I’ve got a very tight fit for a piece of 2.5″ ridgidconduit. I’m using two 3×1.5″ steel C channels as supports, and attaching the conduit to these channels.
Normally, the conduit would be fastened with standard U bolts. In this case, the U bolts will be too short for me to secure all the way across both supports.
Is there another way I could use, or can I just my own U bolts out of cold rolled 3/8″ round bar and thread it where I need?
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Replies
Caddy may have a beam clamp that would fill the bill.
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Threaded rod, bend to suit.
I thought about that too, but I'm not sure they would like to see threaded rod wrapped around the conduit.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
I generally uses strut, with secure anchors (going through the wall if necessary) for supporting masts. Otherwise, there is no problem making a hanger by bending threaded rod around the pipe.
Hooray! Bended threaded it is! I like those simple solutions.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
OK...My "DIY Alert" is ringing....
I suspect that the conduit is being used to support service conductors.
If that is the case, than you must attach this "mast" as the PoCo requires. Their standards are likely available on the web.
Your ears ring true.
New 200amp service, using 2.5" to get the most height over the roof deck (8', plus another 12" above that where the service condutors enter the weatherhead). Trying to get it all to fit within a 2x4 wall is lots of fun, especially where the stucco bulges in.
All the PoCo says in their installation lit is that the mast must be secured with 3/8" U bolts, no more than 30" apart. For exterior they indicate heavy pipe strap and 3/8"x3" lag bolts.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
> Trying to get it all to fit within a 2x4 wall is lots of fun,
Here in LA, we're not allowed to do that. The conduit must be outside the stucco, strapped to the outside of the wall, from the weatherhead to the meter/breaker box. Only after they're protected by a breaker can we bring electrons inside with us.
-- J.S.
Are these two 3x1.5" steel C channels as supports UniStrut? If so, then use UniStrut clamps available at most any electical supply house. You would need a teensy little bit of space between the H beam and the heavy, threaded conduit.
How are you attaching the "two 3x1.5" steel C channels as supports"?
~Peter
No, I was considering Unistrut but I think I have more flexibility with solid steel. Here is a side view of what I'm doing: Black is steel support, grey is electrical box and conduit.
View Image
The steel channel is bolted to the slab with a Simpson HD2A and 5/8" bolts. Heavy box and heavy conduit need a very study support - hence the steel. I want this to be as solid as possible. I've only illustrated the vertical supports here, there are also going to be a number of lateral braces as well, with load paths to the slab as wellRebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
I was thinking overnight that you could lengthen the threads on the U bolts you have by using a 3/8" rod connector and then whatever additionlength of all-thread you need.
Look for all thread in the electrical aisle of Home Depot. 10' is about $4. Short pieces are available in their hardware section for much more. To bend it, you might try slipping a piece of 1/2" pipe over it near the bends.
I still don't understand why you didn't mount some 18" pieces of strut on the wall and mount your panel and conduit to that. UniStrut is the electrician's Erector Set.
~Peter
Vivaldi was wrong: there are actually five seasons.
I've reconsidered too today as I was looking at it again with fresh eyes. I went and got some Superstrut at HD. Of course, they were out of half the things I needed but I at least have enough to get started tomorrow morning.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
You might want to recheck with the PoCo. Here in Illinois, the service entrance cable even in conduit has to be externally mounted if the meter is outside. If the meter is inside the structure, the service entrance can only go through the wall, not be enclosed in the hollow of the wall vertically.
Perhaps we are misunderstanding the way you are connecting the service entrance to the meter.
No, the way I have it was approved by the service planning dept of SoCal Edison. The person was actually here at my house while we talked about it. Their liturature also shows it mounted in the wall.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
I have done a number of "in-wall" services, however, they were in B.C. Basically, I would put the u-bolts in by the rafters, and just under the roof line. BC Hydro, and the Vancouver City electrical inspectors never seemed to have a problem with that. (and they have some real "by the book" inspectors there!!! let me tell you!!!)
locolobo
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada