ELECTRICAL - RACEWAY AND CABLE TRAY INSTALLATIONS

OCTOBER 1990

PAGE 1 OF 15

EGE 33-B-11 1990

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.

Scope
References
General
Conduit Systems
4.1 General
4.2 Rigid Metal Conduit
4.3 Intermediate Metal Conduit
4.4 Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit
4.5 Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit
4.6 Abovegrade Installations
4.7 Belowgrade Installations
Electrical Metallic Tubing
Busways

1.

7.

8.

9.

Wireways
7.1 Usage
7.2 Construction
7.3 Installation
Cable Trays
8.1 Usage
8.2 Construction
8.3 Routing
8.4 Cable Arrangement
8.5 Grounding
Manholes and Abovegrade Pull Points
9.1 General
9.2 Manholes
9.3 Abovegrade Pull Points

SCOPE

This Guide covers basic requirements for the design and installation of electrical raceways and cable trays
in petroleum handling and processing plants and in petrochemical plants.
2.

REFERENCES

The following publications form a part of this Guide. Unless otherwise specified herein, use the latest
edition.
Mobil Engineering Guides
EGE 32-B-13
EGE 33-B-1
EGE 33-B-2
EGE 33-B-6
EGE 33-B-14
EGE 34-B-15

Instrumentation Wiring for Instruments and Computers

Electrical General Requirements
Electrical Classification of Hazardous Locations in Petroleum Processing Plants
Electrical Buildings for Electrical Facilities in Petroleum Handling and Processing Plants and
in Petrochemical Plants
Electrical Equipment Grounding and Bonding
Fireproofing General Requirements

ACI (American Concrete Institute) Standard

318

Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete

ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Standards

C80.1

Rigid Steel Conduit Zinc Coated

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EGE 33-B-11 1990
C80.3
C80.5
C80.6

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OCTOBER 1990

Electrical Metallic Tubing Zinc Coated

Rigid Aluminum Conduit
Intermediate Metal Conduit

ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) Standards

A123
A525
B633
B766

Standard Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and Steel Products
Standard Specification for General Requirements for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) by the Hot-Dip
Process
Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Zinc on Iron and Steel.
Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Coatings of Cadmium

NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) Standard

VE 1

Metallic Cable Tray Systems

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Standard

70 National Electrical Code

3.
3.1

GENERAL
The references and requirements of EGE 33-B-1 shall apply to this Guide.

3.2
All raceways and cable trays shall be selected and installed in accordance with the hazard
classification as defined in EGE 33-B-2 and with the requirements of NFPA 70.
3.3

Wiring methods shall be selected as follows:

(a) Electrical conductors enclosed in conduit shall be the principal wiring method used in operating,
utility, and similar areas.
(b) Generally, the use of busways and cable trays shall be limited to electrical rooms, buildings,
substations, repair shops, and similar locations.
(c) The use of wireways shall be restricted to short runs where many electrical conductors may be
collected, such as motor starter racks and entrances to relay or control cabinets in electrical and
instrument rooms.
(d) The use of electrical metallic tubing and intermediate metal conduit shall be restricted to indoor,
dry, unclassified locations, such as offices and laboratories, where the installation would not be subject
to mechanical damage.

3.4
The mechanical continuity of all raceways and the electrical continuity of metal raceways shall be
maintained throughout the electrical system.
3.5
Spacing between instrumentation circuits and power, lighting, and control circuits in raceways and
cable trays, as specified in EGE 32-B-13, shall be maintained to prevent the introduction of noise into the
instrumentation circuits.

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4.

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EGE 33-B-11 1990

CONDUIT SYSTEMS

4.1

General

4.1.1
Conduit and associated fittings and boxes shall be specifically manufactured for electrical
installations.
4.1.2
Gasket material for conduit fittings and boxes shall be an approved plastic, such as neoprene, that
is resistant to the process fluids and solids to which it may be exposed.
4.1.3

Conduits shall be swabbed clean before installation of wire or cable.

