You're on the right track. "ILCON" almost certainly stands for Illinois Conduit Fittings, and the "Weathertrack" name is likely a product line they manufactured.Unfortunately, finding precise dates of operation for specific electrical fitting companies from decades past can be incredibly challenging. These smaller manufacturers often get absorbed by larger corporations or simply disappear without leaving extensive digital footprints.However, here's a strategy for approximating the installation date range based on what we know and common industry practices

1. Confirm Illinois Conduit Fittings:
Dig Deeper Locally

Start by contacting local historical societies, business archives, and libraries in Illinois, especially around areas known for manufacturing. They might have records of Illinois Conduit Fittings, even if it's just a listing in an old business directory.

Contact Electrical Distributors in Illinois

Reach out to long-established electrical distributors in Illinois. Even if they didn't directly carry ILCON, they might remember the name or know who might have.

Examine the LB Fittings Themselves



Any Markings Besides "ILCON Weathertrack"? Look for any patent numbers (which you can then research on the USPTO website), certification markings (like UL or CSA - these have date ranges for standards), or other manufacturer codes. Material

Is it cast iron, aluminum, or something else? This can narrow down the era. Older installations are more likely to use cast iron.

2. Approximate the Date Range

Assuming "Illinois Conduit Fittings" existed and the "Weathertrack" line was a genuine product, here are some clues to estimating the installation timeframe.

Material and Manufacturing Techniques



Cast Iron vs. Aluminum

Cast iron fittings were more common in older installations (pre-1970s often, though still used for some applications later). Aluminum became more prevalent after that due to its lighter weight and corrosion resistance. This would give you a very rough initial guess.

Threading

NPT (National Pipe Thread) has been a standard for a long time, but earlier versions might have slight variations. This is a more specialized area for electrical engineers.

Wiring Methods



Conduit Type

What type of conduit is connected to the LB fittings? Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC), Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC), or Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)? The type of conduit used can provide clues, as different types gained popularity at different times.

Wire Insulation

If you can safely access the wiring inside the conduit (de-energize the circuit first!), the type of insulation used on the wires can also be an indicator. Older wiring might use rubber or cloth insulation, while newer wiring uses PVC or other synthetics. This must be done by a qualified electrician.



Electrical Codes



Local Building Codes

Check local building codes and permitting records, if available, for the property where the installation exists. If you can find when the electrical system was originally permitted or upgraded, that's a very strong clue.

Historical Context



Building Age and Use

Consider the age of the building and its original purpose. An industrial facility built in the 1950s would likely have used different electrical components than a residential building built in the 1980s.

Example Scenario

Let's say you determine the following: The LB fitting is made of cast iron. It's connected to rigid metal conduit (RMC). Local building codes suggest the building was constructed in the 1960s.This would suggest a likely installation date range of the 1960s or perhaps the early 1970s.

Important Considerations



Upgrades and Modifications

Remember that electrical systems are often upgraded or modified over time. The LB fittings might be older than the surrounding wiring or equipment if the system has been partially replaced.

Safety First: Never work on electrical systems unless you are a qualified electrician. Always de-energize circuits before inspecting wiring or components.Good luck with your research! It's a bit of detective work, but hopefully, these tips will help you narrow down the timeframe. Flag for review