Patent Publication Number: US-2015084331-A1

Title: Drain hub

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional application of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §121 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/607,235, titled “Drain Hub,” filed Sep. 7, 2012, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to drain fittings and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for a drain hub that removes condensation from enclosures that contain electrical wiring. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Drain fittings and hubs are used to allow condensation to exit an enclosure. Condensation can easily be introduced in certain enclosures (e.g., conduit, junction box) that are not air-tight and/or water tight. Even when an enclosure is air-tight and/or water tight, condensation can still enter the enclosure through one or more carriers, such as conductors that traverse an aperture in an enclosure. For example, condensation can build in a conduit, resulting water can trickle along a conductor in the conduit, and the water is introduced into a junction box at the point where the conductor enters the junction box. 
     When electrical components (e.g., electrical wiring) are present inside the enclosure, removing the condensation can become very important. If condensation is not removed from such an enclosure, then corrosion and other problems can arise. The effect of such problems can include ground faults, short circuits, explosions, and other similar results that can affect equipment, infrastructure, and personnel. 
     At times, an enclosure must meet certain standards based on one or more of a number of factors, including the contents of the enclosure and the location where the enclosure is positioned. When an enclosure includes a drain fitting or hub, the drain fitting or hub cannot cause the enclosure to fail to meet the required standards for the enclosure. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a drain hub having a housing, a base, and a damming device. The housing can have a housing cavity traversing its length and include a top housing portion having a first inner perimeter. The housing can also include a middle housing portion having at least one wall and a number of drainage apertures that traverse the at least one wall, where the middle housing portion has a second inner perimeter, where the first inner perimeter is greater than the second inner perimeter. The housing can also include a bottom housing portion having a third inner perimeter, where the second inner perimeter is greater than the third inner perimeter. The base of the drain hub can be rotatably disposed within the housing cavity and have a base cavity traversing its length. The base can include a top base portion having a number of slotted features disposed along a top surface and having a first outer perimeter, where the first outer perimeter is slightly less than the second inner perimeter of the middle housing portion and slightly greater than the third inner perimeter of the bottom housing portion. The base can also include a bottom base portion that extends beyond an aperture in the bottom housing portion. The damming device can be disposed within the housing cavity adjacent to the top base portion and the top housing portion, where the damming device has an elastomeric material and at least one aperture through which at least one conductor traverses. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a method for removing condensation from an enclosure that comprises a conductor. The method can include receiving the conductor through a damming device, and receiving condensation along the conductor on one side of the damming device. The method can also include collecting the condensation within a base member, and rotating the base member to align with a housing member. The method can further include draining the condensation through a number of apertures in the base member and the housing member. 
     These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope, as the exemplary embodiments may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the exemplary embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positionings may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements. 
         FIGS. 1A-1D  show various views of an exemplary drain hub in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows a cross-sectional perspective view of an enclosure system using an exemplary drain hub in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  show various views of another exemplary drain hub in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  show various views of yet another exemplary drain hub in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  shows a flow chart of an exemplary method for removing condensation from an enclosure that includes a conductor in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Exemplary embodiments of drain hubs will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Like, but not necessarily the same or identical, elements in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. In the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the disclosure herein. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the exemplary embodiments herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. Further, certain descriptions (e.g., top, bottom, side, end, interior, inside, inner, outer) are merely intended to help clarify aspects and are not meant to limit embodiments described herein. 
     In general, exemplary embodiments provide systems, methods, and devices for drain hubs. Specifically, exemplary embodiments provide for collecting and disposing of condensation within an enclosure so that the condensation does not accumulate on electrical wiring. As used herein, a drain hub can be an exemplary term used to describe a connector that drains on one side only. For example, if an exemplary drain hub is mechanically coupled to one type of enclosure (e.g., conduit) at one end and another type of enclosure (e.g., a junction box) at the other end, the drain hub only drains where the conduit couples to the drain nut or where the junction box couples to the drain hub. 
     Further, as used herein, a drain hub can also be an exemplary term used to describe a connector that drains on both sides. For example, if an exemplary drain hub is mechanically coupled to the same type of enclosure (e.g., conduit) at each end, the drain hub drains where both conduits couple to the drain hub. 
     One or more conductors traverse through the exemplary drain hub so that the drain hub can remove the condensation that accumulates on the one or more conductors. A conductor is a wire that has an insulating cover that surrounds the wire. The wire can be made of one or more of a number of electrically conductive materials, including but not limited to copper and aluminum. The wire of the conductor can be any of a number of sizes, such as 22 American wire gauge (AWG) or #18. The wire can have a substantially similar cross-sectional area along its length. 
     The insulating cover can be made of one or more of a number of electrically non-conductive materials, including but not limited to rubber, nylon, and polyurethane. The thickness of the insulating cover can be of any thickness and can be uniform along the length and cross-sectional perimeter of the wire. A conductor can be a single conductor, a number of single conductors, or one of a number of conductors within a cable. With multiple conductors, one conductor can be the same (e.g., size, material) or different than the other conductors. 