4.1.4
Commercial pulling compounds shall be compatible with the jacket and insulation of the wire or
cable being pulled. Excess pulling compound shall be removed before conduit sealing compound is poured
around conductors.
4.1.5
Temporary openings in conduits shall be plugged or capped to prevent entrance of moisture and
foreign matter during the construction phase of a job.
4.1.6
Conduit fittings and pull, splice, and junction boxes shall be sized in accordance with NFPA 70 in
regard to dimension and volume.
4.1.7
Underfloor conduit installations in buildings for electrical facilities shall be in accordance with EGE
33-B-6.
4.2

Rigid Metal Conduit

4.2.1
Rigid metal conduit shall be selected to withstand the exposure to which it will be subjected. When
applicable, past plant experience shall also be considered. The selection shall be approved by Mobil.
4.2.2

The rigid metal conduit system selected shall be one, or both, of the following approved types:

(a) Galvanized steel conduit, conduit elbows, and couplings, used with ferrous fittings and enclosures
having a finish consisting of zinc plating and an overall protective coating. Where suitable for the
environment and approved by Mobil, aluminum fittings and enclosures may be substituted for use with
steel conduit. Galvanized steel conduit shall conform to ANSI C80.1.
(b) Corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy conduit, conduit elbows, couplings, fittings, and enclosures
containing not more than 0.4 percent copper. Aluminum conduit shall conform to ANSI C80.5.
4.2.3

Rigid metal conduit shall be cut square and reamed.

4.2.4
Bends in rigid metal conduit shall have a radius not less than NFPA 70 requirements. Field bends
shall be made with equipment specifically intended for the purpose. The bends shall be so made that the
conduit is not damaged and the internal diameter is not effectively reduced.
4.2.5
Unless otherwise approved by Mobil, only threaded rigid metal conduit and fittings shall be
installed. Threaded conduit connections shall have a minimum of five fully engaged threads at all
explosionproof devices. At least three fully engaged threads shall be required elsewhere.
4.2.6
Threaded conduit joints shall be coated with an approved electrically conductive sealant and
corrosion inhibiter that is not harmful to the conductor insulation. Aluminum conduit joints shall be coated
with nonseizing compounds specifically made for use with aluminum.

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4.2.7
4.3

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OCTOBER 1990

Running conduit threads are not acceptable.

Intermediate Metal Conduit

4.3.1
Applicable requirements of Paragraph 4.2 pertaining to rigid metal conduit shall also apply to
intermediate metal conduit.
4.3.2
4.4

Intermediate metal conduit shall conform to ANSI C80.6.

Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit

4.4.1
The selection of rigid nonmetallic conduit systems should take into consideration the lower cable
pulling resistance of plastic conduit, construction techniques, and the conduit exposure. The selection shall
be approved by Mobil.
4.4.2
A rigid nonmetallic conduit system shall consist of thermoplastic conduit, conduit elbows,
couplings, and similar fittings of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Light-wall
plastic conduit shall be installed only with a concrete encasement. Additionally, light-wall plastic conduit
shall be used only when its approved temperature limit equals or exceeds the insulation temperature limit
of the cable to be installed.
4.5

Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit

4.5.1
Liquidtight flexible metal conduit shall be installed with termination fittings approved for the
purpose. The fittings shall be listed for grounding when the conduit is permitted as a grounding means.
4.5.2
Bonding jumper requirements depend on the size and length of the liquidtight flexible metal conduit,
the rating of the overcurrent device protecting the circuit conductors, whether the jumper is inside or outside
the conduit, and the area classification. Refer to NFPA 70 for specific requirements.
4.6

Abovegrade Installations

4.6.1

General

(a) Rigid metal conduit shall be the normal wiring method for all outdoor abovegrade installations and
also for all indoor installations subject to moisture, chemical fluids and solids, or mechanical damage.
(b) Conduit connections to equipment subject to vibration or movement shall be made with an
approved flexible connection. For unclassified and Class I, Division 2 locations, this connection shall
be made with approved liquidtight flexible metal conduit not longer than 915 mm (36 in.) and having a
bonding jumper. For Class I, Division 1 locations, this connection shall be made with an explosionproof
flexible coupling. Liquidtight flexible metal conduit may also be used on control panels and other
equipment in congested unclassified and Class I, Division 2 locations where the use of rigid conduit is
impractical.
(c) Conduit of 13 mm ( in.) size may be used for control panel wiring, short runs of instrumentation
wiring, and telephone wiring. Conduit of 19 mm (3/4 in.) size shall be the minimum used for lighting,
power, and motor control wiring.
(d) Conduit unions shall be installed directly adjacent to equipment subject to replacement or removal
for repairs, such as motors and motor starters, to facilitate removal without disturbing the conduit and
supply conductors. Conduit unions provided at explosionproof enclosures shall also be explosionproof
and shall be located between the conduit seal fitting and the enclosure.

