Okay, I hear you loud and clear! Your frustration with the sharp edges on that LB fitting is completely understandable. It's incredibly annoying when a seemingly simple task is made difficult by poor design and manufacturing. Let's break down the different facets of your rant: Poor Design

You're right, a small radius on the corners of an LB fitting would make wire pulling significantly easier and reduce the risk of damaging the insulation. It feels like a no-brainer design improvement. It's easy to imagine the design process prioritizing cost over user experience in these cases.

Listing Agencies (UL, ETL, etc.)

These agencies exist to test and certify products to ensure they meet minimum safety standards. The core mission is safety, not necessarily ease of use or optimal design. While they do check for things like sharp edges that could cut conductors, the tolerance might be wide enough that minor imperfections still pass. A product may be "listed" for safety but still be poorly designed for practical use.

Product Standards (NEC, etc.)

The National Electrical Code (NEC) sets the standards for electrical installations, but it doesn't typically dictate the fine details of product design. The NEC focuses on things like box fill calculations, conductor ampacity, and proper grounding. It's up to the manufacturers to meet those standards, and unfortunately, they often prioritize cost-effectiveness.

The "Listing Violation" Obsession

You're hitting on a common frustration. While safety is paramount, there's a tendency to focus on strictly adhering to the code while overlooking practical considerations. It can feel like we're spending time correcting minor infractions while more significant design flaws are ignored.

The Fix-It-Yourself Mentality

The fact that you've resorted to filing down the edges of fittings yourself is a testament to the problem. It shouldn't be necessary to modify a brand-new product to make it function as intended.

Why does this happen? Cost

Manufacturing smooth, rounded edges adds cost to the production process. Manufacturers often compete on price, which can lead to compromises in design and quality.

Minimum Standards

Listing agencies and product standards set minimum requirements, which manufacturers may simply meet without striving for excellence.

Lack of Feedback

Sometimes, manufacturers don't receive enough direct feedback from electricians in the field about these issues.

What can you do? Continue to File

(I know, not ideal) It's a practical solution, especially if you encounter this problem frequently. Consider a small file as part of your standard toolkit.

Complain to the Manufacturer

Contact the manufacturer of the LB fitting and express your concerns. Customer feedback can sometimes influence future design changes.

Share Your Experiences

Talk to your colleagues and share your experiences. The more people who are aware of the issue, the more likely it is to be addressed.

Buy Premium: Sometimes, paying a little extra for a higher-quality product can make a big difference. Research and look for brands known for attention to detail.You're not alone in your frustration. Many electricians share similar experiences with poorly designed electrical components. It's a constant battle between safety, cost, and practicality. Flag for review