Working With EMT - ELECTRICAL METALLIC TUBING and What Electricians Should Know
This video covers everything you need to know about working with EMT (electrical metallic tubing) as an electrician. I cover the topics discussed in the national electric code article 358 on uses permitted, securing and supporting, and much more.
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This video is more of a code-overview of EMT, so lets begin at the beginning of article 358 of the NEC with the uses permitted and not-permitted.
358.10 - USES PERMITTED
EMT is allowed to be used in dry, damp, and wet locations as well as in concrete or direct contact with the earth as long as you follow 358.10(B)
There are different types of EMT that have different properties as well, so make sure that you're using the correct type in the correct environment before making assumptions that everything is ok for general use. For example Aluminum EMT is not approved to be direct buried unless there's a supplimentary coating or protection around it - whereas stainless steel and galvanized steel EMT are allowed.
358.12 - USES NOT-PERMITTED
You cannot install EMT where it is subject to physical damage, or where it is used as a support for a luminaire or other equipment. For both of these RMC (rigid metal conduit) would be acceptable. So if you're working in parking garages near vehicle traffic, or in corrosive environments where the EMT may get damaged, you need to use a better method like Rigid to protect your conductors.
358.14 - DISSIMILAR METALS
Galvanic action is a serious issue to look into when dealing with dissimilar metals touching each other. A lot of people don't think about this when installing conduit, but the nature of two different metals is that one of them is more active and the other is more passive. The more passive metal will begin to weaken/corrode the more active metal and over time may destroy the active metal. This is especially dangerous when using EMT as an equipment grounding conductor. Over a long enough time, that one complete conduit system may turn into several disjointed segments due to corrosion, leaving you with no equipment ground.
358.20 - SIZE
There are minimum and maximum trade sizes that are allowed to be used as EMT. They must be no smaller than 1/2" and no larger than 4." You can't just take a piece of 6" pipe, slap some conductors in it, and call it EMT.
358.24 AND .26 - BENDS
348.24 specifically talks about ensuring that when bending conduit, your bends are not damaging the internal diameter of the tubing, and not reducing the diameter of the tubing. This makes damaging the conductors inside more likely, as well as more difficult to pull in or out.
358.26 Talks about how many bends you can have in one complete run of EMT - from box to box, or pull point to pull point. The max for most conduits/tubing is 360 degrees of bends. So that means no more than 4 90-degree bends from one box to another. The more you do this you'll see why this is - it's difficult as hell to get conductors pulled through, and more often than not you damage the insulation of the conductors when pulling both in and out - if more than 360 degrees of bends exist in the run.
#emt #conduit #electrical
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Haven't run any conduit in a number of years but my first day on the job 20 years ago a Journeyman and I ran 200 feet of 3/4 EMT. That day I learned how to bend a 90, a 30 degree offset, box offsets and pull wire. That day made me fall in love with the trade. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Great work, keep it up.
@eddiew2325
4 жыл бұрын
Oof sorry for your loss
@eriknovak5452
2 жыл бұрын
As a Chicagoland apprentice, we're always running conduit 😅
@nicholasittzes7224
Жыл бұрын
@@eriknovak5452 Yeah, I've heard it's all conduit or mc out there because of rats causing damage to nm cable. Is that true?
It is gracious of you to produce these videos and share your knowledge and skill. What stands out the most is your attention to detail. This is the difference between an educational video and a diy video. You could be a great teacher. Thanks for using your personal time to educate others.
I love how you incorporated the code into these videos
I find it hard to understand all your English.but I'm learning so much from you.thanks for sharing.big respect from Algeria.keep going master.
@andreaspringer3066
2 жыл бұрын
Jf
Best electrical channel! Love the content
@lorastill9087
4 жыл бұрын
Does it make your hands dirty can you wear gloves when running it??
I really like how u present ur topics. U obviously do ur homework I like the code references I would sent all apprentice to watch ur vids. Keep up great work
Needed this, I'm fresh out of trade School with a diploma in Electrical Construction and Maintenance.