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EGE 33-B-11 1990

(e) Expansion joints shall be provided in long conduit runs that require compensation for thermal
expansion and contraction.
4.6.2

Conduit Systems in Wet and Corrosive Areas

(a) Precautions shall be taken to prevent galvanic and atmospheric corrosion when metal conduit is
installed in areas where continuous moisture may be present.
(b) Copper-free aluminum alloy conduit systems are recommended for locations where excessive
moisture is expected, such as cooling towers.
(c) Subject to Mobil approval, plastic-coated, galvanized rigid steel conduit systems may be used in
areas of high moisture content and where corrosive vapors or liquids may be prevalent. The galvanized
steel shall have a 1 mm (0.040 in.) thick PVC coating bonded to the metal. Careful attention shall be
given to the installation methods in order to maintain the integrity of the protective coating.
Workers should use only roll-type benders and strap wrenches to avoid damaging the plastic coating.
All exposed conduit threads at terminations shall be thoroughly coated or covered with plastic sealant.
(d) Epoxy-coated metal fittings and enclosures having cast metal covers are preferred where
plastic-coated rigid steel conduit systems are to be installed. Plastic-coated metal or molded plastic
fittings and enclosures are acceptable alternatives. The fittings and enclosures selected shall be subject
to Mobil approval.
4.6.3

Conduit Drainage

(a) Sealing and drainage shall be provided for the vertical drops of long, outside abovegrade conduit
runs at the point at which the conduits enter buildings, switchgear, control panels, lighting panelboards,
and similar enclosures.
(b) Long runs of outside abovegrade conduit that are extended belowgrade shall be provided with
drain-seal fittings in the vertical drop directly abovegrade.
(c) Drain requirements shall be thoroughly reviewed and rigidly enforced in areas of high humidity and
rapidly changing temperatures.
4.6.4
(a)

Conduit Routing
Exposed conduit shall be installed parallel with, or at right angles to, walls, columns, and beams.

(b) Conduits shall not be installed closer than 150 mm (6 in.) from surfaces with temperatures of 45C
to 65C (113F to 149 F), and not closer than 305 mm (12 in.) from surfaces above 65C.
(c) Generally, conduits shall be routed so that pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings are accessible
from platforms or structures without the use of scaffolding.
(d) Wherever possible, conduits shall be routed a minimum of 15.2 m (50 ft) horizontally from
high-fire-risk equipment.
(e) When conduit is installed closer than 15.2 m (50 ft) to fire-exposed areas and contains wiring that
must be operable during a fire, the conduit shall be fireproofed in accordance with EGE 34-B-15.
(f)

Conduits and fittings shall be spaced away from continually moist surfaces.

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EGE 33-B-11 1990

4.6.5

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OCTOBER 1990

Conduit Supports

(a) Horizontal runs of rigid metal conduit shall be properly fastened and supported at intervals not
exceeding the following:
Conduit Trade Size
mm
in.
13, 19, 25

1/2, 3/4,

Support Interval Length

m
ft
1

3.0

10

32, 38

11/4, 11/2

4.3

14

50, 64

2, 21/2

4.9

16

76 and larger

3 and larger

6.0

20

(b) Standard conduit clamps and multiple conduit hangers are acceptable supports, except that
one-hole malleable iron clamps shall be used to support conduits installed on pipeways or structures
subject to vibration or movement. Conduit supports shall be fabricated with a material or shall have a
plating that minimizes galvanic action.
(c) Conduits for main feeders and for long parallel runs in any service shall not be directly supported
from overhead piping unless approved by Mobil.
(d)

Conduits shall not be directly supported from insulated piping.

(e) Short runs of conduit for branch circuits may be directly supported from uninsulated piping when
the pipe temperature does not exceed 65C (149F) and the piping is not subject to vibration or removal
for general maintenance.
(f)
Conduit supports shall be installed as close as practical to vertical drops in horizontal conduit runs
that support pendant-mounted lighting fixtures.
(g) Lighting fixture stanchions [32 mm (1 in.) minimum conduit size] that are mounted on platforms
shall be firmly supported from the handrail with a minimum 75 mm (3 in.) clearance between the handrail
and the stanchion, including the support.
(h) Liquidtight flexible metal conduit shall be supported only with devices used in standard trade
practice and in strict accordance with the requirements of NFPA 70.
4.6.6

