1 Scope

1.1 This Standard applies to nonmetallic or composite mechanical protection tubing (MPT), and nonmetallic, composite or metal fittings, and clamps used for the support, routing and mechanical protection of conductors, wires, and cables. The MPT, fittings, and clamps are intended to be used to interconnect separate component assemblies or consoles of electrical devices, such as robotics, medical or X-ray equipment. The mechanical protection afforded the internal wiring contained within the tubing is considered equivalent to the protection provided by a type SJT flexible cord. Mechanical protection tubing (MPT) may be submitted without fittings, clamps, etc.

1.2 The MPT, fittings, and clamps covered by this Standard are not intended for use as a wiring method in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC), CSA C22.1, Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code), Part I and NOM-001-SEDE Standard for Electrical Installations.

1.3 This Standard does not include standard trade sizes. The MPT, fittings, and clamps from different manufacturers are not interchangeable unless the combination of MPT, fittings, and clamps are determined to be in accordance with this Standard.

1.4 This Standard does not apply to tubing with slit or split wall constructions, electrical nonmetallic tubing, liquid-tight flexible non-metallic conduit, flexible metal conduit, liquid-tight flexible metal conduit, jacketed or unjacketed metallic conduit, or EMI/RFI shielding conduits.

This Standard does not apply to fittings for use with cable or conduit, liquid-tight flexible nonmetal conduit, electrical nonmetallic tubing, flexible metal conduit, liquid-tight flexible metal conduit, jacketed or unjacketed metallic conduit, or EMI/RFI shielding conduits and strain-relief of a fitting.

NOTE 1: Insulating bushings to provide strain-relief for flexible cord and single conductors are covered in the Standard for Insulating Bushings, UL 635, or the Standard for Conduit, Tubing, and Cable Fittings, CSA C22.2 No. 18.3 / UL 514B / NMX-J-017-ANCE.

NOTE 2: Flexible aluminum and steel conduit is covered in the Standard for Flexible Metal Conduit, UL 1 or Flexible Metal Conduit and Liquid-Tight Flexible Metal Conduit, CSA C22.2 No. 56.

NOTE 3: Liquid-tight flexible metal conduits are covered in the Standard for Liquid-Tight Flexible Metal Conduit, UL 360, or Flexible Metal Conduit and Liquid-Tight Flexible Metal Conduit, CSA C22.2 No. 56.

NOTE 4: Fittings for use with cable and conduit are covered in the Standard for Conduit, Tubing, and Cable Fittings, CSA C22.2 No. 18.3 / UL 514B / NMX-J-017-ANCE.

NOTE 5: Liquid-tight flexible nonmetallic conduit is covered in the Standard for Liquid-Tight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit, CSA C22.2 No. 227.2.1 / UL 1660 / NMX-J-764-ANCE.

NOTE 6: Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing is covered in the Standard for Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing, UL 1653 / CSA C22.2 No. 227.1 / NMX-J-851-ANCE.

Summary of Topics

This new Fourth edition of ANSI/UL 1696, dated April 11, 2025, incorporates editorial changes including renumbering and reformatting to align with current style.