Hey man just want to let you know how much I appreciate these videos. I got let go from the apprenticeship because of my grades (I have a hard time with math) but my 6 months is coming up and going back first thing January. I really want to be a leader and take pride in my work and these videos will help me get a step ahead. I'm 21 btw
@jimgbe7185
4 жыл бұрын
Common sense man
@AT-pw9dx
3 жыл бұрын
3rd year apprenticr here.o struggled with the math too.youll be fine if you lamrsctice,practice, practice.the brain is nwmeuroplastic and can be rewired .it's tough at first but don't let anyone talk you out of improving.you can get really good at math one day
@nicholasittzes7224
Жыл бұрын
Sometimes it's hard to find someone who is actually good at teaching math, too. I remember a prof in college who was a genius, but couldn't teach. I think he was new, and kept getting mixed up. That said, it may not be all you. Good luck to you! Hang in there!
I started watching this video because I’m interested in doing this in my shop, I’m not experienced in electrical, carpentry. I’m more carpentry and other things, I know about corrosion though and I wasn’t expecting you to be so technical in areas. I really appreciate this video.
I was working in an older warehouse and one of the previous electricians used the conduit as the neutral. It was pretty scary.
@eddiew2325
4 жыл бұрын
That’s pretty smart
@brewtalityk
3 жыл бұрын
cost effective for sure. lmao
@skliros9235
2 жыл бұрын
Smart. Saving on wire. 😬
@nicholasittzes7224
Жыл бұрын
Yikes!!! I go the other extreme, and pull an actual ground wire in addition...
@jakesegdirb
Жыл бұрын
Stupid question, how would use the conduit as a neutral? Tie the neutral to the box instead of the ground?
Early this week my journeymen trusted me too do raceways for fire alarms i used the correct size emt for multiple sources, i really showed them that i know what too do for a level one apprentice, i really liked this video and many others you shared. Thank you Electrician U! keep em coming man your a great help!
I just rewatched this .never hurts to refresh your memory.
Hey man! I’m not even a budding electrician, just a new homeowner and I’m loving the channel. Very informative and you have a great style of teaching and editing. Btw, who does your awesome 8-bit transition tracks??
@eccomercementoreeryan2264
Жыл бұрын
Hype!!
Can you make a video showing how to layout a panel or box, finding the spacing for conduit ? Like center to center the different diameter of conduit, such as 3/4, 1, 1, 1/2. I'm having trouble laying out boxes with the correct spacings
Keep in mind that EMT is ok for physical damage locations, it is the "severe" physical damage that prohibits the use of EMT Products. Great Video ( as always). Keep up the great work.
@illestofdemall13
4 жыл бұрын
So if forklifts could hit it, RMC or IMC would be needed, correct?
@MasterTheNEC
4 жыл бұрын
@@illestofdemall13 depends on the AHJ as it would be their call. The NEC doesn't define severe physical damage and what constitutes it being over physical damage.
Did you, or are you, going to do a vid on the different types of “conduit/tubing” (examples: smurf tubes, emt, raceways, rigid, etc...) b/c that would really help some ppl out if they can just watch your vid & get some general basic knowledge/info of what these things are & used for....just an idea; as I have recently been paired with a “helper” & said to grab some smurf tubing for cat6 cable gonna be install8ng & they had no clue what was talking about. The look on his face was priceless though, like “I” was the crazy one 🤣🤪. Appreciate these vids you are making creating, as several have been useful for me to help explain to my helpers & apprentices of some of things they should know & learn more about(it’s nice for the ppl who learn by watching or “seeing”, compared to the ones who can read a book about “the subject/topic” & understand what’s happening....if know what I mean). Thanks so much; CHEERS BRO ✌🏼
Came here to get tips of bending pipe. Ended up learning needle nose work excellent for boring out inside the Emt.
Years ago you could use emt as a ground but not anymore as far as I know. Personally myself I’ve always used a green wire with my pulls , because overtime shit can happen with emt joints. Also I have always reamed my cut ends. I use chainsaw files for the inside and a fine tooth flat file and also theirs these hooked end hand held devices that work great but in the end I do the finger test; if it can cut your finger it will cut wire shielding. Yes it takes some time but we’ll worth it.
Hey Roger's are here here in San Antonio doing a Amazon .