Conduit Terminations

(a) Conduits that enter switchgear, motor control centers, and similar installations from below shall
project at least 25 mm (1 in.) above the finished floor or shall otherwise be terminated to provide for the
addition of conduit fittings. Spare conduits shall be those located nearest to access openings to facilitate
future cable installations.
(b) Spare conduits terminating within buildings and outside enclosures shall be installed flush with the
floor and plugged.
(c) Spare low-voltage conduits that originate at buildings housing electrical facilities and that are
routed belowgrade to structures or columns for future overhead extension shall be capped abovegrade.
These conduits shall be limited in number at a specific location and shall be spaced at the structure or

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EGE 33-B-11 1990

column to permit future installation of staggered pull boxes with minimum projection beyond the
structure.
(d) Threaded conduit hub entrances that are an integral part of sheet metal enclosures are preferred
where conduits are to be terminated at these enclosures, for both outdoor and continually damp indoor
areas. If threaded entrances have not been provided, field-welded hubs or approved screwtight conduit
hub fittings that are watertight and provide a positive ground are acceptable.
(e) Generally, all conduits terminating or originating in Class I locations shall be terminated in threaded
conduit entrances. When this requirement may be impractical for Class I, Division 2 indoor installations,
locknut-bushing or double-locknut-bushing terminations using bonding jumpers and proper fittings may
be substituted. Such means of bonding shall apply to all intervening raceways, fittings, boxes, and
enclosures between the classified location and the point of grounding for the electrical supply equipment.
(f)
Conduit bushings shall be used where conduits terminate at boxes or other enclosures, unless the
box or enclosure design provides an equivalent protection for wire and cable.
4.6.7

Conduit Seals

(a) Explosionproof seal fittings, located in conformance with NFPA 70, shall be provided in conduit
systems in classified locations to minimize the passage of gases and vapors and to prevent the passage
of flames from one portion of the electrical installation to another through the conduit.
(b) Seal fittings shall be poured with a compound recommended by the fitting manufacturer. The
sealing compound and fiber dam used shall not be affected by the surrounding atmosphere or liquids,
and shall not have a melting point below 93C (199F).
(c) Combination explosionproof drain-seal fittings may be used in classified locations where conduit
drainage is required.
(d) Each belowgrade conduit run between unclassified and Class I, Division 2 locations shall be
provided with an explosionproof seal fitting at the point where the conduit first emerges abovegrade in
the classified location.
(e) The conduit runs noted in Item (d) shall be sealed with a compound identified for use with the cable
insulation, shield, and other components. The seal shall be made at the point where the conduits first
emerge abovegrade in the unclassified location. The compound shall be impervious to the liquids, and
shall minimize the passage of the gases, that may be encountered.
(f)
Belowgrade conduit runs between two unclassified locations that are routed under Class I, Division
2 locations shall be sealed in accordance with Item (e).
(g) Belowgrade conduit runs between two points within a Class I, Division 2 location will not require
additional seal fittings where they emerge abovegrade, other than those required by Item (a) or (c).
(h) No union, coupling, box, or fitting shall be installed in a conduit between the seal fitting and the
point at which the conduit leaves a Class I, Division 1 or Division 2 location.
(i)
All conduits entering process control houses abovegrade shall be provided with an explosionproof
seal fitting outside the building wall.
(j)
All conduits originating at manholes shall be provided with an explosionproof seal fitting at the point
of entry to buildings and electrical equipment enclosures.

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(k) Connections that typically depend upon a single compression seal, diaphragm, or tube to prevent
flammable or combustible fluids from entering the electrical conduit system (such as to canned pumps
and to devices used for flow, pressure, and analysis measurement) shall have an additional approved
secondary seal, barrier, or other means to prevent fluid from entering the conduit system if the primary
seal should fail. Drains or vents shall be provided for visual indication that the primary seal may be
leaking. Equipment and devices, where available, that integrally provide both the required two seals or
barriers and the drain or vent to indicate primary seal leakage are preferred.
(l)
Belowgrade conduit runs that are completely within an unclassified location and enter buildings
belowgrade shall be sealed with a compound identified for use with cable insulation, shield, and other
components. The compound shall be impervious to any liquids that may be in the ground.
(m) Short conduit sleeves for the passage of cables through building walls shall be sealed with a
compound identified for use with cable insulation, shield, and other components.
4.7

