No electrical conduit to AC condenser... safety hazard?

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#1

Originally Posted By: jrabanus
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I found that there was no electrical conduit for the AC condenser. Should I write this up as a safety hazard?


Josh Rabanus

[ Image: http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/more/DSCN2219.JPG

#2

Originally Posted By: jpope
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That appears to be your standard NM (Romex). It is listed for dry locations only and is required to be protected from damage.


So yes, this application, to me, appears to be a potential safety hazard.

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738

#3

Originally Posted By: jschwartz1
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Josh,


I also believe that electrical tape is typically not used in outdoor weather conditions. ![eusa_naughty.gif](upload://nYl3dmRmAIH81yCdH9V96akYnNa.gif)

Jay

#4

Originally Posted By: fwalker
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Flexable conduit of course. Rigid can’t take the vibration.

#5

Originally Posted By: jpeck
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fwalker wrote:
Flexable conduit of course.


Say what?

Can you be more specific (please)?

Remember, that is OUTDOORS.

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida
#6

Originally Posted By: fwalker
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I am aware of the fact that the condenser unit is out side of the house. Since it houses the compressor it vibrates. Water tight “flexable” conduit should be used. hard tube conduit is subject to crack. icon_cool.gif

#7

Originally Posted By: Darcy Heron
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This might help!!


http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/more/Air.jpg[/img]
http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/more/Flexible.jpg[/img]

#8

Originally Posted By: fwalker
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Jery, Please refer to Darcy’s picture. It will show you what I am talking about.

#9

Originally Posted By: jpeck
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fwalker wrote:
Water tight "flexable" conduit should be used.


That's why I wanted you to be more specific.

'Flexible conduit' is not liquidtight conduit, and it needed to be liquidtight conduit too.

Either liquidtight flexible metal conduit or liquidtight flexible non-metallic conduit

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida
#10

Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell
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I agree that these A/C units are usually wired with SealTite but I am not sure why you can’t use UF, SE or wet location MC. It is supported within 12" of the connector. Anyone got a code reference?


I would question the Romex connector tho. If a “cable” is legal it would still need a wet location connector.


The mechanical code will probably have a problem with supporting the cable on the Freon line and that may really be the violation.

#11

Originally Posted By: jrabanus
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This helps me alot thanks guys. Darcy, thanks for the pics.


Josh Rabanus

#12

Originally Posted By: bbadger
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Good luck finding a code reference that rigid conduit can not be used. icon_lol.gif

–
Bob Badger


Electrical Construction & Maintenance


Moderator at ECN

#13

Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell
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Bob I imagine the real reason HVAC techs use sealtite is because it is easy. Bending conduit may be a trick they are not willing to learn.


Usually the EC stops at the disconnect.


These new condensers don’t really vibrate that much (at least not the outer case) and I agree there is no code reason why you can’t use pipe.

#14

Originally Posted By: bbadger
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Hi Greg, here we wire all the way to the unit and I have never used rigid all the way.


I just wanted to point out the lack of code rules in regards to vibrating equipment.

Strangely enough typical MC would be NEC compliant. ![icon_confused.gif](upload://qv5zppiN69qCk2Y6JzaFYhrff8S.gif)

Bob

--
Bob Badger
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Moderator at ECN