What is needed where a raceway crosses a structural joint intended for expansion, contraction, or deflection?

When a raceway crosses a structural joint that is designed for expansion, contraction, or deflection, it is crucial to use a listed expansion or deflection fitting. This specific fitting is engineered to accommodate the movement that occurs at these joints, ensuring that the integrity of the electrical system is maintained while allowing for the natural movements of the building structure.

Using a listed expansion or deflection fitting provides the necessary flexibility to prevent stress and damage to the raceway and the wiring within it. This is vital for maintaining safety and compliance with the National Electrical Code requirements, which aim to ensure that electrical installations remain functional and safe even as physical structures change due to temperature fluctuations or settling.

While flexible couplings, support braces, and conduit connectors serve important roles in electrical installations, they do not adequately meet the specific need for accommodating movement at structural joints. Flexible couplings are primarily used to connect two sections of raceway while allowing for slight movement; however, they do not provide the necessary allowance for significant expansion or contraction. Support braces are meant to stabilize the raceway and do not allow for movement. Conduit connectors serve to join sections of raceway but lack the functionality needed to address expansion or deflection at structural joints.

In summary, a listed expansion or