[Michael Staggs]

Does the NEC require the use of pipe dope or Teflon tape on the threads of rigid conduit?

[tkrussell]

Very good question.

No, absolutely not, pipe dope or teflon will insulate the threads, and any metallic electrical conduit needs to be electrically continuous.

If a section of conduit is insulated, a short circuit can energize that section of conduit, and not allow a circuit breaker to trip, and anyone touching that energized conduit can be injured.

[Michael Staggs]

Sir:

Thank you for your answer. This confirms my interpretation of the NEC as well. While I have been in this field for 25 plus years, as a Journeyman. I had a superintendent show up on the job site and demand that I take this run of conduit apart and put pipe dope on the threads.

Claiming that his knowledge and experience far surpassed my own. And if I valued my job I would make the Change without question. So Thank you again for confirming that I was correct in my understanding of this issue...

[tkrussell]

Direct your super to the statement found in the 2008 edition of the NEC:

300.6 (A) Ferrous Metal Equipment.
"Where corrosion protection is necessary and the conduit is threaded in the field, the threads shall be coated with an approved electrically conductive, corrosion resistant compound."

And :
300.10 Electrical Continuity of Metal Raceways and Enclosures.
Metal raceways, cable armor, and other metal enclosures for conductors shall be metallically joined together into a continuous electrical conductor and shall be connected to all boxes, fittings, and cabinets so as to provide effective electrical continuity.

If the super insists on directing you to use pipe dope or teflon on any electrical raceway threads, you must bring this issue to a higher authority to get the permission to not perform this task.

[Michael Staggs]

Direct your super to the statement found in the 2008 edition of the NEC:

300.6 (A) Ferrous Metal Equipment.Thank you for ur help. It is greatly appreciated.
"Where corrosion protection is necessary and the conduit is threaded in the field, the threads shall be coated with an approved electrically conductive, corrosion resistant compound."

And :
300.10 Electrical Continuity of Metal Raceways and Enclosures.
Metal raceways, cable armor, and other metal enclosures for conductors shall be metallically joined together into a continuous electrical conductor and shall be connected to all boxes, fittings, and cabinets so as to provide effective electrical continuity.

If the super insists on directing you to use pipe dope or teflon on any electrical raceway threads, you must bring this issue to a higher authority to get the permission to not perform this task.

Thank you for you help in this matter. It is greatly appreciated.