What’s Wrong Here? Hint: Snapped Support Clips
A close examination of this Photo will reveal the top two clips used to support this service raceway are broken and snapped apart. The third clip is not too far from being snapped off either due to the communication cable drop being secured to the PVC conduit clip. I’m wondering if that communication cable was the culprit all along. I think it was attached to the top clip originally, and when that clip failed, a repair technician simply attached it to the next one down, and then the third clip down after the second clip failed too. This is speculation on my part, but the clues seem to be leading me to this conclusion.
PVC conduit clips are not designed to withstand the kind of pulling and tugging forces generated from the attached overhead communication cable that can happen during snowstorms and other high-wind conditions. Attaching the communication cable in this manner does not comply with Sec. 800.44. Using PVC conduit clips in this manner does not comply with Sec. 110.3(B). This communication cable should have been attached directly to the steel support beam used to support the PVC conduit.
About the Author
Russ LeBlanc
Owner
Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.
Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.