We've done a couple conduit labs, and no one used a level but me.
I am getting ready to do a building an this was very helpful. THANKS
Great summary. Thank you
i am just here to see if you mention how much pressure crushes conduit but im so impressed with your delivery and editing im going to sub.
Good stuff. Hope you’re planning one on pvc conduit too.
7:50 sounds like you are speaking from experience :D I have seen an electrician sliding conduit over wires because he had too many bends, very embarrassing for him!
That was fantastic. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Couldnt be more excited about this conduit series also can you give tips and tricks on how to use the commercial environment and surrounding to take conduit measurements it can be tricky to find stuff to measure off of ?
I love when he says stand on the emt we all know ever site people stand on it to do other work drives me crazy after I just did all that work
Great Job! You are very relatable to the younger groups that I am Teaching.
Adding lighting to a steel hangar. This is what I needed to know. Thanks. P.S. No way would I use the EMT as an equipment ground.
I recently did a small project, and discovered that I could buy EMT and THHN for less than Romex! Holy cow!
Nice vid. I was under the impression that we can’t use the conduit as a ground because using an actual ground wire trips the breaker in case of a short faster than the conduit does, even though that’s how a lot of older stuff was ran.
@trekmonster91
4 жыл бұрын
Joshua Gardner I think it depends on local codes because the NEC does allow it, most jobs however spec out that you need to run an egc with your circuit conductors because the likelihood of EMT being installed incorrectly is very high(not being electrically continuous from one termination to another.)
@shimes424
4 жыл бұрын
It's allowed up to 120v 20a while any higher voltage/amperage stuff needs it's own ground wire. Not having a bare metal wire to wrangle around an outlet inside the box is so much easier.
@glitchwrks
4 жыл бұрын
@@shimes424 It's actually allowed for any size conduit that the wires will fit in (observing fill ratio limits), assuming your location adopts the NEC as-is. There's been a fair bit of research by Georgia Tech showing that properly made-up EMT provides a much better low impedance ground for clearing faults than a properly sized wire EGC. They even have a calculator you can download for free that will tell you what size EMT or other conduit you need for a given ampacity. That said, I do still often run a wire EGC :) You do still need the separate wire EGC in isolated ground circuits, of course.
Excellent, the only thing I would have added is that for very long runs, all materials can shrink in the cold and expand in the heat. If you install when it's freezing and everything fits snug, it may buckle when it gets hot. Or maybe the opposite, could you loose continuity in winter if it shrinks. I hope I'm not knit picking, but that's the only thing I would have added.
Thanks amigo for the video! The more i see these videos it always help me out
Great tips, do you have a best practices video to help keep runs clean. Like in an electrical room with 5-8 panels and keeping all the conduit runs as neat and as few trapeze supports as possible. how to plan that out and keep a good area for future use as well.
Where I live EMT and most little pipe isn't super common just because of the intense corrosion from the salt Air most people try to use PVC or other non-metallic solutions but I've had to use it before
Hi if you're running a two and a half inch conduit on the ceiling with a unit strut can you put your couplings set screws face down
When running emt through wood framed walls do holes in studs count as support and strapping?
I have metal conduit on my flat roof that runs a in-wall bathroom heater in a home addition I had put on about 20 years ago. It corroded at one junction point and as a result the electrical wire corroded also. Can I splice in a new piece of wire and replace the corroded part of the conduit?
It all depends on what kind of stainless it is and if it has been heat treated. Some stainless will corrode in certain environments
In Canada it is permitted to used a threaded connector as a support for a box., provided it provides adequate support.
@koremoval2226
4 жыл бұрын
Only on threaded ridgid not EMT
@mattsz7313
4 жыл бұрын
@@koremoval2226 12-3012 allows for a threaded connector to be used, or any other type of connector, provided that it actually secures the box, but only up to a box size of 1640ml. This is the correct interpretation by the CEC Advisory Committee.
@koremoval2226
4 жыл бұрын
@@mattsz7313 Fair enough that is the code. Only time I've used conduit to support a box is to drop a receptacle down a few feet for high bay lighting. And like you said only provided that it actually secures the box and in most situations I would not consider that secure enough. Thanks for dropping the code number.
