tower conduit in Wireless Service Providers http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r22598496 en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:22:19 EDT Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:22:19 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22789267 VariableARK : Does this sounds like an apt description of what needs to be done?

"Ground the antenna cables on the top to a common ground wire that runs down to the main box where the ethernet cables are ground and that ground is bonded to the electrical ground as well as it has its own ground rod."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22789267 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:47:55 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22673979 nunya : Absolutely.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22673979 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:44:20 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22672786 VariableARK : Does that mean I should put a new ground in AND connect that ground to the common electrical system ground as well?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22672786 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:18:19 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22639714 nunya : Bond Bond Bond Bond and Ground Ground Ground Ground.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22639714 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:16:38 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22638713 VariableARK : I am putting my equipment box at the base of the tower. Should I bond the equipment on the top to the electrical ground or should I put a new grounding rod in?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22638713 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:45:51 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22604605 Splitpair :
said by VariableARK See Profile :

What fittings would I use to seal the steel conduit? The screw down type certainly is not water tight.
For that application you want steel not cast zinc compression connectors and depending on the length of the run you may need to allow a gap in the run or use an expansion coupler or two.

Wayne
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If you cannot fix it with a buttset and some beanies you ain't a technician]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22604605 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:11:33 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22604565 Splitpair : You could always hire this guy. ;-)

Wayne
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22604565 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:06:13 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22604483 nunya : On this type installation, for flexible conduit (if needed) you would want to use LFMC (liquidtight flexible metallic conduit). You want the metallic innards for shielding / bonding / physical protection.
--
Looks like Reverend Wright got his wish - God Damn America.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22604483 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:51:02 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22602758 John Galt :
said by VariableARK See Profile :

What fittings would I use to seal the steel conduit? The screw down type certainly is not water tight.
Compression couplers ARE raintight.

Thomas & Betts and Steel City are most widely available.

I would suggest that you use EMT if permanence is required.

Paint it -before- you put it up...far easier!
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A is A]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22602758 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:09:27 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22602179 Killa200 : Liquid Tight - Non Metallic

The rating is used on the box, connections, and flex / non flex conduit as well. But its definitely the rating i'd be looking for on this project.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22602179 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:46:06 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22602107 VariableARK : What does LTNM stand for? Is that the liquid tight box terminator/connector?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22602107 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:33:38 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22602094 AMD Phreak : I would personally transition for the reason I listed earlier and that is for thermal expansion of the joints. It will make it easier to work with as well I think.

At least, this is how I would do it.... :)

Nunya has more experience in conduit than I however.
--
"No job is so important, and no service is so urgent that we cannot take the time to perform our work safely."
-- AT&T, Your World, Destroyed.
--Safety One Tower Rescue Certified
--LLigetfa:"Wimax is like teenage sex. Everyone talks about doing it."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22602094 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:32:14 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22602068 AMD Phreak : I see Graybar lists Steel city in the catalog but there are other mfgs, part description is metallic straight liquid tight connector. Nunya listed what is called a Myers Watertight Hub.

He also referenced I think, what is called an LB, for the lower portion just as you sweep off the tower and transition into the flex. You could do it either way I suppose; go right from EMT to LTNM or use the LB and transition that way.

What ever you do make sure you use clamps and #6 ground wire to bond across each joint on the EMT on the way up to ensure 100% electrical continuity for grounding purposes. Also at the top where you enter the box bond the conduit to the box there.

You need to bond the bottom of the conduit just before you sweep off the tower, this will be the only bond you have on the conduit at the base.
--
"No job is so important, and no service is so urgent that we cannot take the time to perform our work safely."
-- AT&T, Your World, Destroyed.
--Safety One Tower Rescue Certified
--LLigetfa:"Wimax is like teenage sex. Everyone talks about doing it."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22602068 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:27:10 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22602028 VariableARK : Why transition at all? Is there a reason not to run EMT all the way from box to box? What do you mean by tray? I take it the T&B H200TB is a box termination for the lfmc not for emt? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22602028 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:18:52 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22601796 nunya : Just make sure your couplings and connectors are listed as "Rain Tight".

Pluggable conduit sealing bodies are also available (and expensive) to keep water out of your equipment.

If you are using EMT on the verticals, you might want to consider LFMC on the tray. I'd transition from EMT to LFMC with straight pull bodies.

If you are running in to 2" knockouts, use a Crouse Hinds ST-6 or T&B H200TB. Either will work (2" threaded hub).
--
Looks like Reverend Wright got his wish - God Damn America.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22601796 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:26:32 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22601734 AMD Phreak : There are special hubs you use to transition from LTNM to box. I will get you part numbers when I get in the office.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22601734 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:13:37 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22601608 VariableARK : I just checked the diameter, 1.5" is tight, so I am going to go with 2". May as well do emt. So the compression couplers are waterproof?- I did not know that. It is running to a small nema4 enclosure on the top and then a larger nema4 enclosure (actual pop) on the bottom, it is a straight vertical run. I assume just make sure I get compression fittings for the box entries as well and the thing will be watertight?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22601608 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:44:26 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22601027 nunya : Forgot all about that. Yes, you can get LFMC in white (as well as many other colors).
--
Looks like Reverend Wright got his wish - God Damn America.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22601027 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:55:44 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22601013 keefe007 : You might be able to find Sealtight or "liquid tight flexible metal conduit" in white instead of the traditional gray. I know for sure that you can find white PVC flexible conduit/interduct.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22601013 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:50:01 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599838 nunya : Plumbing pipe is a no-go. 1) It's a code violation, 2) Plumbing PVC is normally NOT UV resistant.

