Hint: Sketchy use of EMT.
Neither EMT nor EMT connectors are designed or listed for supporting the weight of an exit sign! If the installer who did this work stopped and thought about what was really supporting the weight of this dangling equipment, he or she may have realized that the setscrew connectors and the locknuts are being asked to preform functions they are not really not designed for. They are supporting all the weight of the exit sign, the battery inside the exit sign, the wires, and even the 4-inch octagonal box on which the exit sign is mounted.
Section 358.12(2) prohibits using EMT “for the support of luminaires or other equipment except conduit bodies no larger than the trade size of the tubing.” Installing anchors in the ceiling and using threaded rod to support the exit sign would be one relatively easy fix to provide a Code-compliant installation here. The dangling EMT is also not properly secured and supported as required by Sec. 358.30.
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.