Belowgrade Installations

4.7.1

Wiring Method

(a) Concrete-encased rigid steel conduit or rigid nonmetallic conduit shall be used for belowgrade
conduit systems.
(b) Concrete-encased rigid aluminum conduit shall be installed belowgrade only at those locations
where prior performance has proven satisfactory and where it conforms with local codes and regulations.
Refer to Paragraph 4.7.4 for special requirements for the concrete envelope when used with rigid
aluminum conduit.
(c) Subject to local practices and site conditions, the belowgrade use of galvanized rigid steel conduit
without continuous concrete encasement may be considered for marketing terminals and pipeline
installations. Normally, belowgrade conduit shall be provided with additional corrosion protection, such
as a factory-applied plastic coating, a bitumastic coating, or a tape wrap. On low-investment installations
where this protection may be omitted from belowgrade conduit, additional protection shall be provided
at the grade line where the conduits emerge abovegrade. The contractor shall indicate all proposed
conduit runs to Mobil and request approval for their installation.
(d) Rigid metal conduit shall be used for belowgrade installations whenever an extra-high-strength
installation is required, such as in equipment foundations.
(e) Rigid metal conduit is preferred for belowgrade installations where only one or two relatively short
runs of conduit are to be installed.
(f)
4.7.2

In certain applications, specifically approved direct burial cable may be used.

Conduit Size

(a) Generally, the minimum size conduit to be installed belowgrade shall be 25 mm (1 in.). Subject
to Mobil approval, however, 19 mm (3/4 in.) conduit may be installed belowgrade to single isolated
devices, such as motor control stations and instruments.
(b) The minimum size for main distribution feeder conduits installed in belowgrade conduit banks shall
be 75 mm (3 in.).
(c)

The initial sizing of belowgrade conduits for main distribution feeders should take into consideration

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EGE 33-B-11 1990

the possible replacement of the feeder conductors with larger sizes to accommodate future increases
in load.
4.7.3

Conduit Bank Configurations

(a) Conduit bank configurations shall contain sufficient conduits for the present installation and spare
conduits for possible future use. The number of spare conduits to be installed shall be established jointly
by Mobil and the contractor. Supernumerary conduits are also allowed, but shall be restricted to those
required for completing a layer of a standard conduit bank configuration.
(b) Consideration shall be given to a conduit bank configuration that will allow effective heat radiation
when the bank contains power cables for mains and major feeders.
(c) Consideration shall be given to conduit bank configurations and entry locations that provide the
best racking conditions at manholes.
(d) The minimum separation to be maintained between outside surfaces of conduits in banks shall be
as follows: 38 mm (1 in.) for conduits with diameters of 50 mm (2 in.) or less; 50 mm (2 in.) for
conduits with diameters greater than 50 mm (2 in.). Where vertical rows of conduits, each containing
three or more conduits are, installed by the built-up method, the separation shall be increased to 64 mm
(2 in.) for conduits with diameters 50 mm (2 in.) or larger.
4.7.4

Concrete Envelope

(a) The concrete envelope surrounding the structure of rigid conduits shall have a minimum thickness
of 75 mm (3 in.) on the top, bottom, and sides. Where reinforced conduit bank sections are required, the
thickness of the concrete envelope shall be increased accordingly and reinforcing bar added. The
seismic activity of the area should be taken into the design consideration of conduit banks.
(b) Red-pigmented concrete containing at least 5.9 kg/m (10 lb/yd ) of red oxide shall be used for
the envelope. The concrete shall be a 17.25 MPa (2500 psi) mixture having a coarse aggregate not
exceeding 19 mm (3/4 in.) in size. The concrete shall have a low chloride content that is in accordance
with the requirements of ACI 318.
(c) The envelope shall be extended at least 75 mm (3 in.) abovegrade and shall be sloped for water
runoff where conduits come to grade.
(d)
4.7.5

For grounding conductor requirements within the envelope of conduit banks, refer to EGE 33-B-14.
Underground Conduit and Conduit Bank Routing

(a) Belowgrade runs of conduit banks installed in systems using manholes shall slope toward the
manholes for drainage purposes.
(b) Generally, belowgrade conduit runs for main feeders and conduit banks shall be routed parallel to
plant coordinates and roadways. These runs should not cross congested manufacturing or paved areas.
(c) The location of all belowgrade runs shall be selected with consideration for future structural
installations in the area.
(d)

Conduit banks shall not be installed under foundations or in areas of excessive vibration.

