Limit of 360 degrees in conduit runs?

[jasonskaggs]

Hopefully someone can confirm what I believe to be a mistake on my part before I rip out my conduit and retrench.

I used the plumbing trenches to get my 4 pool lights and main electrical feeds back to my equipment pad and jboxes. However, the runs required from 3 to 6 90s.

I don't know why I didn't find the information sooner, but after running the conduit I found that you cannot exceed 360 degrees in any single conduit run without a pull box.

Can someone confirm?

If so, I will need to dig a new trench from my main panel directly to my ET8 and I will have to relocate my jboxes closer to the pool lights.

Can anyone advise, the jboxes will be well out of traffic areas, is it OK to mount them at the above-grade required height supported by only the Grey PVC conduit. I have all of the materials and prefer not working with steel conduit if possible.

Thanks for the help.

 

[duraleigh]

6 - 90's will be tough. I pulled 5-90's from pool light to box (about110 feet) and it was all I wanted.

The only way I know to find out is to try it. Lube it up heavily.....it really helps.

 

[bdavis466]

You are going to have trouble with those manufactured sweeps. You'd be much better off heat bending the conduit to produce much larger radiused turns. 360 degrees is not out of the question either... Lube is your friend.

 

[JamesW]

It might be a code problem if the local inspector won't pass the installation.

 

[jasonskaggs]

I am mostly worried about code as I have pulled the conductors - not easy, but doable.

I think code is no more than 360 degrees. Can any Electricians in CA chime in with their expert advice?

Thanks!

 

[bdavis466]

I've never had an inspector count turns and if the wire is already run, I don't see what the issue would be from the inspector's perspective.

Are these 120V lights? Did you also pull a #8 insulated ground wire?

 

[JamesW]

Depends on whether or not it passes inspection. Also, it could be an issue when replacing the light. Sometimes, it can be very difficult to impossible to pull out the old cord or pull in the new cord.

 

[jasonskaggs]

The wires are only ran for 2 out of the 4 lights, but I have run all conduit including the run from my main panel.

I did run the insulated 8 awg copper wire as well.

I think I will relocate the jboxes to avoid the 90s, but can they be mounted with only the PVC supporting them or do I need to mount them to/on something?

As for the main run, I'll trench a direct route.

The Lessons Learned just keep coming

 

[bdavis466]

Usually one of the empty sockets of the junction box is connected to a piece of steel conduit that is buried

 

[gwegan]

So yes under the code in California you can't exceed 360 in bends in a single run. But as Brian said I can't recall an inspector calling that out. You have two major strikes against you. First as i remember these are long runs which magnify the problem. Additionally you are a DIY. Both of those will interest an inspector.

The metal conduit as a support for your panel is the minimum. You can do more like a board supported by posts. But NM won't cut it. Its like $10 in parts (probably less) at HD.

You need to read this it explains NEC 680 for electricians. its the 2015 NEC and California uses a version of the 2011 NEC so its not perfect.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiOqJSe39vQAhVYVWMKHRuEDiEQFggcMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mikeholt.com%2Fdownload.php%3Ffile%3DPDF%2FSwimming_Pools_and_Spas_2014NEC.pdf&usg=AFQjCNHli4CC4UMdxP1Gtws655OlTlceYQ&sig2=Tj47iq5LWNSSw3X-lx3CXw

 

[JamesW]

I would suspect that most electricians would comply with the code and not exceed 360, so no reason to flag the job.

However, I don't know if most inspectors would notice or care if the number of turns exceeded 360.

In any case, usually best to follow code.

 

[bdavis466]

They've only been concerned on conduit trench depth in my experience. The turns don't really change anything except making it harder or impossible to pull the wire. That isn't the inspector's problem so I don't see why they'd care.

 

[JamesW]

If the wire is difficult to pull, it could potentially be damaged from excess stress and friction. It could also be a problem down the line if the wires need to be replaced.

In any case, their job is to make sure that the installation complies with applicable code. The code is written for a reason.

Inspectors don't have the authority to ignore code violations.

Maybe the installation would pass and maybe it wouldn't depending on the inspector.

In any case, the default should always be to comply with all applicable codes.

 

[Just-a-PB]

Yes, it is a code no more then 360 in a run. The main purpose of the code is safety. Having too many bends makes the pull very hard which can stretch or damage the cable making it unsafe.
Yes the PVC can support the box as long as there is at least two conduits going into it, which of course there would be, you will probably have more with all those lights. And it can not be higher then 3' or conduit itself would have to be supported.
Not only am I a pool builder, but spent the first half of my life as a Union Commercial Electrician and instructor at our apprenticeship.
Of course your local inspector has jurisdiction and can demand most anything they want

 

[jasonskaggs]

I appreciate the responses and advice. I will relocate the jboxes a little closer to the pool in order to meet code and make future change outs easier.

I'll also trench a new route for the main feed. Might as well since I wanted to rent a trencher and put irrigation conduit in before the decking anyhow.

I'll be sure to post photos after.

Thanks again!

 

[JamesW]

Thanks for the update.