"Rigid" electrical conduit

Karl Andrews · 08-20-2011, 10:59 PM

Hi,
New guy to the board here. I am in a quandary.

Can G.I. pipe fittings be used in "rigid" conduit applications in Chicago? I am re-directing a service to a main box and I cannot find "rigid" style conduit nipples in the sizes I need but I can get them in galvanized iron.
I am speaking specifically about 1 1/4" nipples. I have access to a Rigid
pipe threading machine, but it doesn't have a nipple chuck. I suppose I could rig up one and make my own nipples but that means buying a 10' length of pipe for less than 2 ft combined total inches of nipples.

Can someone help me with this quandary?

TIA

Karl Andrews

jbfan · 08-21-2011, 09:31 AM

No, galvanixed pipe can not be used.
Most hardware store will cut and thread the nipples for you.

jlmran · 08-21-2011, 09:36 AM

Is the 'no' a Chicago rule or another rule?

**oh'mike** · 08-21-2011, 09:40 AM

There must be an electrical supply house around --

Where are you located?

Code05 · 08-21-2011, 09:43 AM

Plumbing pipe is not the same as rigid conduit. The inside can have rough edges that will nick the wire. Go to a supply house, they will have what you need.

jlmran · 08-21-2011, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Code05

Plumbing pipe is not the same as rigid conduit. The inside can have rough edges that will nick the wire. Go to a supply house, they will have what you need.

It might not be best practice, but is it forbidden?

Jim Port · 08-21-2011, 09:51 AM

The NEC requires things to be used for their purpose. Plumbing pipe is not listed for electrical usage.

**oh'mike** · 08-21-2011, 09:52 AM

I believe the threads on rigid conduit are straight and plumbing pipe has tapered---so yes it is prohibited.

Code05 · 08-21-2011, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oh'mike

I believe the threads on rigid conduit are straight and plumbing pipe has tapered---so yes it is prohibited.

Rigid is tapered.

344.28 Reaming and Threading. All cut ends shall be
reamed or otherwise finished to remove rough edges. Where
conduit is threaded in the field, a standard cutting die with a
1 in 16 taper (3⁄4 in. taper per foot) shall be used.

**oh'mike** · 08-21-2011, 10:22 AM

Good to know----I'm not an electrician although I worked for one some years back-----

Karl Andrews · 08-21-2011, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oh'mike

I believe the threads on rigid conduit are straight and plumbing pipe has tapered---so yes it is prohibited.

================================================== ====

The pipe fittings I have fit perfectly, so I'm not worried about the threads.

I'll check around, we don't have a lot of electical supply houses in my 'hood, and the "big box" stores dont carry a lot of larger size fittings although I know where a couple are.
Thanks for the help.

KA

Karl Andrews · 08-21-2011, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbfan

No, galvanixed pipe can not be used.
Most hardware store will cut and thread the nipples for you.

================================================== ===

The hardware store I work p/t at doesn't carry 1 1/4 fittings, nor do we carry that size "rigid". Most hardware stores don't carry larger sizes. We dont even carry 1 1/4 in the catalog. I'll try to find the size nipples I need and if push comes to shove I can buy a piece of rigid , cut and thread it myself. I can jerry-rig a threading jig for the shorter pieces.

KA

secutanudu · 08-21-2011, 12:42 PM

One of these places should have it

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=electr...+chicago%2C+il

jlmran · 08-21-2011, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Port

The NEC requires things to be used for their purpose. Plumbing pipe is not listed for electrical usage.

What is plumbing pipe, by definition?

Code05 · 08-21-2011, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlmran

What is plumbing pipe, by definition?

It ain't Rigid Metal Conduit and it ain't listed as such.

344.6 Listing Requirements. RMC, factory elbows and
couplings, and associated fittings shall be listed.