(e)

Sections of conduit banks spanning under railroads and roadways, crossing disturbed soil, or

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crossing open trenches (such as for sewers or water mains) shall be reinforced with steel bar.
(f)
Where soil conditions are poor, and especially on slopes, anchors or footings may be required to
support and hold a conduit bank run.
(g) Where possible, belowgrade runs of conduit and conduit banks should be routed in a straight line
between terminations. Unavoidable bends shall be made with a large radius and, wherever possible,
located near a termination point.
(h) The top of the concrete envelope shall be located a minimum of 610 mm (24 in.) belowgrade,
provided the bottom is below the frost line. This minimum depth shall be increased to 760 mm (30 in.)
under roadways and to 915 mm (36 in.) under the base of the rail at railroads.
(i)
To facilitate maintenance, adequate horizontal and vertical separation shall be provided between
belowgrade conduit banks and foreign structures, such as water mains, sewers, and gas lines.
(j)
Where feasible, belowgrade conduits and conduit banks shall be routed above sewer lines and
other piping that may contain hydrocarbons.
(k) The minimum separation between communication conduits and power conduits shall be 75 mm
(3 in.) of concrete, 100 mm (4 in.) of masonry forms, or 305 mm (12 in.) of earth.
(l)
Rigid nonmetallic conduits may only be extended abovegrade as stub-ups within metal-enclosed
switchgear or similar enclosures in unclassified locations.
(m) Where abovegrade rigid metal conduit is to be connected to belowgrade rigid nonmetallic conduit,
the connection shall be made with an approved adapter. The adapter shall be installed belowgrade
within the horizontal concrete envelope. The adapter shall not reduce the size of the conduit.
5.

ELECTRICAL METALLIC TUBING

5.1
Applicable requirements of Section 4 pertaining to conduit systems shall also apply to electrical
metallic tubing (EMT).
5.2

EMT shall conform to ANSI C80.3.

5.3

Only compression fittings shall be used in EMT systems.

5.4
EMT shall be securely supported at least every 30 m (10 ft) and within 1 m (3 ft) of each outlet box,
junction box, cabinet, or fitting.
5.5
6.

EMT shall not be used for power feeder runs.

BUSWAYS

6.1

Busways shall not be installed in the following locations:

(a)

Where subject to physical damage, excessive vibration, or corrosive vapors.

(b)

Where subject to dust, unless totally enclosed.

(c)

In any Class I, Division 1 location.

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EGE 33-B-11 1990

(d)

In Class I, Division 2 locations, unless enclosed and gasketed.

(e)

In a unclassified location above a classified location, unless totally enclosed.

(f)
Above highly flammable materials or areas where personnel may congregate, unless totally
enclosed.
(g)

Outdoors or in wet or damp indoor locations, unless approved for the purpose.

6.2
In order to provide a low-resistance fault return path, busway enclosures shall be securely fastened
in place, bonded, and grounded in conformance with NFPA 70 and EGE 33-B-14.
6.3
Where high ground-fault currents may exist on large-capacity busways of solidly grounded electrical
systems, consideration shall be given to providing an internal grounding bus. Otherwise, an externally
mounted grounding conductor bonded to each separate section of the busway enclosure and to ground shall
be provided.
6.4
All bolted busway joints shall be assembled and torqued in strict conformance with the
manufacturers instructions.
6.5
Sufficient clearance shall be provided around busways to install and maintain the busway fittings and
accessories, and to insure efficient operation.
6.6
7.
7.1

Space heaters shall be provided in outdoor busways.

WIREWAYS
Usage

7.1.1 Wireways shall only be used where they are exposed and where they will not be subjected to
physical damage or excessively corrosive conditions.
7.1.2 Approved industrial-quality wireways may be used indoors and outdoors in unclassified and Class
I, Division 2 locations.
7.1.3

Wireways shall not be used as a substitute wiring method for conduit systems.

