Screened cable to motors? With or without conduit?

[RossHutchinson]

Hi guys,
I work for a engineering company in the UK making conveyors etc for food factories throughout the world. Our standard when wiring to motors is to loop out of hoffman wireway into a motor disconnect and then out of that to the motor in screened multicore cable.


Normally this isnt a problem and is standard amongst companies with work with and against around the world as there is very little chance of the cable getting damaged and doesn't breach any local regulations. However recently when working in the states and Canada we have been pulled on it and told the cables must be inside seal tight flexible conduit to all motors. After reviewing the NEC I cant seem to nail down an answer of Yes this is acceptable or no it must be in seal tight.


Please can anyone Help?
Thanks

 

[waross]

The first issue is area classification.
Are the conveyors subject to wet conditions or wash-down?
Is a product being handled that generates combustible dust or fibers?
The classification must be determined and then a wiring method suitable for that environment must be used.
There are cables available that are suitable for use in classified or hazardous areas.
In Canada you want to check the Canadian Electrical Code, Section 22 - Locations in which corrosive liquids, vapours or excessive moisture are likely to be present.
Flexible Metal Conduit (Seal-tight) is one method of meeting the code requirements.

Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter