Okay, I understand your frustration with rain-tight EMT fittings at this new installation. It sounds like you're dealing with issues stemming from their size or other problematic characteristics. Let's break down the two approaches you're considering – targeting the product standard or trying to get an NFPA ban – and explore the pros and cons of each.1. Targeting the Product Standard (e.g., UL 514B for conduit fittings)



How it Works

Product standards like those developed by UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or CSA (Canadian Standards Association) define the construction, performance, and testing requirements for a product to be considered safe and effective. Changing a standard would involve submitting proposals to the relevant standards organization, providing technical justification for the proposed changes, and participating in the standards development process.

Pros



Comprehensive Solution

If you can get the standard changed, it affects all manufacturers of those fittings. This creates a level playing field and ensures that all fittings meet a higher standard of performance or address the specific issues you're experiencing.

Technical Basis

Changes to product standards are generally based on technical evidence and engineering principles. This makes the process more objective and less susceptible to subjective opinions.

Global Impact

UL standards, in particular, are widely recognized and adopted, so changes can have a broad impact on product design and availability.

Addresses Root Cause

Changes in the standard likely deal with the underlying reason you're experiencing issues.

Cons



Slow and Complex

The standards development process can be very slow, often taking years to implement changes.

Resource Intensive

It requires significant time, effort, and potentially resources (e.g., testing, research) to develop a compelling case for change.

Political

Standards committees are often composed of representatives from manufacturers, testing labs, and other stakeholders. It can be challenging to overcome resistance from those who benefit from the current standard.

Difficult to Achieve

Unless your concerns are based on safety and/or create an increased risk of fire, electrocution, etc., the standard is unlikely to change.

2. Targeting an NFPA Ban (e.g., through the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70)



How it Works

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) develops and publishes codes and standards, most notably the National Electrical Code (NEC). To get something banned in the NEC, you would need to submit a proposal to the relevant code-making panel, arguing that the product poses an unacceptable safety risk or is otherwise inappropriate for use.

Pros



Potentially Faster

While still a process, the code-making cycle is typically shorter than the standards development cycle.

Direct Impact

If the NEC bans or restricts the use of rain-tight fittings in specific applications, it has a direct impact on installations within jurisdictions that adopt the NEC.

Safety Focus

The NEC is primarily concerned with safety, so if you can demonstrate a safety hazard, you have a stronger case.

Cons



Difficult to Justify a Ban

Bans are generally reserved for products that pose a clear and significant safety risk. It's difficult to get something banned simply because it's aesthetically unpleasing or slightly inconvenient to install.

Limited Scope

An NEC ban would only apply within the jurisdictions that adopt and enforce the NEC.

Alternative Solutions

The code-making panel might be more likely to consider alternative solutions (e.g., requiring specific installation methods, using alternative fitting types) rather than a complete ban.

NEC is primarily focused on safety

If the product is compliant with UL 514B (or a similar standard) and your problem is primarily aesthetic you will likely have a very difficult time convincing them to ban the product.

Which Approach is Better?

Given the information you've provided, I would recommend starting with a more targeted approach, focusing on specific issues and potential code changes within the NEC.

Here's why:1. What specific problems are you experiencing? A few examples: Size/Aesthetics

"The fittings are excessively large and visually detract from the building's appearance."

Installation Difficulties

"The fittings are difficult to install in tight spaces or require specialized tools."

Performance Issues

"The fittings do not maintain a reliable rain-tight seal over time, leading to corrosion or water damage."

Cost

"The fittings are significantly more expensive than alternatives."

Availability

"The specific size of fittings needed is hard to find/always backordered."2.

Quantify and Document

Gather as much evidence as possible to support your concerns. Take pictures, document installation times, record instances of failures, and compare costs.3.

Targeted Code Proposals

Instead of trying to ban all rain-tight fittings, consider proposing changes to the NEC that address your specific issues. For example: "In locations exposed to direct sunlight, rain-tight fittings shall be UV-resistant." "Where aesthetics are a primary concern, alternative methods of corrosion protection shall be permitted with approval by the AHJ." "Rain-tight fittings installed in locations with limited space shall be a listed low-profile rain-tight fitting." "Rain-tight fittings shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions."4.

Start Small

It's often easier to get smaller, more incremental changes approved than to try to make sweeping changes.

Important Considerations



Consult with Experts

Talk to other electricians, inspectors, and engineers to get their perspectives and insights.

Understand the Code-Making Process

Familiarize yourself with the NFPA's code-making process and how to submit proposals.*

Be Prepared to Compromise: The code-making process is often a collaborative effort, and you may need to be willing to compromise to achieve your goals.In conclusion, while both approaches have merit, targeting the NEC with specific, well-documented concerns is likely to be more effective and efficient in addressing the issues you're facing with rain-tight EMT fittings. Remember to focus on safety, provide evidence to support your claims, and be prepared to work collaboratively with other stakeholders. Good luck! Flag for review