Chico is a brand of sealing compound used generically for the cement poured into seal-off fittings in rigid conduit runs entering or leaving a classified hazardous location. Packing fiber is first stuffed around the conductors to form a dam, then the mixed compound is poured in and left to set, sealing the conduit against the passage of gas, vapor and flame. Every seal is inspected before energising, because an empty or cracked seal defeats the explosion-proof system.
Every seal on the tank farm gets poured with Chico and signed off before anything is turned on.
Also heard as
- sealing compound
- seal-off compound
Related terms
Rigid
Heavy-wall threaded steel conduit, the toughest raceway on site, used for services, exposed runs and hazardous areas.
Erickson
Three-piece union that joins two lengths of threaded rigid conduit when neither one can be turned.
Pipe
Shop word for conduit of any kind, and as a verb for installing it, as in pipe it.