Electrical PVC must be sunlight resistant. If you must use PVC, use schedule 80.

EMT with compression couplings would be better.

IMC or RMC with threaded couplings would be the best. I would suggest aluminum due to the weight. Both are very heavy in steel.

I spray mine on the ground the day before and just paint the joints and scratches as I go.
--
Looks like Reverend Wright got his wish - God Damn America.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599838 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:52:22 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599815 AMD Phreak : Sounds good. What kind of entrance are you wanting? I would do either a nema 3r at the top, or a weatherhead. At the bottom, if you are running a short distance to a cabinet I would put on some non metallic and go with that. If you are dropping down into a metal or other type of cabinet, i still would put in some nm to allow some flex for thermal expansion. Same goes for the top if you decide to run into a cabinet of some sort.
--
"No job is so important, and no service is so urgent that we cannot take the time to perform our work safely."
-- AT&T, Your World, Destroyed.
--Safety One Tower Rescue Certified
--LLigetfa:"Wimax is like teenage sex. Everyone talks about doing it."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599815 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:50:19 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599662 viperm : They make weatherproof compression couplers for EMT outdoors they have like a little oring in side to keep the water out ;-)

Cant rememebr what the are called exactly but Graybar or lowes would be able to get you a part number. Thats how we do it at least (well our electrical guy does it for us )

--
ComTrain Certified Tower Climber. American Tower Certified approved contractor. Wireless consultants.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599662 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:21:52 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599250 VariableARK : I was going to put it inside the conduit, for the mounting I am using unistrut and bolts, simply enough, hard to explain without pictures though.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599250 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:07:37 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599182 AMD Phreak : Reference this:
»Stand offs for a water tower question...

I think I outlined the details on how to get cable up a tank or tower. Maybe I should revise it and have it added to the FAQ. It seems like this question or similar is asked at least once a year. :)

I think you are asking for a similar situation, but you maybe want the cable INSIDE the conduit. I have a parts list already developed for water tanks and towers, so it is no big deal for me to get it to you, I just need to know the way you really want to get it done.
--
"No job is so important, and no service is so urgent that we cannot take the time to perform our work safely."
-- AT&T, Your World, Destroyed.
--Safety One Tower Rescue Certified
--LLigetfa:"Wimax is like teenage sex. Everyone talks about doing it."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599182 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:54:04 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599153 AMD Phreak : OK, well once we figure out what you want to do, I'll whip you up a parts list, but it will be graybar part numbers if that is ok, as that is who I have in my bag of tricks. If I can get manufacturer part numbers I will put those in as well so you can x-reference to something at Lowes or Home-D.

How are you strapping it down as you go up the tower?

Let me re-phrase that: How do you plan to mount the cable down or the conduit down to the tower as you go up the tower?

A lot of cellular companies will use various methods of mounting cable to a tower (regular communication tower or water tower, etc) and then just paint their cables. It pretty much is SOP on a lot of installs.
--
"No job is so important, and no service is so urgent that we cannot take the time to perform our work safely."
-- AT&T, Your World, Destroyed.
--Safety One Tower Rescue Certified
--LLigetfa:"Wimax is like teenage sex. Everyone talks about doing it."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599153 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:49:36 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599136 VariableARK : I could get it from Graybar, but I would prefer lowes/home depot as we are trying to get this work done atm.

I need to run 6 runs of the copper shielded flooded superior essex and 1 run of lmr400 and probably ground wire. So I was thinking 1.5" or 2".]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599136 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:45:02 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599112 AMD Phreak : For EMT ?

What size of EMT are you wanting to run? Do you want it stubbed into a conduit box or do you just want a weatherhead?

Do you buy from Graybar?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599112 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:40:47 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599095 VariableARK : What fittings would I use to seal the steel conduit? The screw down type certainly is not water tight.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22599095 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:37:12 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22598995 viperm : It seen any PVC that is UV rated that is inexpensive if it even exists.

Persnoally I would not do anythink but EMT conduit and paint it just for the plain fact it looks proffestional will hold up. The Electrical (grey) pvc and water white PVC do not hold up well in heat or cold thats why it is meant to be burried.

I think by code you have to use EMT on the outside up a building, ower or any structure?

You would need to look at your local codes. Besides using EMT your more shielded from any other EMI or other noise..
--
ComTrain Certified Tower Climber. American Tower Certified approved contractor. Wireless consultants.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22598995 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:19:44 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22598546 AMD Phreak : No clue on the PVC question, but here is some paint and a mit. Have fun. :)

»www.tessco.com/products/headerPr···hField=1]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22598546 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:01:08 EDT Re: tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22598514 dgilbert : i dunno.

an easy way to paint the conduit is just like the climbers do the towers, a glove and just wipe it on. paint it before you put it up and then just use a rattle can to touch up the connectors.
--
Lack of Preparation on YOUR Part does NOT Constitute an Emergency on Mine!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22598514 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:56:34 EDT tower conduit http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22598496 VariableARK : I haven't seen this talked about before, and we are in a position where the answer might save us some time. We have a tower where everything we mount has to be white (so as to match the water tower coloring), including the conduit. Normally I would just throw some typical old PVC or ducting up there, but I do not want to hand paint 100ft + of conduit. I thought maybe I could just use plumbing PVC (already white) and I wanted to make sure it was UV rated. So I got to reading and apparently no PVC is UV rated unless it is painted with a latex based paint, is this true or am I good just sticking some plumbing pvc on the side of this thing?

Thanks-]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,22598496 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:54:13 EDT