7.2

Construction

7.2.1 The covers and bodies of wireways to be installed in dry locations shall have a minimum thickness
of 2.0 mm (0.080 in.) for steel construction and 2.5 mm (0.100 in.) for aluminum construction. For wireways
installed outdoors and in locations where corrosive conditions may exist, a minimum thickness of 2.5 mm
(0.100 in.) for steel construction and 3.2 mm (0.125 in.) for aluminum construction is preferred.
7.2.2 Generally, an enameled finish over a corrosion-resistant phosphated surface is acceptable for steel
wireway construction. For extremely damp areas, aluminum construction or hot-dip galvanized steel
construction with an enameled finish shall be used.
7.2.3 Weatherproof wireways for outdoor or damp indoor areas shall be provided with bolted covers and
gaskets. Wireways for dry indoor use may have hinged covers.
7.2.4

Wireways shall contain no knockouts.

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7.3

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Installation

Sections of wireway shall be joined together and supported in a manner that ensures continued rigidity and
alignment without restricting the installation or replacement of conductors.
8.
8.1

CABLE TRAYS
Usage

8.1.1
Cable trays may be used for routing power, lighting, and control cables in Class I, Division 2 and
unclassified locations, both indoor and outdoor, if the tray is not subject to physical or chemical damage from
normal operations or to excessive heat from fire-exposed areas.
8.1.2
70.
8.2

All wiring installed in cable trays shall be in conformance with applicable requirements of NFPA

Construction

8.2.1
Ladder or trough trays shall be used for cable tray systems. All trays shall conform to the
requirements of NEMA VE 1.
8.2.2
Generally, cable trays, separators, fittings, and mounting hardware shall be fabricated of steel or
corrosion-resistant alloy aluminum containing not more than 0.4 percent copper. Where severe corrosion
conditions exist, cable tray systems fabricated of flame-retardant nonmetallic materials should be
considered.
8.2.3
Steel tray to be installed in all outdoor locations, and indoor locations where corrosive conditions
may exist, shall be hot-dip galvanized after fabrication. The hot-dip galvanizing shall be in accordance with
ASTM A123. Steel tray to be installed indoors in noncorrosive locations shall have a mill-galvanized finish,
as a minimum. Mill-galvanizing shall be in accordance with ASTM A525.
8.2.4
Nuts, bolts, and washers for cable tray systems shall be corrosion resistant. For general
applications, hardware shall have an electrodeposited finish of zinc (per ASTM B633) or cadmium (per
ASTM B766). For highly corrosive locations, a hot-dip galvanized finish after fabrication, the use of stainless
steel, or an additional coating over an electrodeposited finish should be considered.
8.2.5
Protective removable covers or enclosures shall be provided on cable trays where the cables may
be subjected to damage from objects or liquids.
8.3

Routing

8.3.1
Cable trays shall be supported at all turns and at spacing intervals recommended by the
manufacturer.
8.3.2
The required working space around cable trays, and the vertical clearance between them, shall
be in accordance with NFPA 70.
8.4

Cable Arrangement

The arrangement and number of lighting, power, and control cables to be installed in cable trays shall be
in accordance with NFPA 70.

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8.5

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EGE 33-B-11 1990

Grounding

Cable trays shall be bonded and effectively grounded in accordance with NFPA 70 and EGE 33-B-14 to
provide a continuous circuit for fault current. Materials for grounding shall be compatible with those used
for the tray fabrication.
9.

MANHOLES AND ABOVEGRADE PULL POINTS

9.1

General

9.1.1
Generally, manholes shall be installed in major belowgrade conduit banks where it is necessary
to pull or splice cable in unclassified locations.
9.1.2
Abovegrade pull points shall be installed for belowgrade conduit or conduit bank runs where it is
necessary to pull or splice cables in any classified location. Regardless of the area classification,
abovegrade pull points are preferred where necessary to pull or splice cables in belowgrade runs at locations
within process or other operating areas and in individual belowgrade circuit runs for control, lighting, and
power branch circuits.
9.1.3
Careful attention shall be given to the location and spacing of manholes, abovegrade pull points,
and the routing of interconnecting belowgrade conduit banks or conduits.
9.1.4
The basic criterion for maximum spacing of manholes or abovegrade pull points is that maximum
cable or wire pulling tensions and sidewall pressures are not exceeded. These factors are contingent upon:
(a)

Conductor material.

(b)

Size of cable or wire.

(c)

Number of cables or wires installed in a single conduit.

(d)

Type of insulation, shielding, and sheath.

(e)

Size and type of conduit.

(f)

Number and radius of bends.

(g)

Quality of conduit and conduit bank alignment.

(h)

Lubrication for pulling purposes.

