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Nema RN-1-2018

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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
557 views14 pages

Nema RN-1-2018

Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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NEMA Standards Publication

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National Electrical Manufacturers Association


NEMA Standards Publication RN 1-2018

Polyvinyl-Chloride (PVC) Externally Coated Galvanized Rigid Steel Metal Conduit


and Intermediate Metal Conduit

Published by

National Electrical Manufacturers Association


1300 N. 17th Street, Suite 900
Rosslyn, VA 22209

www.nema.org

© 2018 National Electrical Manufacturers Association. All rights, including translation into other
languages, reserved under the Universal Copyright Convention, the Berne Convention for the
Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, and the International and Pan American copyright
conventions.
NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

The information in this publication was considered technically sound by a consensus among persons
engaged in its development at the time it was approved. Consensus does not necessarily mean there
was unanimous agreement among every person participating in the development process.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards and guideline publications, of
which the document herein is one, are developed through a voluntary standards development process.
This process brings together volunteers and/or seeks out the views of persons who have an interest in
the topic covered by this publication. Although NEMA administers the process and establishes rules to
promote fairness in the development of consensus, it does not write the documents, nor does it
independently test, evaluate, or verify the accuracy or completeness of any information or the
soundness of any judgments contained in its standards and guideline publications.

NEMA disclaims liability for any personal injury, property, or other damages of any nature, whether
special, indirect, consequential, or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the publication,
use of, application, or reliance on this document. NEMA disclaims and makes no guaranty or warranty,
express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein, and
disclaims and makes no warranty that the information in this document will fulfill any particular
purpose(s) or need(s). NEMA does not undertake to guarantee the performance of any individual
manufacturer’s or seller’s products or services by virtue of this standard or guide.

In publishing and making this document available, NEMA is not undertaking to render professional or
other services for or on behalf of any person or entity, nor is NEMA undertaking to perform any duty
owed by any person or entity to someone else. Anyone using this document should rely on his or her
own independent judgment or, as appropriate, seek the advice of a competent professional in
determining the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstance. Information and other
standards on the topic covered by this publication may be available from other sources, which the user
may wish to consult for additional views or information not covered by this publication.

NEMA has no power, nor does it undertake to police or enforce compliance with the contents of this
document. NEMA does not certify, test, or inspect products, designs, or installations for safety or health
purposes. Any certification or other statement of compliance with any health- or safety-related
information in this document shall not be attributable to NEMA and is solely the responsibility of the
certifier or maker of the statement.

© 2018 National Electrical Manufacturers Association


NEMA RN 1-2018
Page i

Foreword
The purpose of this standards publication is to describe plastic coatings which are applied to
galvanized rigid metal conduit and galvanized intermediate metal conduit. This standard covers
the properties and dimensions of these coatings and is intended as an aid for selecting and
obtaining the proper coating for added corrosion protection in various applications of these
electrical raceways.

User needs have been considered throughout the development of this publication. Proposed or
recommended revisions should be submitted to:

Senior Technical Director, Operations


National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 N. 17th Street, Suite 900
Rosslyn, VA 22209

This standards publication was developed by the NEMA Steel Conduit and Electrical Metallic Tubing
Section of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. Section approval of the standard does
not necessarily imply that all section members voted for its approval or participated in its
development. At the time it was approved, the NEMA Steel Conduit and Electrical Metallic Tubing
Section was composed of the following members:

Atkore International Harvey, IL


Calpipe Industries, Inc. Rancho Dominguez, CA
Republic Conduit, a Nucor Company Louisville, KY
Robroy Industries, Inc. Verona, PA
Western Tube Division of Zekelman Long Beach, CA
Wheatland Tube Company Chicago, IL
Thomas & Betts, a member of the ABB Group Memphis, TN

© 2018 National Electrical Manufacturers Association


NEMA RN 1-2018
Page ii

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© 2018 National Electrical Manufacturers Association


NEMA RN 1- 2018
Page iii

CONTENTS
Section 1, General ..........................................................................................................................1
1.1 Scope......................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Referenced Standards............................................................................................................1
Section 2, Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC), Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) and Electrical
Rigid Metal Conduit— aluminum (ERMC-A) ................................................................................3
2.1 Galvanized Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)..................................................................................3
2.2 Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) ..........................................................................................3
2.3 Electrical Rigid Metal Conduit—Aluminum (ERMC-A) ..........................................................3
2.4 Interior Coatings ....................................................................................................................3
2.5 Thread Protectors ..................................................................................................................3
Section 3, External Coatings .........................................................................................................4
3.1 Thickness................................................................................................................................4
3.2 Coating Material......................................................................................................................4
3.3 Application of Coating ............................................................................................................4
3.4 Elbows ...................................................................................................................................4
3.5 Couplings ...............................................................................................................................4
3.6 Workmanship and Appearance .............................................................................................5
3.7 Performance Requirements ...................................................................................................5
3.8 Adhesion ................................................................................................................................5
Annex A ...........................................................................................................................................6

© 2018 National Electrical Manufacturers Association


NEMA RN 1-2018
Page iv

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© 2018 National Electrical Manufacturers Association


NEMA RN 1-2018
Page 1

Section 1
General
1.1 Scope

This standard covers continuous polyvinyl chloride exterior coatings, corrosion resistant interior
coatings, and the galvanized rigid metal conduit (RMC), galvanized steel intermediate metal
conduit (IMC), electrical rigid metal conduit—aluminum (ERMC-A), threaded couplings, and
elbows to which they may be applied.

