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Thursday, April 13, 2017
Question:
I had a salesman show me a new UL listed product called Slicknut yesterday that is a grounding bushing/Locknut in one. It seemed to be a very good product…but I have a concern:
If we use this U.L. listed product on any other Manufacturer’s EMT connector rather than the Locknut that is provided and listed for use with that EMT connector. Am I following the new listed requirements of the 2017 NEC?
Similar Question, If I use one manufacturer’s cable… let’s say MC Cable can I use any manufacturer’s UL listed MC connector, even though it was not specifically listed for use on that manufacture’s cable?
Thanks, Kelly Wofford
A
Answer:
Hey Kelly thanks for your question. Where the NEC requires listed products such as for EMT fittings in 358.6 it does not specifically limit it to the same brand. If a fitting manufacturer provides a locknut with the fitting then those were evaluated for use together as part of the listing. It is a common practice to use bonding bushings or bonding locknuts from a manufacturer with a fitting from a different manufacturer. It seems like the answer would need to come from the fitting manufacturer - if there were restrictions, but I am not aware of any.
Cable connecters are typically required to be listed as stated in the .6 section of the cable article but it also does not specify the same brand as the cable. There are many connector manufactures that do not also manufacture cables and this is a common practice.
The following statement is included in Electrical Metallic Tubing Fittings S, FKAV at:
http://productspec.ul.com/details.php?ccn=FKAV
"All male threaded fittings have only been investigated for use with locknuts."
Possibly someone from UL will send in a comment with their thoughts.