Die Cast vs. Steel Couplings and connectors
Die Cast vs. Steel Couplings and connectors
(OP)
I want to change some of our "Standard Work Practices". I want to ban all die cast fittings and use only steel. Can the argument be made that the steel fittings are better, and if so, how? I know they cost more, but if I can get better bonding results then I'm OK with that.





RE: Die Cast vs. Steel Couplings and connectors
Don
RE: Die Cast vs. Steel Couplings and connectors
RE: Die Cast vs. Steel Couplings and connectors
I have read and in my experience that set screw connectors are stronger. There is an artical somewhere on the Loma Pietra earthquake that finds set screw connectors held up better.
HAve you read NECA standard NECA-1-2000? It's a good place to start.
RE: Die Cast vs. Steel Couplings and connectors
I agree that the compression type make a better looking job, but I think that the set screw do just as good if not better job for the connection. For the best looking job you can use the indeter type, but I don't like them as far as meking a secure connection to the raceway. Here is a link to info on the interter type of EMT connectors.
http:/
Don
RE: Die Cast vs. Steel Couplings and connectors
Although I saw a new type of fitting at a project the other day. It was made up of die cast set screw fittings with electrical tape on either side of the fitting :)
Of course they were trying to suck a pull string through the conduit and had too much leakage at the fittings. 10 years later, they never removed the tape so it looked dumb.
RE: Die Cast vs. Steel Couplings and connectors
Some cheaper grades of Die cast have so little screw travel that if the joint is stressed to the point that the connector stretches slightly the screw can no longer be tightened. (The screw head hits the side of the connector before the end of the screw applies pressure to the tubing.
Bonding issues;
The Canadian code banned the indent type of connector decades ago because of chronic loss of ground integrity.
While still accepted by code, you may have bonding issues with stretched die cast connectors.