Thomas & Betts E983H 1-1/2" TYPE T CONDUIT BODY

A practical T-body that does the job without fuss

I put this 1-1/2-inch T-body to work on a recent upgrade where I needed to branch a new feed off an existing conduit run across a shop wall and then continue the main run through to a subpanel. It’s a straightforward piece of hardware—gray, nonmetallic, and sized generously enough to make wire pulling and splicing manageable without turning it into a knuckle-scraping exercise. In short: it behaved exactly like a good conduit body should, with a couple of small quirks worth noting before you bury it in a wall or trench.

Build and design

The T-body arrives as a complete access fitting: main body, flat cover, perimeter gasket, and cover screws. The plastic is rigid, cleanly molded, and has the usual markings you’d expect for identification. It’s sized for 1-1/2-inch conduit on all three hubs, and it lines up true across the straight run with a perpendicular branch. The internal cavity is about what you’d expect at this size—roomy enough to make a 90-degree turn or a splice without resorting to long-nose pliers, but not so oversized that you’re struggling to find mounting space.

The finish is typical gray electrical PVC. It’s not brittle; there’s just enough “give” to survive minor bumps without chipping. I didn’t see any sharp edges that could nick insulation. The cover screws engaged cleanly; they’re coarse-threaded for plastic and seat well without feeling like they’ll strip if you snug them evenly.

One detail I appreciated: the gasket fits flat into a small recess around the cover opening. That pocket helps keep the gasket in place while you set the cover—small thing, but it matters when you’re on a ladder or in a trench.

Installation experience

I used standard gray PVC conduit and solvent-weld couplings for the run. The hubs on the T-body accepted fittings without drama—square, consistent sockets with no wobble. Dry-fitting all three directions first is a must with T-bodies; it helps you keep the straight run aligned while compensating for the branch. I marked insertion depths on the conduit with a sharpie, primed both surfaces, then cemented and set the run in place. The body has enough surface to get a firm hand while the cement grabs, which makes it easier to keep everything square.

Pulling conductors through was uneventful. Having access through the cover makes all the difference in a T configuration: you can navigate the bend and straight run without excessive friction. For splicing, the cavity provides adequate working depth; I was able to make clean, compact splices with standard wirenuts and heat-shrink butt splices without feeling cramped.

A practical tip: tighten the cover screws incrementally in a cross pattern to compress the gasket evenly. Over-torquing one corner first can cause a slight bow in the cover and compromise the seal.

Sealing and gasket performance

The included gasket is the only component where I paused. On my unit, it seated properly and compressed uniformly, but it arrived with a minor twist from packaging. Lay it flat for a minute or roll it gently between your fingers and it relaxes back into shape. If you see a spot where the gasket wants to bulge, it’s usually because the gasket isn’t fully seated in its groove or the cover isn’t centered as you start the screws.

For installations exposed to weather or buried in damp soil, I like to apply a thin film of silicone-based dielectric grease to the gasket. It helps the cover glide during tightening, reduces the chance of bunching, and improves the water resistance without gluing anything permanently. If a gasket shows obvious deformity out of the box, swap it for a fresh one before you close up the run; it’s much easier to fix on the bench than after backfilling. Keep a spare universal gasket in the truck if you install these often.

Capacity and usability

This size T-body provides honest working room. The oval opening accommodates gloved hands, and the depth is enough to keep splices off the walls. The edges of the opening aren’t helical or overly recessed, which makes fishing easier. Conductor fill and bending space are always dictated by the markings and the code tables, but in everyday terms, this T-body is comfortable for a typical 1-1/2-inch feeder with a branch—no need to resort to a junction box unless you’re doing something unusually bulky.

I also like that the internal surfaces are smooth. Some fittings leave little ridges where wire jackets can catch; I didn’t run into that here.

Fit with common electrical practice

• Glue-up: Purple primer and listed cement on each hub gave me solid bonds. Wipe excess primer so it doesn’t soften the gasket pocket.
• Alignment: Use a short scrap of conduit as a handle in the branch hub while cementing the straight run; it helps keep the T square.
• Support: At this size, the assembly has some mass. Support within code spacing to avoid putting stress on the glued joints.
• Sealing: Expect “water-resistant,” not submarine-grade. For true wet locations and direct burial, confirm the rating molded on the body and follow local code. The gasketed cover is a good defense against wind-driven rain and splashes when tightened properly.

Durability and longevity

Gray electrical PVC holds up well outdoors if it’s properly supported and not exposed to continuous mechanical abuse. The cover sits flush and doesn’t protrude awkwardly, which helps it avoid accidental knocks. I can’t speak to years of UV exposure yet, but the plastic blend here feels in line with other outdoor-rated fittings I’ve used. The cover screws didn’t show any tendency to rust during my short exposure testing, and the threads still felt crisp after several open-and-close cycles.

Availability and value

At 1-1/2 inches, a T-body isn’t something every home center keeps in stock, and I’ve often had to source them online. This one is manufactured in the United States, arrives as a complete kit, and is priced fairly for the size. If you’re staging a job, plan ahead and get a couple extra; they’re easy to return if you don’t use them, and having a spare on site can save schedule.

What could be better

• Gasket quality control: Mine worked fine, but the packaging twist suggests it’s worth a quick inspection before installation. I’d like to see a slightly stiffer gasket or a tighter recess to eliminate the chance of bulging.
• Cover stiffness: The cover is flat and, like most at this size, can bow if you crank down one corner first. Cross-tightening solves it, but a slightly domed or ribbed cover would be more forgiving.

Neither is a deal-breaker; they’re just points to be aware of so you don’t create problems for yourself.

Who it’s for

• Electricians and DIYers running 1-1/2-inch PVC who need a clean T branch with serviceable access for pulling, splicing, and inspection.
• Outdoor and garage/shop projects where a junction box would be overkill or space is limited.
• Anyone who values a predictable, US-made fitting that installs without surprises.

Recommendation

I recommend this T-body. It hits the fundamentals—solid molding, clean hub alignment, workable internal volume, and a complete kit—without trying to be anything fancier than it needs to be. Installation is straightforward, it plays nicely with standard gray conduit and solvent cements, and service access is ample for both pulling and splicing. The only caution is to check the gasket for proper fit before you button things up, especially if the fitting will live in a wet environment or below grade. With that quick inspection and a mindful cross-tighten on the cover screws, you’ll get a dependable, tidy branch connection that should hold up well in typical residential and light commercial work.