Yes, your justification is correct. Here's why: NEC (National Electrical Code) is Law (Usually)

The NEC is adopted into law (with or without amendments) by most states and local jurisdictions. Therefore, it's a

regulatory requirement. You must comply with the NEC if it's enforced in your area. Non-compliance can lead to fines, project delays, and potentially unsafe installations. TIA-569 is a Standard (Guideline)

TIA-569 (Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard) is a standard developed by the Telecommunications Industry Association. It provides best practices and recommendations for designing and installing telecommunications cabling infrastructure. While following TIA standards is generally good practice for optimal performance, it is not a legal requirement unless specifically referenced and adopted by a local code or contract.

Hierarchy

When there's a conflict between a code and a standard, the

code generally takes precedence. This is because codes are legally binding and enforced by authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), while standards are typically voluntary guidelines. Practical Considerations



NEC's Focus

The NEC is primarily concerned with electrical safety – protecting people and property from electrical hazards. The 360-degree rule for conduit bends is related to the maximum pulling force required to install conductors without damaging them and ensuring conductors can be removed later.

TIA-569's Focus

TIA standards are focused on ensuring optimal data transmission performance. Exceeding two 90-degree bends (or equivalent) can increase pulling tension, potentially damaging sensitive data cables (like fiber optic or Cat6/Cat6A) and negatively impacting signal integrity and performance.

Conduit Fill

It's crucial to remember that excessive bends increase the difficulty of pulling conductors and can also contribute to exceeding conduit fill limitations, violating the NEC.

In summary

You are correct in your assessment that the NEC (a legally enforceable code) takes precedence over TIA-569 (a voluntary standard) in this scenario. While it's good practice to adhere to TIA-569 guidelines to ensure optimal telecommunications performance, you must comply with the NEC's requirements for conduit bends.

Recommendation



Always check with the local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction). They may have specific interpretations or amendments to the NEC that could affect your installation. Strive to meet both NEC and TIA standards whenever possible. Good design practices minimize the number of bends while still meeting code requirements. If you must exceed TIA's recommendations (while staying within NEC limits), document your justification and consider using pulling compounds or other methods to reduce friction and prevent damage to the cables. Consider the type of cabling. Low-voltage data cabling is sensitive to damage and pulling stress. High-voltage power conductors can be more robust. Consult with a qualified engineer or electrician if you have any doubts or complex installation scenarios. Flag for review