Elbow enables fiber cable to run in three-fourths-inch conduit

Thomas and Betts’s patent-pending Rigid Fittings BlueKote Universal Conduit Elbow (LU) Form 8, which replaces four conduit body configurations, enables fiber-optic cable to be run in a three-inch conduit system rather than a two-inch conduit system, and still maintain proper cable bend radius, the company says. This ability reduces the time needed to install such cables, T and B adds. Also, because the LU Form 8 is UL-listed as an enclosure, splices are permitted inside of it. The Form 8 is rated for 40-percent wire fill, avoiding the need to de-rate the system, T and B also notes.

“More than four years ago we introduced the LU Universal Elbow to replace LL, LR, LB and C conduit bodies,” explained Chad Smith, vice president of product management and engineering at Thomas and Betts. “The same LU configuration is now available as Form 8, which will go anywhere a conduit elbow is needed. With the new BlueKote LU Form 8 conduit body, the correct conduit body for the job always will be available.

“We introduced a line of Universal Conduit Elbows in the From 7 configuration in 2010,” Smith added, “and our customers found it to be so much more efficient to stock and install. The favorable response encouraged us to offer a Form 8 version as well.”

The company adds that the elbow’s four-layer protection provides internal and external corrosion resistance. The Universal Conduit Elbow From 8 will also be available as PVC-coated Ocal conduit fittings.