     An enclosure that couples to an exemplary drain nut can be one or more of a number of devices that enclose a conductor. Examples of an enclosure include, but are not limited to, a conduit (rigid or flexible), a junction box, a splice box, a motor control center, a breaker enclosure, a relay cabinet, and an instrumentation panel. The enclosure can be made of one or more of a number of materials, including but not limited to metal, rubber, and plastic. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, an enclosure that is mechanically coupled to an exemplary drain nut is subject to meeting certain standards and/or requirements. For example, an enclosure that mechanically couples to an exemplary drain nut can be placed in one of a number of different environments where one or more standards must be met. Standard setting entities for such enclosures can include, but are not limited to, the National Electrical Manufactures Association (NEMA), the National Electric Code (NEC), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and Underwriters&#39; Laboratories (UL). 
     For example, the exemplary drain hub, when coupled to an enclosure, can allow an enclosure to meet is the NEMA 4× standard. In such a case, the enclosure is constructed to provide a degree of protection against, at least, corrosion, falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, ice, windblown dust, splashing water, and hose-directed water. Thus, the drain hub that is mechanically coupled to such an enclosure must also meet these standards. 
     Another standard that the exemplary drain hub, when coupled to an enclosure, allows an enclosure to meet is the NEMA 3R standard. The NEMA 3R standard applies to enclosures for primarily outdoor use, where the enclosure provides protection against falling rain, sleet, and snow. Such an enclosure should also be undamaged by ice that forms on the enclosure. When used indoors, such an enclosure protects against dripping water. A NEMA 3R enclosure does not require a gasket sealing surface. 
     Yet another standard that the exemplary drain hub, when coupled to an enclosure, allows an enclosure to meet is the NEMA 6P standard. The NEMA 6P standard applies to enclosures for indoor or outdoor use where occasional prolonged submersion of the enclosure in a liquid is encountered. Corrosion protection is required for such an enclosure, and so such enclosures are usually made of stainless steel or plastic. 
     A user may be any person that interacts with an enclosure or equipment controlled by one or more components (e.g., motor, fan, relay, programmable logic controller) of the enclosure. Examples of a user may include, but are not limited to, an engineer, an electrician, an instrumentation and controls technician, a mechanic, an operator, a consultant, a contractor, and a manufacturer&#39;s representative. 
       FIGS. 1A-1D  depict various views of an exemplary drain hub  100  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Specifically,  FIG. 1A  shows an exploded perspective view of a drain hub  100 .  FIG. 1B  shows a cross-sectional side view of the drain hub  100 .  FIG. 1C  shows a perspective side view of the drain hub  100 .  FIG. 1D  shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the drain hub  100 . In one or more embodiments, one or more of the components shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D  may be omitted, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, embodiments of drain nuts should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A-1D , the exemplary drain hub  100  includes a base  110 , a housing  120 , a damming device  170 , and, optionally, an inverted nut  140 , a filter sleeve  150 , and an insulating member  160 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the base  110  has a top portion  117  and a bottom portion  111 . The top portion  117  is thicker (extends further radially outward) than the bottom portion  111 . The base  110  (also called a base member  110 ), including the top portion  117  and the bottom portion  111 , are tubular. Specifically, the base  110  has a cavity  118  that runs along the length of the base  110 . The cavity  118  of the base is defined by an inner surface of the base  110 . The cross-sectional area of the base  110  can have one or more of a number of shapes, including but not limited to a circle, an oval, a rectangle, and a hexagon. 
     The inner surface  119  of the base  110  can be seamless between the top portion  117  and the bottom portion  111 . In other words, the inner surface  119  of the base  110  can be uniform along the length of the base  110 , so that only the outer surfaces of the top portion  117  and the bottom portion  111  differ. The inner surface  119  can be substantially vertical, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D . Alternatively, the inner surface  119  can have some horizontal component along the length of the base  110 . The inner surface  119  can be straight, angled, and/or curved along the length of the base  110 . The inner surface  119  can be smooth and/or textured. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, at least the upper part of the bottom portion  111  is positioned within a cavity  136  of the housing  120  (described below). The bottom portion  111  includes an outer surface  112  and has a thickness. The outer surface of the bottom portion  111  can be substantially vertical, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D . Alternatively, the outer surface  112  of the bottom portion  111  can have some horizontal component along its length. The outer surface  112  of the bottom portion  111  can be straight, angled, and/or curved along its length. The outer surface  112  of the bottom portion  111  can be smooth and/or textured. For example, the outer surface  112  of the bottom portion  111  has a number of vertical planes (in this case, a total of 12 vertical planes), where each plane alternates between a wider plane and a narrower plane. 
     The top portion  117  is positioned within a cavity  136  of the housing  120 , and the bottom portion  111  extends beyond the bottom portion  129  of the housing  120  (described below). The top portion  117  includes an outer surface  114  and has a thickness. The outer surface  114  of the top portion  117  can be substantially vertical, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D . Alternatively, the outer surface  114  of the top portion  117  can have some horizontal component along its length. The outer surface  114  of the top portion  117  can be straight, angled, and/or curved along its length. The outer surface  114  of the top portion  117  can be smooth and/or textured. For example, the outer surface  114  of the top portion  117  is smooth and curved. 