9.1.5
The contractor shall prepare and submit for Mobil approval the necessary calculations
substantiating the proposed belowgrade design for extensive medium-voltage and high-voltage cable
systems. The cable manufacturers recommended cable pulling factors shall be included with the
calculations.
9.1.6
The belowgrade system shall not require specially designed equipment or generally unavailable
sizes of accessory equipment for pulling or installing cables without damage.
9.2
9.2.1

Manholes
The location of manholes shall be as follows:

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(a)

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OCTOBER 1990

Generally, manholes shall be installed in or along roadways.

(b) The installation of manholes in manufacturing areas and in areas having a high water table should
be avoided.
(c)

Manholes shall not be installed in classified locations.

9.2.2
high.

Manholes shall have minimum inside dimensions of 1830 mm (72 in.) square by 1980 mm (78 in.)

9.2.3

When sizing manholes, consideration shall be given to the following factors:

(a)

Wall space required for making splices.

(b)

Linear distance of straight sections for supporting splices and cables.

(c) Space required between low-voltage control and power cables and medium- and high-voltage
cables.
(d) Space required for bending and training cables for offsets, differences in duct elevations, and
changes in the horizontal direction.
(e)

Vertical wall space required for racking cable and splices.

(f)

Adequate working area for pulling and splicing cable.

(g)

Number and elevation of conduits entering the manhole.

9.2.4
Manholes shall have a minimum top opening of 710 mm (28 in.). The covers and roof construction
shall be designed for the expected surface loading. Where feasible, the elevation of the top opening shall
be sufficient to minimize entry of surface water.
9.2.5

Manholes shall have provisions for entrance of anticipated future conduits requested by Mobil.

9.2.6
To facilitate future installation of cables, initial cable routing in ducts and manholes shall reflect the
need for good access to spare and proposed ducts.
9.2.7

Manholes shall be provided with the following accessories:

(a) A 250 mm (10 in.) square by 305 mm (12 in.) deep sump, preferably located in one corner of the
manhole. No cover grating is required if the sump is outside the working floor space. The manhole floor
shall be sloped toward the sump.
(b)

Pulling irons and cable racks.

(c)

Ladders, when manholes will be frequently entered for inspection of cable splices or equipment.

9.3

Abovegrade Pull Points

9.3.1

Abovegrade pull points shall be located as follows:

(a) Where practical, pull points for belowgrade conduit runs shall be grouped and installed in protected
areas, such as along pipeway columns or similar structural supports. Where exposed to damage by

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EGE 33-B-11 1990

mobile equipment, the pull points shall be protected by 100 mm (4 in.) concrete-filled steel pipe
stanchions set in concrete.
(b) Wire and cable pull points shall not be installed at locations used for access, maintenance, and
other operations.
(c) Pull boxes and junction boxes shall be installed only at locations where they will be permanently
accessible.
9.3.2
Generally, a separate pull box or fitting shall be provided for each motor supply circuit. Where
applicable, the power and associated control leads of a low-voltage motor may use a common box or fitting.
9.3.3
Where separate pull boxes are not practical, multipurpose pull boxes may be used provided they
have means for isolating conductors for different services.
9.3.4

The construction of pull points shall be as follows:

(a) Generally, pull points shall consist of approved sheet metal pull boxes or cast metal boxes and
fittings.
(b) The minimum thickness of sheet metal pull boxes installed in dry locations shall be 2.0 mm (0.080
in.) for steel construction, and 2.5 mm (0.100 in.) for aluminum construction. For boxes installed
outdoors at plants where corrosive conditions may exist, it is recommended that these thicknesses be
increased to 2.5 mm (0.100 in.) and 3.2 mm (0.125 in.), respectively.
(c) Large pull boxes having any one dimension over 1520 mm (60 in.) or any one surface over 9680
cm (1500 in.) require heavier sheet metal for structural rigidity. A minimum thickness of 3.2 mm (0.125
in.) for steel construction and 4.0 mm (0.160 in.) for aluminum construction is recommended for these
boxes.
(d) Sheet steel boxes for outdoor locations and continuously damp indoor locations shall have a
hot-dip galvanized finish.
(e) Gasketed cover joints shall be provided. Joints that are shielded from rain and water flowing
directly across the joint are preferred.
9.3.5
Boxes and fittings used as pull points for belowgrade conduit runs shall be supported by steel
members set in concrete.
9.3.6

Pull points shall be permanently tagged for circuit identification.