Connections, Fittings & Conduit

      

Connections and Fittings-
An LB fitting is a right-angle connector that is used with a conduit to bring cable through the wall of a house. The fitting routes cable toward a trench that has been dug from the house to the area where the electricity is needed.

LB fittings are threaded on both ends. Conduit passing through the house wall to the outside is screwed to one end. Conduit leading down the side of the house to the trench is screwed to the other end. Thus, cable is enclosed in the metal to provide an efficient seal from the time it leaves the house to the time it enters the ground. LB connectors are outfitted with thick gaskets and metal cover plates.

Box extenders are used when tapping an existing outdoor receptacle or fixture junction box for power. The extender may have a nipple and a 90-degree elbow so that the wires may be brought from the fixture, through the conduit, to the point where power is wanted.

Outdoor Conduit-
Three types are available, but check the codes before you buy.

Rigid aluminum and rigid steel conduit provide equal protection to the wires that pass through them. Rigid aluminum is easier to work with, but . if it is going to be buried in concrete, first coat it with bituminous paint to keep it from corroding.

Both types of metal conduit come with a variety of fittings, including elbows, offsets, bushings, couplings, and connectors. If offsets and elbows do not provide the necessary turns in rigid metal or EMT conduit, you will need a bending tool called a hickey.

Nonmetallic conduit is made from either polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is normally used above ground, or high-density polyethylene, which is suitable for burial. If PVC is going to be exposed to direct sunlight, it must be labeled as suitable for use in sunlight. But before you purchase nonmetallic conduit, be sure you check local codes. Don't assume that it's approved. An inspection might require you to replace the non metallic materials with another product; this can be very costly and time consuming.

Outdoor Accessories-
Hardware stores and home centers offer a wide variety of electrical accessories made for outdoor use. These include all types of lighting fixtures, such as spotlights and lamp posts as well as outdoor cooking appliances, pool lights, and devices to control insects. Most of the accessories run on regular 120-volt power, so connecting power from your home to the devices is fairly easy to do.

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