This article was posted 12/08/2008 and is most likely outdated.

Interesting Question from an Engineer
 

 

Subject - Interesting Question from an Engineer

December 8, 2008
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Interesting Question from an Engineer

Mike,

I’d like to ask your opinion on compression couplings versus set screw type. I work for an A & E firm and have been an electric power engineer for 48 years, and counting.  Our company standards call for compression couplings exclusively and have for as long as I know.

 

However, contractors who I respect for their experience and integrity (which is not all of them) state that set screw fittings are equal and in some ways better than compression.  And I think I agree, at least do not disagree, as I do not and never have regarded conduits as grounds. That being the case, I see little reason for compression couplings in most of our projects which are not in areas of high vibration, long vertical runs, long distanced between supports, conduit abuse, etc.

 

Your thoughts would be welcome.

 

Thanks, Kevin Cassidy

 

Mike Holt’s Response: Kevin, I never could figure out why compression fittings were part of specifications; to me SS fitting are equal to or better than compression fittings.
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Comments

  • Mike regarding the question from Kevin Cassidy on Set-Screw fittings; as you know I have been a member of CMP-8 and have represented the Conduit & Tubing industry for many years. CMP-8 added language in 358.6 to require all fittings to be listed. Underwriter Laboratories added test parameters a number of years ago for these fittings. Therefore, both the set-screw type and the compression type does provide equal performance. In addition the Testing done a number of years ago by The Georgia Institute of Technology (GA-TECH) use both types in their field testing to validate the GEMI software program. Both performed equal. 358.30 covers EMT support requirements and 314.23 covers box support requirements if these requirements are followed the fittings should not be stressed under normal field conditions. For additional information go to; www.steelconduit.org

    Richard E. Loyd

    richard Loyd
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