This article was posted 12/08/2008 and is most likely outdated.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
  • For what it's worth, after working over ten years as an industrial electrician, I prefer screw connections for ease of installation. When standing on a scissors lift, twenty feet off the deck and leaning over to make a connectiion, it would take three hands to tighten a compression fitting, two for the wrenches and one to hold the pipe tight. With a set screw, one hand could hold the pipe together and one to tighten the setscrew. Much easier and no need for a helper (or a third arm). My connections never failed. My method for any setscrew: tighten, loosen a bit, retighten. Never fails.

    Ken Carroll

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