1.2 Referenced Standards

The following publications are adopted in whole or in part, as indicated by reference in this
Standard Publication.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
nd
11 West 42 Street
New York, NY 10036
C80.1-2016 American National Standard for Rigid Steel Conduit—Zinc Coated
C80.5-2015 American National Standard for Electrical Rigid Aluminum Conduit—
Aluminum (ERMC-A)
C80.6-2005 American National Standard for Intermediate Metal Conduit

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)


100 Barr Harbor Drive
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
D149-97a (2004) Standard Test Methods for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric
Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at Commercial Power
Frequencies
This method describes a procedure for the determination of dielectric
strength of solid, semi-solid, and liquid electrical insulating materials.

D638-03 Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics


This test method is used to determine the tensile strength and the
percent elongation of plastic coating compounds. A Type IV specimen is
tested at a crosshead speed of 2 inches (50.8 mm) per minute.

D1790-02 Standard Test Method for Brittleness Temperature of Plastic Film by


Impact
This method covers the determination of that temperature at which
plastic film 0.25 mm (10 mils) or less in thickness exhibits a brittle failure.

D2240-04 Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hardness


This method is used to determine the Shore A and Shore D hardness of
PVC coating compounds.

G6-88(1998) Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Pipeline Coatings


This method is used to determine the abrasion resistance of the applied
coating material. It measures the time to loss of infinite resistance when
the coating is subjected to an abrasive slurry.

G10-83(2002) Standard Test Method for Specific Bendability of Pipeline Coatings


This test method is used to determine the bendability of coated conduit.
It consists of bending a small-diameter specimen of coating pipe around
a mandrel to produce a range of short-radius bends.

© 2018 National Electrical Manufacturers Association


NEMA RN 1-2018
Page 2

G153-04 Standard Practice for Operating Enclosed Carbon Arc Light Apparatus
for Exposure of Non-metallic Materials
This recommended practice covers the basic principles and standard
operating procedure for light- and water-exposure apparatus employing a
carbon-arc light source.

Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL)


333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, IL 60062

UL 6-2004 Safety Standard for Rigid Metal Conduit

UL 1242-2003 Safety Standard for Intermediate Metal Conduit

© 2018 National Electrical Manufacturers Association


NEMA RN 1-2018
Page 3

Section 2
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC), Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) and Electrical
Rigid Metal Conduit—Aluminum (ERMC-A)

2.1 Galvanized Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)

Galvanized RMC, threaded couplings, and elbows are defined in and shall conform to American
National Standard C80.1, and Underwriters Laboratories UL 6.

If the threads are cut after the zinc coating has been applied, the threads shall be treated with a
protective coating to prevent corrosion before installing.

When corrosion protection is necessary, and the conduit is threaded in the field, the threads shall
be coated with an approved electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant compound. Zinc-rich paint
or other coatings acceptable to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) may be used.

Where unusually corrosive environments are encountered, threads shall be given additional
protection suitable for the intended application.

2.2 Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)

Galvanized IMC, threaded couplings, and elbows are defined in and shall conform to American
National Standard C80.6 and Underwriters Laboratories UL 1242.

If the threads are cut after the zinc coating has been applied, the threads shall be treated with a
protective coating to prevent corrosion before installing.

When corrosion protection is necessary, and the conduit is threaded in the field, the threads shall
be coated with an approved electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant compound. Zinc-rich paint
or other coatings acceptable to the AHJ may be used.

Where unusually corrosive environments are encountered, threads shall be given additional
protection suitable for the intended application.

2.3 Electrical Rigid Metal Conduit—Aluminum (ERMC-A)

ERMC-A, threaded couplings, and elbows are defined in and shall conform to American National
Standard C80.5 and Underwriters Laboratories UL 6A.

2.4 Interior Coatings

Any supplemental interior coating shall be smooth and continuous and shall be unaffected by the
heat of the exterior coating process.

2.5 Thread Protectors

Thread protectors shall be used on the exposed threads of the coated conduit.

© 2018 National Electrical Manufacturers Association


NEMA RN 1-2018
Page 4

Section 3
External Coatings
3.1 Thickness

The thickness of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coatings shall be a nominal 0.040 in. (1.02 mm). The
tolerance on the coating thickness shall be +0.010 in. (0.25mm) or í0.005 in. (0.13 mm).

3.2 Coating Material

The PVC coating shall have the properties specified in Table 3-1.

