily be damaged by physical contact. UV rays from the sun and extreme cold probably caused this connector to become brittle, which most likely led to its demise.

Saggy Raceway Installation

Gravity is doing a great job of dragging down the boxes, lights, and raceways installed here. The four boxes and four lights installed in the middle of this conduit run are not properly supported. Section 314.23 requires boxes to be supported in accordance with the provisions specified in Sec. 314.23(A) through Sec. 314.23(H). Section 314.23(F) is the Section we need to focus on here. The two boxes supporting floodlights on this side of the sign do not comply with the requirements in Sec. 314.23(F) allowing a box to be supported by two or more conduits threaded into the box. The two boxes installed at the ends of the rigid metal conduits jutting out underneath the sign do not comply with the very specific requirements spelled out in either Exception No. 1 or Exception No. 2, which allow a box to be supported by a single conduit.

Section 410.36(A) permits luminaires to be supported by an outlet box, but only if the box is supported in accordance with Sec. 314.23. Lastly, Sec. 344.30(A)(1) requires rigid metallic conduit (RMC) to be securely fastened within 3 ft of each outlet box. That didn’t happen here either.