     In addition, in certain exemplary embodiments, along the top surface  115  of the top portion  117 , there are a number of slotted features  116  that originate at the top surface  115  and extend downward toward the bottom portion  111 . There can be one or multiple slotted features  116  in the top portion  117 . Each slotted feature  116  can have the same or different dimensions (e.g., width, depth, shapes) as the dimensions of the other slotted features  116 . For example, in  FIG. 1A , there are eight slotted features  116  disposed on the top portion  117 , where each slotted feature  116  has substantially identical dimensions to each other. Specifically, each slotted feature  116  has two sides that extend vertically downward along the entire thickness of the wall of the top portion  117  to a point approximately half way along the height of the top portion  117 . Where the two vertically extending sides for each slotted feature  116  stop, a substantially horizontal side joins them. 
     The top portion  117  and the bottom portion  111  can be separate pieces that are fixedly coupled to each other to form the base  110 . Alternatively, the top portion  117  and the bottom portion  111  can be made as a single piece (as from a mold). In certain exemplary embodiments, the base  110  is water-proof and corrosion-proof The base  110  (including the top portion  117  and the bottom portion  111 ) can be made of one or more of a number of materials, including but not limited to plastic, nylon, and stainless steel. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the cavity  118  of the base  110  can have one or more of a number of cross-sectional shapes. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity  118  can be circular (as shown in  FIG. 1A ), oval, rectangular, hexagonal, or any other suitable shape. The cavity  118  of the base  110  can have dimensions (e.g., height, cross-sectional shape, perimeter) suitable to slidably receive an enclosure (e.g., a conduit). In such a case, the base  110  can freely rotate when slidably coupled to the enclosure. In certain exemplary embodiments, the shape of the cavity  118  of the base  110  is substantially similar to the shape of the enclosure (or portion (e.g., aperture in a wall of a junction box) of the enclosure) that is received by the base  110 . 
     The exemplary damming device  170  has one or more holes (apertures) that traverse the height of the damming device  170 . The damming device  170  allows one or more conductors to pass through the one or more holes  172 . Each hole  172  provides a liquid-tight seal around the corresponding conductor. The seal  172  formed by the damming device  170  around the conductor prevents any liquid (e.g., condensation, water) from passing through the hole  172  along the conductor. The damming device  170  is positioned within a cavity  136  of the housing  120  (described below) and adjacent to the top portion  117  of the base  110 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the damming device  170  does not physically contact the top portion  117  of the base  110 . 
     The exemplary damming device  170  described herein can be made of a flexible elastomeric material. Examples of such flexible elastomeric material include, but are not limited to, synthetic rubbers produced by polymerization of chloroprene, such as neoprene, polychloroprene, urethane, and silicone. In addition, or in the alternative, the flexible elastomeric material can include a butyl compound. The damming device  170  can be made as a single piece (e.g., made from a single mold) or as multiple pieces that are mechanically coupled together. In the latter case, the multiple pieces can be mechanically coupled using one or more of a number of methods, including but not limited to epoxy, melting, fusion, a fastening device, and a clamping device. 
     Each hole  172  of the damming device  170  can be cylindrical or conical (i.e., circular when viewed from a horizontal cross section). Alternatively, or in addition, the hole  170  can have one or more other shapes, viewed in two or three dimensions. For example, one or more holes  172  of the damming device  170  may have one shape (e.g., cube), while one or more other holes  172  of the damming device  170  can have another shape (e.g., cylinder). Examples of such shapes, when viewed in a two dimensional space, include but are not limited to a circle, an ellipse, a square, a rectangle, a hexagon, an octagon, and five-point star. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the walls of the hole  172  are conical (tapered) to channel the conductor more easily toward a designated area. When the holes  172  are circular, each hole  172  can be defined in terms of one or more radii. Similarly, the holes  172  can be defined by one or more other terms appropriate for the shape of the holes  172 . For example, while a circular hole  172  is described below with respect to a radius, the circular hole  172  may also be described with respect to one or more other terms, including but not limited to a diameter, a circumference, a volume, and an area. Similarly, holes  172  having other shapes can be described using one or more terms appropriate to that shape. The junction at the top or bottom of a hole  172  with the body of the damming device  170  can be formed as a pointed edge or a rounded edge. 
     If there is no conductor that traverses a hole  172  in the damming device  170 , then the hole  172  can remain closed, preventing any liquid from traversing the hole  172 . When a conductor is inserted through a hole  172 , the hole  172  is opened to allow the conductor to pass therethrough. In addition, the hole  172  closes over the conductor, creating a liquid-tight barrier to prevent liquid from traversing the hole  172  along the conductor. 
     Optionally, in certain exemplary embodiments, a filter sleeve  150  is coupled to or located adjacent to a bottom surface of the damming device  170 . The filter sleeve  150  can include a filter sleeve wall  152  having a length that extends downward from the bottom portion of the damming device  170 . The filter sleeve wall  152  can have a thickness and form an inner and outer perimeter. In certain exemplary embodiments, the filter sleeve  150  fits within an opening of an enclosure (e.g., fits inside of a conduit). In such a case, the filter sleeve wall  152  has an outer perimeter that is less than an inner perimeter of the enclosure. Alternatively, the filter sleeve  150  can have an enclosure slide within the cavity formed by the filter sleeve wall  152 . In such a case, the filter sleeve wall  152  has an inner perimeter that is greater than an outer perimeter of the enclosure. 