Table 3-1
Properties of PVC Coatings

Property Minimum Requirement ASTM Test Method


Hardness:
Shore A 75 D 2240
Shore D 25 D 2240
Tensile Strength, psi 2000 D 638
Elongation, percent 200 D 638
Dielectric Strength, volts per mil 325 D 149
Brittleness temperature, degrees F 5 D 1790

3.3 Application of Coating

3.3.1 Cleaning

The exterior surface that is to receive the coating shall be free of grease, oil, dirt, and other
extraneous matter. The surface of a galvanized conduit shall be cleaned in such a manner that
the galvanized surface of the conduit is not harmed or eroded.

3.3.2 Priming

The cleaned exterior surface shall be primed with an adhesive suitable for use with the PVC
coating material to be applied.

3.3.3 Coating

The PVC material shall be applied in powder, plastisol, or pellet form by a manufacturing method
which will produce a finished product conforming to these standards.

3.4 Elbows

The thickness of the coating on elbows shall be in accordance with Section 3.1.

3.5 Couplings

The thickness of the coating on couplings shall be in accordance with Section 3.1.

© 2018 National Electrical Manufacturers Association


NEMA RN 1-2018
Page 5

Each coated coupling shall have a flexible PVC sleeve which extends from each end of the
coupling and which will overlap the PVC coating on the conduit when the coupling has been
installed on the conduit.

The length of the sleeve extension(s) shall be at least equivalent to the Trade Size (Metric
Designator) up through 2 (53). For Trade Sizes 2.5 (63) through 6 (155), the length of the sleeve
extension(s) shall be at least 2 in. (50.8 mm).

The PVC sleeve shall be a nominal thickness of 0.040 in. (1.02 mm). The inside diameter (ID) of
the overlapping sleeve shall be less than the outside diameter (OD) of the PVC-coated conduit.

3.6 Workmanship and Appearance

The PVC coating shall be free of blisters, bubbles, and pinholes. The PVC coating shall be
continuous over the entire length of the conduit except at the threads and shall be holiday-free at
the time of manufacture.

A holiday is herein defined as an electrical discontinuity of less than 80,000 ohms equivalent
resistance sensed with a cellulose sponge wet with a suitable electrolyte and measured with an
appropriate low-voltage direct-current instrument. A suitable electrolyte is a solution containing
tap water, 3.0% salt (sodium chloride), and 0.5% liquid detergent.

The inside of the PVC-coated conduit, couplings, and elbows shall be free of the PVC coating
material.

All sleeve extensions shall be square cut.

3.7 Performance Requirements

Typical physical requirements for PVC-coated conduit are given in Table 3-2.

3.8 Adhesion

The adhesion of the PVC coating to the conduit shall be greater than the strength of the coating
itself. This shall be determined by making two circumferential cuts, above .5 in. (12.7 mm) apart,
through the plastic to the substrate. A third cut shall be made perpendicular to and crossing the
circumferential cuts. The edge of the plastic shall be carefully lifted with a knife to form a plastic
tab. This tab shall be pulled perpendicular to the conduit with a pair of pliers. The plastic tab
shall tear rather than any additional coating film separating from the substrate.

Table 3-2
Typical Physical Properties of PVC-Coated Rigid Metal Conduit, Intermediate Metal
Conduit, and Electrical Rigid Metal Conduit—Aluminum

Property Requirement 1 Test Method


Abrasion resistance, hrs. 200, no failure ASTM G6
Bendability, radius in. at 73.4q ±1.8qF 75 D 2240
Artificial weathering, hrs. 25 D 2240

1
The above requirements are based on testing 0.040 in. (1.02 mm) PVC coating applied over
Trade Size ¾ (21) galvanized rigid metal conduit. See Section 1 for information on the ASTM test
methods.

© 2018 National Electrical Manufacturers Association


NEMA RN 1-2018
Page 6

Annex A
Corrosion Resistant Internal Coatings (Optional)
A.1 Thickness

An interior coating shall be no more than 0.007 in. (0.18 mm) thick.

A.2 Coating Material

An interior coating may be of any thermoplastic or thermosetting material that meets the other
requirements of this standard.

A.3 Application of Coating

A.3.1 Cleaning

The interior surface to be coated shall be free of grease, oil, dirt, or other extraneous matter. If
galvanized, the surface shall be cleaned in such a manner that the galvanized surface is not
harmed or eroded.

A.3.2 Priming

If a primer is required, it shall be suitable for the coating material to be applied.

A.3.3 Coating

The methods used to apply an interior coating shall produce a finished product conforming to
this standard.

A.4 Elbows/Bendability

The interior coating on conduit shall be capable of being field bent without cracking or flaking.
(Requirement based on bending each trade size to minimum radius per ANSI C80.1.)

A.5 Workmanship and Appearance

An interior coating shall be free of blisters, bubbles, and pinholes, and shall be continuous over
the entire length of the conduit.

© 2018 National Electrical Manufacturers Association


National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 900 • Rosslyn. VA 22209
www.NEMA.org

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