@koremoval2226
4 жыл бұрын
Up to 1640ml is vary generous considering a standard handy box is only 213ml
For that last one about emt being able to be used as a ground.. do you just use a grounding bushing on the end of the conduit that is connected to the ground bar in the panel and then the equipment ground screw is connected with a bonding bushing..? You just have a ground wire from the bonding bushing to the ground bar, and then another ground bushing on the equipment side that is connected to the equipment ground.. I have heard of people using flex as a ground but I haven't seen it or done it yet..
Can a single vertical piece of EMT be used to protect a Romex NM-B 12/2 wire dropping down from the ceiling to a 4" square metal outlet box below (using a bushing at the top of the EMT)? If so, would a 3/4" EMT size be correct? If this is okay by code, I would then deduce that pig-tailing the ground wire to both the outlet and the metal box would be the correct way to wire the box. (NOTE: The reason I ask is that I have seen this procedure done with 14/2 Romex and 1/2" EMT, but the electrician in this used the single ground wire from the 14/2 & wrapped it around the ground screw and then connected it to the light switch.
I want to make armature for figure sculpture... need lightweight. Easy bend metal. Will this work?
Very informative as always. Thank you so much.
Excellent video series. Thank you.
Love your channel man! really helpful
I just Started watching your channel and I love it..!!!
Question on EMT connectors: I have heard both ways from licensed electricians. Are you allowed to use set screw connectors outside exposed to rain as long as they are pointing down, like under a box where water can't enter? Why would you even do that? I had exterior main panel/meter combo (Califoirnia) where the knockout was too close to the wall for a compression fitting. A setscrew connector just fit.
Really appreciate these videos! Keep it up!
what about spacing? pipe spacing for a panel.
Great video bro. Keep up the good work and videos
Pull boxes. How long of a emt run tell you have to put a box.
Love it keep up the mentoring shout out from Austin tx
How about hanging emt methods such as suspended emt hanging by all thread (threaded rod) and beam clamps and bat wings and those weird fittings ect. This is very common
Which books did you reference? The Uglys and the other book. I'm trying to get more up-to-speed on learning what's considered code. Not sure if we have a lot in terms of books where I work about Electrical things.
Running a solid core wire through EMT is next to impossible so running a stranded wire would be a perfect solution, however, someone at Home Depot told me I can’t use stranded wire on 120v receptacles. What does the code say?
i have never ran conduit without a ground wire. I keep it extra
Question on metal conduit as equipment ground. Does that include buried conduit to a sub panel? I.e. attach main ground to conduit and sub panel ground bars this not needing ground wire run between panels
My journeyman doesn't let me use linesmans for reaming emt. Dunno it I spelled that right
question if conduit passes through a wall or penetrations that has been cut to fit the diameter of the conduit passing through but terminates into a Jbox within 3 ft is that considerd secured by code with out using a strap.
Tightening a compression coupling or connector is correct but is there a such thing as "over" tightening it? I mean I've seen several people in time tighten a compression coupling or connector with groove pliers (channel locks) but they seem to tighten the damn thing like, over max! Doesn't that damage the EMT conduit or make it harder to run wire through or even make it a bit of a smaller dimension? Is there a certain point when to stop tightening it like a "snug" or something? For any reason if you need to take off the compression coupling or connector it's "stupid hard" on the count of how tight it is. I know common sense comes to play but I just wanted to ask. I'm not even sure if code says how tight it should be or if there is a limit. Please give me your response Dustin if you ever get a chance and thank you for all the KZread videos! Sorry if this is a stupid question or if I wasted your time.
What is the best way to use for making a electricsl line going to a shed?its an outdoor line.
Awesome vid very helpful. Would love to see vids on unistrut
Thank you for another great video.
Rodger electric haha ...i have came across them or at least there work. Good stuff lol I think they missed the class on strapping mc or at least keeping it off the cealing grid... and wasn't just one store was hundreds...but I sure they have a good overall idea of how they want the company ran and have good intentions...but like the videos man ...its great to put out information for people to learn ..keep up the good work!