     The filter sleeve wall  152  can be made of a permeable or porous material that allows liquids (e.g., water) to pass therethrough while preventing solids (e.g., dirt, rocks) from passing therethrough. Specifically, as condensation builds on the conductor that passes through the enclosure and drains toward the drain hub  100 , some debris (e.g., dirt, rocks) can also be drained toward the drain hub  100 . In such a case, the debris may be large enough to block some or all of the slotted features  116  in the base  110 . As a result, the condensation collected by the drain hub  100  may not be able to drain properly. The filter sleeve wall  152  can prevent such blockage of the slotted features  116  in the base  110  from occurring. 
     The filter sleeve wall  152  can form a mesh. The holes of the mesh can be substantially the same or different than other holes of the mesh. The size of the holes can be based on the size of the debris that the filter sleeve  150  is designed to stop. The filter sleeve wall  152  can be made from one or more of a number of materials, including but not limited to nylon, metal, and rubber. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the housing  120  (also called a housing member  120 ) of the drain hub  100  is rotatably coupled to the base  110 , fixedly coupled to the damming device  170 , and, in some cases, removably coupled to the inverted nut  140 . The housing can include multiple portions. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the housing  120  can have three portions. Specifically, the housing  120  can have a top portion  125 , a middle portion  127 , and a bottom portion  129 . 
     The various portions of the housing  120  are defined along the inner surfaces. Here, the top portion  125  has a top inner surface  126 , the middle portion  127  has a middle inner surface  128 , and the bottom portion  129  has a bottom inner surface  130 . Each inner surface of the housing  120  forms a perimeter for that respective portion. In this example, the middle inner surface  128  of the middle portion  127  forms a larger perimeter than the perimeter formed by the bottom inner surface  130  of the bottom portion  129 , and the top inner surface  126  of the top portion  125  forms a larger perimeter than the perimeter formed by the middle inner surface  128  of the middle portion  127 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the perimeter of the top inner surface  126  of the top portion  125  is slightly larger than the perimeter of the damming device  170 . In addition, the perimeter of the middle inner surface  128  of the middle portion  127  can be slightly smaller than the perimeter of the damming device  170 . In such a case, the damming device  170 , when positioned within the cavity  136  of the housing  120 , sits on a shelf or ledge created between the middle portion  127  and the top portion  125  by the middle inner surface  128  and the top inner surface  126 . 
     The housing  120 , including the top portion  125 , the middle portion  127 , and the bottom portion  129 , are tubular. Specifically, the housing  120  has a cavity  136  that runs along the length of the housing  120  (and thus also along the length of each of the sections of the housing  120 ). The cavity  136  of the base is defined by an inner surface of the housing  120 . The cross-sectional area of the housing  120  can have one or more of a number of shapes, including but not limited to a circle, an oval, a rectangle, and a hexagon. Each inner surface of the housing  120  can be substantially vertical, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C . Alternatively, each inner surface of the housing  120  can have some horizontal component along the length of the housing  120 . Each inner surface of the housing  120  can be straight (as shown in  FIG. 1A ), angled, and/or curved along the length of the housing  120 . 
     Each inner surface of the housing  120  can be smooth and/or textured. For example, the top inner surface  126  of the top portion  125  can have one or more features (e.g., threads) that are used to mechanically couple the housing  120  to some other component (e.g., the inverted nut  140 ) and/or an enclosure. In addition, or in the alternative, the outer surface of the housing  120  can include one or more features that allow the housing  120  to mechanically couple the housing  120  to one or more other components. In any case, such features allow the housing  120  to mechanically couple to complementary features of the other component. 
     As described above, at least the upper part of the bottom portion  111  of the base  110  is positioned within the cavity  136  of the housing  120 . Specifically, the shelf or ledge created where the top portion  117  and the bottom portion  111  of the base  110  meet sits atop the shelf or ledge created between the middle portion  127  and the bottom portion  129  by the middle inner surface  128  and the bottom inner surface  130 . In such a case, the outer perimeter of the top portion  117  of the base  110  is slightly smaller than the perimeter of the middle inner surface  128  and slightly larger than the perimeter of the bottom inner surface  130 . In addition, the perimeter of the bottom portion  111  of the base  110  is slightly larger than the perimeter of the bottom inner surface  130 . This allows the base  110  to slide within the cavity  136  of the housing  120  until the top portion  117  rests against the shelf or ledge created between the middle portion  127  and the bottom portion  129  by the middle inner surface  128  and the bottom inner surface  130 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the height (length) of the top portion  117  of the base  110  is substantially the same or slightly less than the height of the middle portion  127  of the housing  120 . In the latter case, the base  110  can freely rotate while coupled to the housing  120 . 
     The outer surface of the housing  120  can be uniform along its length (between the top portion  125 , the middle portion  127 , and the bottom portion  129 ). Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the outer surface of the housing can include one or more portions. For example,  FIG. 1A  shows that the outer surface includes lower portion  134  that includes six flat surfaces of substantially equal dimensions to create a hexagon. The height (length) of these flat surfaces of the lower portion  134  is approximately equal to the height of half of the top portion  125 , all of the middle portion  127 , and all of the bottom portion  129 . The outer surface of the housing  120  of  FIG. 1A  also includes a top portion  132  that is substantially smooth, like the top middle surface  126 . The height of the top portion  132  of the outer surface is approximately equal to half the height of the top portion  125 . 
