Inspection Procedure

15-SAIP-50 18 April 2009

Inspection Procedure
for Conduit and Cable Seals
Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents

1 Scope............................................................. 2
2 Purpose.......................................................... 2
3 Abbreviation................................................... 2
4 References..................................................... 2
5 Inspection Procedure..................................... 2
6 Inspection's Reporting Methods..................... 5

Previous Issue: 31 August 2004 Next Planned Update: 18 April 2014

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Primary contact: Kakpovbia, Anthony E. on 966-3-874-7226

Copyright©Saudi Aramco 2009. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee 15-SAIP-50
Issue Date: 18 April 2009 Inspection Procedure
Next Planned Update: 18 April 2014 for Conduit and Cable Seals

1 Scope

1.1 This Inspection procedure describes how to inspect conduit and cable seals used
in hazardous locations and will include verification of suitable location use of
approved materials and a proper installation.

1.2 This SAIP is intended to establish a standardized methodology by Saudi Aramco

inspection personnel in the implementation of inspection programs within Saudi
Aramco facilities. The SAIP shall not be included in purchase order or contract
documents issued to outside agencies.

2 Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to present all of the relevant information needed to
assure that seals are properly installed and to ensure that all inspections are done
uniformly.

3 Abbreviation

CSD Consulting Services Department

SAEP Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure
SAIP Saudi Aramco Inspection Procedure
SAES Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard
NEC National Electrical Code

4 References
NEC Article 500 through 504
SAEP-1150 Inspection Coverage on Projects
SAES-B-068 Electrical Area Classification
SAES-J-902 Electrical Systems for Instrumentation
SAES-P-104 Wiring Methods and Materials
DC-950043 Electrical Connections for Field Mounted
Instruments

5 Inspection Procedure

Seals are made mandatory by the National Electric Code (NEC), Article 501-5. The
following step-by-step instructions provide direction for the proper inspection of most
conduit seals. Special applications not covered should be reviewed with CSD prior to
installation.

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee 15-SAIP-50
Issue Date: 18 April 2009 Inspection Procedure
Next Planned Update: 18 April 2014 for Conduit and Cable Seals

5.1 Incorrect design and installation of hazardous area seals are the most prevalent
problems electrical inspection encounters in the field. Specifically problems in
conduit/cable seal installations are:

1) Seals improperly located in the wiring system.

2) Improper selection of seals for particular applications.

3) Improper installation (position, damming and pouring).

5.2 The major purposes of conduit and cable seals are as follows:

1) Prevent the passage of gasses or vapors from one portion of a conduit

system to another.

2) Prevent the passage of gases or vapors through the cable core and cable
interstices on multi-conductor cables.

3) Limit an explosion to the enclosure in which it occurs.

5.3 Preparation

5.3.1 It is the inspector's responsibility to identify missing and/or excess seal-

off devices as well as to inspect the devices. A careful study should
therefore be made of the pertinent drawings to ascertain that all the
necessary boundary and equipment seal-off devices are called out on the
drawings. Unnecessary seal-off devices should be brought to the
attention of the construction agency or responsible maintenance group.

5.3.2 Identify any situations where it is not possible to go strictly by the NEC
or applicable SAES and make a decision on possible trade off's for these
situations based on experience and/or conferences with CSD. Waivers
may be required.

5.3.3 Instruments (transmitter, transducer) that have potted leads, and

solenoids with low operating temperature, do not require seals per the
NEC. However, subsequent replacements may not have potted leads for
the instruments, and the solenoid may have an operating temperature
higher than 80% of the auto ignition temperature in degrees Celsius of
the gas involved.
Exception:

Thermocouple and Resistance Temperature Detector conduit seals shall

be installed in accordance with the NEC.

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee 15-SAIP-50
Issue Date: 18 April 2009 Inspection Procedure
Next Planned Update: 18 April 2014 for Conduit and Cable Seals

5.3.4 Determine the type of marking system that will be used for the
inspection, i.e., tags, paint, etc., (experience has proven that it is better to
make these inspections by area rather than by system, if possible. This
eliminates a great deal of confusion. This is not always possible).

5.4 First Inspection

5.4.1 The first inspection should be made after all seal-off devices have been
installed and dammed but before the compound is poured.

5.4.2 The following items should be checked:

1) Make certain that all necessary devices are installed.

2) Determine that the dam has been properly installed. This includes
determining that the lower end is dammed for vertical seals and
both ends are dammed for horizontal seals.

3) In the case of the cable seal (See 5.1 for cable seal definition) make
sure that the conductors have been properly separated so that the
compound will flow between them. Metal tools should not be used
for this purpose as the cable could be damaged.

4) Assure that the conductors are not against the wall of the seal.

5) Assure that a full five threads of the conduit have been engaged by
the seal off device.

6) Assure that the cable sheath is brought high enough so that it will
end inside the compound.

7) In the case of twisted pair multi-conductor cables, the twisted pair

will not be separated for Class I, Div. II areas. For Class I, Div. I
areas twisted pairs must be opened so that the compound can
surround the individual conductors. Individual pair's grounding
shield must be taped to prevent accidental grounding within the
seal fitting. To accomplish all this, oversized seal fitting might be
required.

5.5 Second Inspection

5.5.1 The second inspection should include witnessing the proper mixture of
the compound and pouring it.

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Document Responsibility: Inspection Engineering Standards Committee 15-SAIP-50
Issue Date: 18 April 2009 Inspection Procedure
Next Planned Update: 18 April 2014 for Conduit and Cable Seals

Commentary Note:

Use cold and pure water for mixing the compound, unless if it is specified
otherwise in the manufacturer catalog.

5.5.2 The compound should only be poured once, i.e., a second pour after the
first has hardened would probably leave a void.

5.5.3 In the case of a drain seal, make certain that the rubber drain hole was
properly placed during pour and hardening.

5.5.4 Ascertain that sufficient compound was poured to give a thickness at

least equal to the width of the conduit but not less than 5/8 inch thick.

5.5.5 If possible, pouring should be done at an ambient temperature of 100° or

less. Otherwise, the compound will not cure properly.

5.5.6 The pouring plug should be left off for at least 24 hours to allow for
proper drying and curing. Unless if it is specified to be closed by the
manufacturer. For example, Crouse-Hinds require closing the seal
fitting's plug immediately after pouring.

6 Inspection's Reporting Methods

Any deficiencies in the above Mentioned methods or procedures should be reported by

one of the methods outlined in SAEP-1150, Inspection Coverage on Projects, or through
the worksheet system within the operating plants.

Revision Summary
18 April 2009 Editorial revision to change the primary contact.
Revised the “Next Planned Update”.

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