Do you have to have a ground wire going to a switch or can you just wire nut all the grounds together without the pig tail going to the switch?
@myrondesjarlait9752
3 жыл бұрын
Does the switch have a place for a ground?
Excellent teaching!
Great job! Very informative!
Good info thanks
In Illinois, metallic conduit is universally required throughout the state, including residential.
@skliros9235
2 жыл бұрын
Only required around Chicago for residential
@jonm6762
Жыл бұрын
Yup it’s pretty annoying.
Does EMT have to be installed completely from the electric panel to the point of the outlet? I was told by an electrician @ Home Depot that a Romex 12/2 wire could run from the panel to a junction box above the washing machine, and then run EMT from the junction box down to the outlet box using THHN wires (pigtailing the Romex & THHN grounding wires to a grounding screw in the junction box and then pig-tail the THHN grounding wire to the outlet and grounding screw in the metal box housing the outlet). (P.S. = If the above is correct, a second question would be, could MC cable be utilized in the place of the EMT as described above)?
@ElectricianU
2 жыл бұрын
Depends on the local adoptions. But yes you can transition from one type of conductor to another type so long as you are maintaining the same guage and not violating any other applicable codes. Same for protection. You can go from PVC conduit to EMT to rigid if it's required.
What article would I look at for supporting conduits emerging from concrete slab?
@ElectricianU
2 жыл бұрын
In many areas, slab in considered a means of securing, then it's minimal distance requirements for your specific wireway.
@lanewesner2138
2 жыл бұрын
@@ElectricianU thanks for the reply
What is best practice to cut EMT with wiring inside and create a junction box and run it to a 4 gang outlet?
@ElectricianU
3 жыл бұрын
There’s a few different ways but if you have the ability to pull the wire back and cut the conduit it’s less likely you’ll score the conductors. Sometimes you don’t have a choice so you have to score the conduit with the wires still in it (with a sawzall, pipe cutter, or band saw) then carefully bend it back and forth until it breaks. This should leave a clean break that you can file the edges of and add a connector and box to.
So well presented!!!
Awsome video, thank you very much
Love the beats in between convos
Dude if you only knew how much you have helped me understand the trade!!! Quick question what tools are really required when working as a helper? My cash is very low. Plus if there is a one emt bender whats the most common size ( I look at Craig L. All the time since my budget is so limited) or is that some thing that the boss will have ,thanks bro!
@myrondesjarlait9752
3 жыл бұрын
I used to tell my helpers that if they averaged $20 a week I'd be okay with it.
Good video and good information!
Dustin, great channel and delivery. A buddy and I are arguing over code change and I would like your version. Wiring a new auto repair shop in Illinois, he is saying the service receptacles around the shop must be ground fault protected like a garage in residential. I believe that in a commercial application you only need grounded receptacles. What is your opinion of this ? Keep up the channel and I am looking forward to your new video chat channel.
@network_king
4 жыл бұрын
Seems odd that a home shop would need GFI but commercial does not. My thinking they should both have it even nothing else power tools with cords seem to wear cords out, etcs so GFCI would be better safe than sorry. individual GFCI may be kind of $$ but I would think you could use a GFCI breaker too.
Please full installation video with fitting and materials. thanks
what is the difference between securing and supporting ??
@ElectricianU
2 жыл бұрын
Think of it as vertical and horizontal. Securing fastens in place and supporting holds up.
When I was wiring in my workshop at home I ran all emt and metal boxes. It looked great to me but I didn't have a bender so It was all premade elbows, pull elbows, and no box offsets. It makes me want to rip it all out and replace it. I was using 20 amp circuits and I ran all 12/2 and 12/3 romex in 1/2" emt. I didn't know about Thhn and I still feel like a dumbass.
Good stuff man. I'm trying to decide whether to make a 6 gauge extension cord for 75 feet or install a roughly 75 foot conduit from my patio to the main panel of my house to power a generator. I live in Texas and we went through that snowpacalypse back in early february where we lost electric and water for 5 days.
@feyrband
2 жыл бұрын
I'd say personal preference if you want to deal with an extension cord (which being able to move may be a pro) vs the permanence of the conduit.