     The outer surface of the housing  120  can be substantially vertical, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C . Alternatively, the outer surface of the housing  120  can have some horizontal component along the length of the housing  120 . The outer surface of the housing  120  can be straight, angled, and/or curved along the length of the housing  120 . The outer surface of the housing  120  can be smooth and/or textured. In addition, in certain exemplary embodiments, a number of drainage apertures  122  traverse the wall of the middle portion  127  of the housing  120 . There can be one or multiple drainage apertures  122  in the middle portion  127 . Each drainage aperture  122  can have the same or different dimensions (e.g., width, depth, shapes) as the dimensions of the other drainage apertures  122 . For example, in  FIG. 1A , there are six drainage apertures  122  (one for each flat surface of the lower portion  134  on the outer surface of the housing  120 ) disposed on the middle portion  127 , where each drainage aperture  122  has substantially identical dimensions to each other. Specifically, each drainage aperture  122  is rectangular in shape and traverses then entire thickness of the wall of the middle portion  127 . 
     The top portion  125 , the middle portion  127 , and the bottom portion  129  can be separate pieces that are fixedly coupled to each other to form the housing  120 . Alternatively, the top portion  125 , the middle portion  127 , and the bottom portion  129  can be made as a single piece (as from a mold). In certain exemplary embodiments, the housing  120  is water-proof and corrosion-proof. The housing  120  (including the top portion  125 , the middle portion  127 , and the bottom portion  129 ) can be made of one or more of a number of materials, including but not limited to plastic, nylon, and stainless steel. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the top side of the top portion  125  of the housing  120  includes one or more features  124  for receiving an optional insulating member  160 . The insulating member  160  can be any device that is disposed between the housing  120  and another component (e.g., the inverted nut  140 ) and/or an enclosure. The insulating member  160  can be used to create a seal between the housing  120  and another component (e.g., the inverted nut  140 ) and/or an enclosure. Such a seal can act as a barrier to prevent, or greatly reduce, dust, water, and/or other contaminants from entering the cavity  136  of the housing  120 . 
     Examples of the insulating component  160  can include, but are not limited to, a gasket, an o-ring, and silicon gel. The insulating component  160  can be disposed within the feature  124  of the housing  120 . For example, if the feature  124  is a channel, then the insulating component  160  can be an o-ring that snugly fits within the channel. The insulating component  160  can be made of a compressible material. The insulating component  160  can be made from one or more of a number of materials, including but not limited to rubber, nylon, metal, and silicon. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the feature  124  on the top side of the top portion  125  of the housing  120  receives the insulating member  160 . Examples of the feature  124  can include, but are not limited to, a channel, a ridge, and texture that is disposed on the top side of the top portion  125 . The feature  124  can be integral with the housing  120  or mechanically coupled to the housing  120 . 
     In certain optional exemplary embodiments, the optional inverted nut  140  mechanically couples to the housing  120 . The inverted nut  140  can include a mating portion  144  for mechanically coupling the inverted nut  140  to the housing  120 . For example, the mating portion  144  of the inverted nut  140  can have threads that mate with corresponding threads on the top inner surface  126  of the top portion  125  to threadably couple inverted nut  140  to the housing  120 . In such a case, the In such a case, the insulating component  160  may be compressed between the inverted nut  140  and the housing  120  when the inverted nut  140  is coupled to the housing  120 . 
     The inverted nut can also include a flange  145 , located above the mating portion  144 . The flange  145  can be used to compress the insulating component  160  and/or secure the drain hub  100  to an enclosure (e.g., a junction box). An example of this is shown in  FIG. 2  below. In such a case, the outer perimeter of the mating portion  144  is slightly smaller than an aperture in the enclosure through which the mating portion  144  traverses. 
     The outer edge  142  of the flange  145  may substantially align with the top portion  132  of the outer surface of the housing  120 . The outer edge  142  of the flange  145  may include one or more of a number of features to aid in coupling and/or decoupling the inverted nut  140  to the housing  120 . Such features may include, but are not limited to, one or more flat edges, one or more slots, and a textured finish. 
     The top surface  141  of the flange  145  extends from the inner surface  143  to the outer edge  142  around some or all of the inverted nut  140 . The top surface  141  of the flange  145  can be flat and smooth. In addition, or in the alternative, the top surface  141  of the flange  145  can include one or more of a number of features, including but not limited to a curvature, texture, an angled segment, and a channel. 
     The inverted nut  140  can also have an inner surface  143  that forms a cavity  146  that traverses the height (length) of the inverted nut  140 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the perimeter of the inner surface  143  is large enough to allow all of the conductors that pass through the damming device  170  to traverse therethrough. The inner surface  143  of the inverted nut  140  can be seamless along its length. The inner surface  143  can be substantially vertical, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D . Alternatively, the inner surface  143  can have some horizontal component along the length of the inverted nut  140 . The inner surface  143  can be straight, angled, and/or curved along the length of the inverted nut  140 . The inner surface  143  can be smooth (as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1D ) and/or textured. 
     The mating portion  144  and the flange  145  of the inverted nut  140  can be separate pieces that are fixedly coupled to each other to form the inverted nut  140 . Alternatively, the mating portion  144  and the flange  145  can be made as a single piece (as from a mold). In certain exemplary embodiments, the inverted nut  140  is water-proof and corrosion-proof. The inverted nut  140  (including the mating portion  144  and the flange  145 ) can be made of one or more of a number of materials, including but not limited to plastic, nylon, and stainless steel. 
       FIG. 2  shows a cross-sectional perspective view of an enclosure system  200  using an exemplary drain hub  100  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the components shown in  FIG. 2  may be omitted, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, embodiments of drain hubs should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-1D  and  2 , the drain hub  100  of the enclosure system  200  of  FIG. 2  is substantially the same as the drain hub  100  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1D . In this case, the drain hub  100  is mechanically coupled to two different enclosures. Specifically, the base  110  is mechanically coupled to a conduit  280 , while the inverted nut  140  is threadably coupled to the housing  120  and mechanically couples the drain hub  100  to a junction box  291 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the conduit  280  is inserted inside the cavity  118  of the base  110 . The conduit  280  can be coupled to the base  110  in one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited to fixedly, slidably, and rotatably. If the conduit  280  is fixedly coupled to the base  110 , then the base  110  may not be able to freely rotate. In such a case, the base  110  may have a larger number of slotted features and/or the housing  120  may have a larger number of drainage apertures  122 . If the conduit  280  is fixedly coupled to the base  110 , then one or more of a number of coupling methods can be used, including but not limited to epoxy, heat shrink tubing, compression fittings, mating threads, and fastening devices. 
     If the conduit  280  is not fixedly coupled to the base  110 , then the base  110  can be freely rotatable. In such a case, one or more bracing devices (e.g., a bracket that couples to the conduit  280  at one end and the wall  290  of the junction box  291  at the other end) can be used to hold the conduit  280  in place relative to the base  110 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the inverted nut  140  is mechanically coupled to one side (e.g., the inside surface) of the wall  290  of the junction box  291  as well as the housing  120 . In addition, the top portion  125  of the housing  120  is mechanically coupled to the opposite side (e.g., the outside surface) of the wall  290  of the junction box  291 . In such a case, the inverted nut  140  and/or the top portion  125  of the housing  120  traverses an aperture in the wall  290  of the junction box  291 . 
     For the enclosure system  200  of  FIG. 2 , condensation can accumulate inside the conduit  280  and flow toward the junction box  291 . Without the exemplary drain hub  100 , the condensation will flow into the enclosure, creating a risk of an electrical condition (e.g., short circuit, corrosion, arcing, ground fault) caused by the condensation. By inserting the exemplary drain hub  100  in the enclosure system  200 , condensation is blocked from entering the junction box  291  from the conduit  280 . Instead, the drain hub  100  collects and expels the condensation outside the junction box  291 . 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  show various views of an alternative drain hub  300  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Except as described below, the components of the drain hub  300  are substantially similar to the corresponding components described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3B , the inverted nut  140  described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A-1D  is now replaced in  FIGS. 3A and 3B  with an additional base  340 . The additional base  340  includes a mating portion  344  and a receiving portion  345 . The additional base  340  couples to an enclosure (e.g., a different conduit) that requires a different coupling feature than an inverted nut. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the mating portion  344  is a flat, disk-shaped piece having a shape (when viewed from a bottom view) that is substantially similar to the shape (when viewed from a top view) of the housing  120 . The top surface of the mating portion  344  is, at least in part, made of a solid material (e.g., metal, rubber) that prevents water from flowing therethrough. In certain exemplary embodiments, a middle portion of the mating portion  344  includes at least one aperture (not shown) that is at least large enough to allow the conductors to pass therethrough. In such a case, the aperture extends at least a portion of the cavity  346  to the top side of the damming device  170 . The mating portion  344  can include a mating surface (not shown) along the outer perimeter (on the side) that allows the additional base  340  to mechanically couple to the housing  120 . 
     The mating surface can include one or more of a number of features (e.g., threads, slots, fasteners, fastener receivers) that mechanically couple to corresponding features of the housing  120 , such as the top portion  125  of the housing  120 . For example, the outer perimeter of the mating portion  344  can be threaded, which allows the mating portion  344  to be threadably coupled to the housing  120  having corresponding threads along the top inner surface  126  of the top portion  125 . The mating portion  344  can have other shapes and/or sizes and still mechanically couple to the housing  120 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the receiving portion  345  is disposed on the top of the mating portion  344 . The receiving portion  345  of the additional base  340  receives the enclosure, collects condensation from inside the enclosure, and removes the condensation. The receiving portion  345  is tubular. Specifically, the receiving portion  345  has a cavity  346  that runs along the length of the receiving portion  345 . The cavity  346  of the receiving portion  345  is defined by an inner surface  343  of the receiving portion  345 . The cross-sectional area of the receiving portion  345  can have one or more of a number of shapes, including but not limited to a circle, an oval, a rectangle, and a hexagon. 
     The inner surface  343  of the receiving portion  345  can be seamless along its height (length). The inner surface  343  can be substantially vertical. Alternatively, the inner surface  343  can have some horizontal component along the length of the receiving portion  345 . The inner surface  343  can be straight, angled, and/or curved along the length of the receiving portion  345 . The inner surface  343  can be smooth and/or textured. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the receiving portion  345  also includes an outer surface  342  and forms a thickness with the inner surface  343 . The outer surface  342  of the receiving portion  345  can be substantially vertical. Alternatively, the outer surface  342  can have some horizontal component along its length. The outer surface  342  can be straight, angled, and/or curved along its length. The outer surface  342  of the receiving portion  345  can be smooth and/or textured. For example, the outer surface  342  of the receiving portion  345  has a number of vertical planes (in this case, a total of  12  vertical planes), where each plane alternates between a wider plane and a narrower plane. 