@bryanduchane2371
Жыл бұрын
That 75ft cord would be a bear to move/lift if needed. Running conduit to that service would be cheap and much better in the long run.
Couple other things I'd do to get a more proffesional look that you didn't mention: Use a pencil instead of a marker for making your bending marks and scrape the tape off the conduit.
I like it!
We don't use metal conduit very much in New Zealand - I've got a question about your couplings. Do you use thread and die sets and use thread couplings to join 2 pieces, or are they always slide on couplings that rely on the screw for continuity for the earthing / grounding??
@Nick-bh1fy
Жыл бұрын
Depends on the application and spec, set screw is pretty common when running emt indoors in dry locations. Sometimes you’ll use compression or rain tight fittings if there’s a chance of being exposed to moisture or dampness. Rigid conduit needs to be threaded which uses threaded couplings. Typically rigid is used outdoors or exposed to; corrosive environments, extreme physical damage and in some cases explosion proof areas. As long as you tighten the set screws or compression rings snug I’ve found no issues with maintaining continuity with ground
I’ve never seen aluminum emt before. is that used often? What’s the application for it I’ve only ever seen galvanized.
@mansardmanor3869
4 жыл бұрын
Used with aluminum wires
@crazyboyp3815
4 жыл бұрын
darthcollosus aluminum is used on Cooling towers and Ac units that are place outside it has other applications as well it’s really light and easy to bend
There are options other than EMT? Asking for a Chicagoan.
When I first started working with metal conduit, I accidentally forgot to ream out the end and when I pulled THHN wires through the conduit it damaged the insulation and I had to pull all the wires out!!!
@eddiew2325
4 жыл бұрын
I hope they paid you
@liamwelsh5565
3 жыл бұрын
Sounds expensive.
I have seen just emt coming out of the ground to a receptacle all the time. Im guessing you just put a post next to it and strap it
Chicago and burbs still requires conduit for everything. It's a PITA.
thank you
I had one instructor that said "use the shaft of your screwdriver to ream the conduit". Didn't do anything lol.
@Gruntled2001
4 жыл бұрын
Those who don't know, teach.
@josegomez6549
4 жыл бұрын
In a worst case scenario you could. But it's not as practical. There's hundreds of things in a job site to ream with tho lol, a screwdriver is probs at the bottom of the list
@mamaswamma1234
4 жыл бұрын
Small pair channel locks does the trick.
What kind(s) of conduit CAN be used "where subject to physical damage"?
@andrewalexander9492
4 жыл бұрын
Rigid and IMC (Intermediate Metallic Conduit) .
@JoeSmith-um2sg
4 жыл бұрын
@@andrewalexander9492 thanks!
Hey Dustin! Or anyone that is an electrician, I have a question for you. I've been in a pre apprenticeship electrical / photo voltaic classes for about 2 years and know plenty about electrical basics and I am going to apply to my first union apprenticeship in late December once i finish up school. I plan on buying an apartment or possibly a small house. I'm a bit scared of how long my application will take to get a job, i've heard they can take a few months to finally get accepted into the trade and I'm a bit stressed out thinking it will take so long I will run out of money. (Thinking of just getting a minimum wage job before I get accepted to keep up money.) How long does it usually take to get accepted into an apprenticeship? I have all the requirements and some extra with working construction and a few electrical jobs beforehand but just wondering and want to stop stressing about the wait? If anyone is wondering I was looking at Local 48 IBEW in Portland OR.
@liamwelsh5565
3 жыл бұрын
All depends on how busy construction is in your area and whether or not companies need guys or not. If they're busy, you could apply and get a job the next day.
Show working with food grade conduit.... Explosion proof fittings and Rigid conduit......
@darthcollosus
4 жыл бұрын
Like places that you can’t use unistrut in food manufacturing lol stainless rigid or aluminum rigid or regular galvanized. These ressy guys don’t know the plant life lol
Can u explain nec 300.18 with example
Question about supporting within 3' of a termination: does a coupling count as a termination? Or do you continue strapping every 10', even if the straps are over 3' away from the coupling?
@JoeSmith-um2sg
4 жыл бұрын
A coupling is not a termination, it is a continuation.
good intro, thanks man