     In addition, in certain exemplary embodiments, along the bottom of the receiving portion  345  (i.e., where the receiving portion  345  couples to the mating portion  344 ), there are a number of slotted features  347  that originate at the bottom of the receiving portion  345  and extend upward away from the mating portion  344  and toward the top side  341  of the receiving portion  345 . There can be one or multiple slotted features  347  in the bottom of the receiving portion  345 . Each slotted feature  347  can have the same or different dimensions (e.g., width, depth, shapes) as the dimensions of the other slotted features  347 . For example, in  FIG. 3A , there are six slotted features  347  disposed on the bottom of the receiving portion  345 , where each slotted feature  347  has substantially identical dimensions to each other. Specifically, each slotted feature  347  has two sides that extend vertically upward along the entire thickness of the wall of the bottom of the receiving portion  345  to a point approximately 10% up the height of the bottom of the receiving portion  345 . Where the two vertically extending sides for each slotted feature  347  stop, a substantially horizontal side joins them. 
     The receiving portion  345  and the mating portion  344  can be separate pieces that are fixedly coupled to each other to form the additional base  340 . Alternatively, the receiving portion  345  and the mating portion  344  can be made as a single piece (as from a mold). In certain exemplary embodiments, the additional base  340  is water-proof and corrosion-proof. The additional base  340  (including the receiving portion  345  and the mating portion  344 ) can be made of one or more of a number of materials, including but not limited to plastic, nylon, and stainless steel. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the cavity  346  of the receiving portion  345  can have one or more of a number of cross-sectional shapes. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the cavity  346  can be circular (as shown in  FIG. 3A ), oval, rectangular, hexagonal, or any other suitable shape. The cavity  346  of the receiving portion  345  can have dimensions (e.g., height, cross-sectional shape, perimeter) suitable to slidably receive an enclosure (e.g., a conduit). In such a case, the receiving portion  345  can freely rotate when slidably coupled to the enclosure. Alternatively, the receiving portion  345  can be fixedly coupled to the mating portion, preventing the receiving portion from freely rotating. In certain exemplary embodiments, the shape of the cavity  346  of the receiving portion  345  is substantially similar to the shape of the enclosure (or portion (e.g., aperture in a wall of a junction box) of the enclosure) that is received by the receiving portion  345 . 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  show various views of yet another alternative drain hub  400  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Except as described below, the components of the drain hub  400  are substantially similar to the corresponding components described above with respect to the drain hub  300  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Specifically, the differences between the additional base  440  of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  and the additional base  340  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  are described below. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4B , the additional base  440  of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  includes a lower portion  480  and an upper portion  490 . The upper portion  480  is substantially similar to the receiving portion  345 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the size of the inner perimeter of the upper portion  480  is larger than the inner perimeter of the receiving portion  345 . In such a case, the cavity of the upper portion  480  can receive a larger enclosure or couple to a larger aperture in an enclosure. 
     The lower portion  480  of the additional base  440  is somewhat similar to the mating portion  344  of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  in that the top end of the lower portion  480  is mechanically coupled to the upper portion  490  and in that the bottom end of the lower portion  480  is mechanically coupled to the housing  120 , such as the top portion  125  of the housing  120 . However, the manner in which the lower portion  480  couples to the housing  120  may differ from how the mating portion  344  couples to the housing  120 . 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the top outer surface, rather than the top inner surface  126 , of the top portion  125  of the housing  120  has mating features for receiving complementary mating features of the lower portion  480 . Similarly, the complementary mating features of the lower portion  480  are disposed on an inner surface  483  of the lower portion  480  rather than on the outer surface of the lower portion  480 . For example, the top outer surface of the top portion  125  of the housing  120  may have mating threads that threadably couple to complementary mating threads disposed on the inner surface  483  of the lower portion  480 . 
     The lower portion  480  also has an outer surface  482 . The outer surface  482  shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  is smooth, but can have any other texture, curvature, shape, and/or other characteristics. The top end of the outer surface  482  abuts against the bottom side of the slotted features  447  of the upper portion  480 . 
     The exemplary drain hubs described herein can be used in one of a number of locations and/or environments. For example, the drain hubs that receive (are mechanically coupled to) a conduit at both ends (e.g., drain hub  300 , drain hub  400 ) can be used, for example, in a cable trough, in conduit, or buried underground. In such a case, the drain hub can be a coupler or reducer. Further, such drain hubs can be used in hazardous areas, outdoors, or in any other type of environment. When a drain hub  400  receives a conduit at both ends, the drain hub  400  can be positioned at a horizontally low point so that gravity helps improve the effectiveness of the drain hub  400  in collecting and removing the condensation that accumulates inside the conduits. In such a case, when the conduits and drain hub  400  are buried underground, the drain hub  400  acts as a French drain. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, to further aid in the effectiveness of a drain hub (e.g., drain hub  300 , drain hub  400 ) in collecting and removing condensation, each fitting (e.g., the additional base  440  mechanically coupling to the housing  120 ) can have a pitch of some degree. For example, when viewed in terms of an axis that runs along the length of the housing  120 , the axis that runs along the length of the additional base  440  may form an acute angle (e.g., 5 degrees) rather than an angle of zero degrees (in line). 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart of an exemplary method  500  for removing condensation from an enclosure that includes a conductor in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. While the various steps in this flowchart are presented and described sequentially, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that some or all of the steps may be executed in different orders, may be combined or omitted, and some or all of the steps may be executed in parallel. Further, in one or more of the exemplary embodiments, one or more of the steps described below may be omitted, repeated, and/or performed in a different order. In addition, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional steps not shown in  FIG. 5 , may be included in performing this method. Accordingly, the specific arrangement of steps should not be construed as limiting the scope. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , the exemplary method  500  begins at the START step and proceeds to step  502 , where a conductor is received through a damming device  170 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the damming device  170  is disposed within a drain hub  100 . The conductor traverses a hole  172  in the damming device  170 . The damming device  172  creates a liquid-tight seal around the conductor when the conductor traverses the hole  172 . The conductor can be positioned inside of an enclosure (e.g., conduit  280 , junction box  291 ). 
     In step  504 , condensation is received along the conductor on one side of the damming device  170 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the condensation builds inside the enclosure, accumulates on the conductor within the enclosure, and follows along the conductor toward the drain hub  100 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the drain hub  100  is placed in a location relative to the enclosure that puts the drain hub  100  at a low point to help in collecting the condensation. When the condensation enters the drain hub  100  along the conductor, the damming device  170  prevents the condensation from traveling further along the conductor. 
     In step  506 , the condensation is collected within a base member  110 . When the damming device  170  prevents the condensation from traveling further along the conductor, the condensation collects on the one side of the damming device  170 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the damming device  170  is positioned adjacent to the base member  110  of the drain hub  100 . 
     In step  508 , the base member  110  is rotated to align with a housing member  120 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the housing member  120  is part of the drain hub  100 . Specifically, the base member  110  is positioned inside a cavity  136  of the housing member  120 . Further, the base member  110  can rotate within the housing member  120 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the base member  110  self-rotates within the housing member  120  based on one or more of a number of factors, including but not limited to gravity, an amount of condensation that accumulates within the base member  110 , the positioning of slotted features  116  in the base member  110  relative to drainage apertures  122  in the housing member  120 , the number of slotted features  116  in the base member  110 , and the number of drainage apertures  122  in the housing member  120 . 
     If the base member  110  is not properly aligned with the housing member  120 , then the base member  110  continues to rotate until the alignment of the slotted features  116  relative to the drainage apertures  122  allows for proper drainage of the condensation. In certain exemplary embodiments, in addition or in the alternative, the housing member  120  rotates to allow for proper drainage of the condensation from the drain hub  100 . 
     In step  510 , the condensation is drained through a number of apertures in the base member  110  and the housing member  120 . Specifically, the condensation is drained through the slotted features  116  in the base member  110  and the drainage apertures  122  in the housing member  120 . As the condensation drains through the drainage apertures  122  in the housing member  120 , the condensation is removed from the drain hub  100 , and thus the enclosure. When step  510  is completed, the process continues to the END step. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the exemplary method  500  can be performed simultaneously on a different end (if there is more than one end) of the drain hub  100 . In such a case, the other end could, simultaneously with the first end performing the method  500  described above, collect and remove condensation from a different enclosure that is coupled to the drain hub  100 . For example, if the drain hub  100  has only two sides, then additional condensation can be received along the conductor on an opposite side of the damming device  400 . In such a case, the opposite side may include the additional base  440 . The opposite side of the drain hub  100  then would collect condensation, using the other side of the damming device  170 , within the additional base member  440 . Finally, the condensation drains through a number of apertures (slotted features  447 ) in the additional base member  440 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the additional base member  440  may rotate to allow for easier drainage of the condensation. 
     Exemplary embodiments provide for a drain hub. Specifically, certain exemplary embodiments allow for the connection of condensation along a conductor from one or more enclosures and removing such condensation from the enclosure. In addition, the exemplary drain hub prevents condensation from traversing along a conductor through the drain hub to the other side of the drain hub. The drain hub can collect and remove condensation from a conductor on one side of the drain hub or from more multiple (two or more) sides of the drain hub. Exemplary embodiments may be used with a variety of sizes, quantities, and/or shapes of conductor. 
     In addition, exemplary embodiments provide for circuit integrity to the corresponding electric circuit that uses the conductor. Exemplary embodiments save time, material, and money in installing and maintaining an electrical system. Specifically, using exemplary drain hubs described herein reduces or eliminates the concern of moisture-related electrical problems associated with junction boxes, conduit, terminal blocks, fuse blocks, conductors, and a number of other components and enclosures. In addition, the use of exemplary drain hubs can provide one or more of a number of electrical and/or mechanical benefits relative to the conductor. Such benefits can include, but are not limited to, ease of installation, ease of maintenance, increased lifespan of electrical components associated with a conductor, and replacing a blown fuse that results from an overcurrent and/or overtemperature condition. 
     Although embodiments described herein are made with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications are well within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary embodiments described herein are not limited to any specifically discussed application and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the exemplary embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments using the present disclosure will suggest themselves to practitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the exemplary embodiments is not limited herein.