Copper as a conduit?

[Boyd]

I want to install 3 outdoor chandeliers under a new arbor we recently had built. The conduit will be exposed so I wanted to dress it up a little by using copper instead of galv steel. I don't see an issue with using copper, but I'm also not a licensed electrician.

 

[daveroy]

Gonna be $$$$$!

 

[Boyd]

I've already priced it, the runs are pretty short so it won't be too bad.

 

[jake26]

Is painting out of the question? Even with copper, you will see the soder marks and it will petina. Painting it will keep it uniform.

 

[Zrexxer]

Problem I see is that there aren't going to be approved termination fittings where you tie into breaker panel, junction box, ceiling box, etc. that will work with copper. I vote for painting regular EMT.

 

[Orangestang]

You could run it in 1/2" conduit and put 3/4" copper over the conduit maybe.

 

[klhitman]

I would use pvc and paint it. That way it will never rust.

 

[Gooch]

I would use pvc and paint it. That way it will never rust.

one summer of the sun beating on it and the PVC will look like ****, will be all saggy.

 

[Ford12508]

I would use pvc and paint it. That way it will never rust.

Painted galvanized piping wont rust for a LONG time, I think he is covered there.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Just like how electrical conduit and fittings aren't approved for use as water pipes, copper pipe and fittings aren't approved for use as electrical conduit. So, it won't pass inspection, if that's a concern.

 

[ishiboo]

Run UF in it. It will be extremely hard to make any 90's with 1/2 copper, you will have to run the wire as you piece it together. It'll look cool though!

Be sure to bond the copper pipe to the ground in 1-2 places.

 

[ibedayank]

Boyd

they do make a copper paint available at lowes and home depot

 

[ishiboo]

I think his idea of using copper is brilliant. It will last forever and look the same as when it finishes taking on it's natural green patina.

By the time you cut, prep and paint galvanized or PVC to do the same thing, you'll be at the same price... and you'll be redoing it every 2-3 years.

 

[shoot summ]

I like the idea of copper also, no need to solder the joints, I would use a 2 part epoxy so you don't have solder showing.

Thanks for the idea, I am going to steal it!

 

[Norcal]

Copper pipe is not recognized by the NEC as a conduit/ raceway.

 

[TOOL MASTER]

copper over works fine

 

[Frank The Plumber]

Are you trying to match a certain finish?
Will this finish age or is it sealed?
Have you tried sourcing components from a supplier of outdoor lighting fixtures?
If you have a set and sealed finish, perhaps you could contact the chandelier manufacturer, possible they have had a similar request and have a solution for you.
I think I would go with a painted and sealed conduit rather than a copper tubing.

 

[ishiboo]

You guys could over-think and over-legislate just about any idea huh?

 

[Frank The Plumber]

If he had unfinished fixtures I would agree, but most likely they are coated and the copper will keep going way past a match.

 

[green.bubbly]

How about copper electroplating some steel emt?

 

[Boyd]

Wow, I didn't think such a simple, innocent question would receive so many responses. Thanks all.

To answer a few questions/comments:

Is painting out of the question? Even with copper, you will see the solder marks and it will patina. Painting it will keep it uniform.

If I go with emt I will paint it a color that matches the stained cedar as closely as possible, but I prefer the look of the aged copper. I know it’s not for everyone, but I think naturally aged copper is beautiful. Also, part of the arbor was flashed with copper sheet, it will complement the copper conduit nicely.

Problem I see is that there aren't going to be approved termination fittings where you tie into breaker panel, junction box, ceiling box, etc. that will work with copper. I vote for painting regular EMT.

This is something I’ve thought of as well and is really the main reason that I’m hesitant to do it with copper.

Just like how electrical conduit and fittings aren't approved for use as water pipes, copper pipe and fittings aren't approved for use as electrical conduit. So, it won't pass inspection, if that's a concern.

I want it to be safe, and if I use copper I will make absolutely certain any and all joints are weather tight, but passing inspection isn’t a concern.

Run UF in it. It will be extremely hard to make any 90's with 1/2 copper, you will have to run the wire as you piece it together. It'll look cool though!

Be sure to bond the copper pipe to the ground in 1-2 places.

Didn’t think to ground it, thanks.

I like the idea of copper also, no need to solder the joints, I would use a 2 part epoxy so you don't have solder showing.

Thanks for the idea, I am going to steal it!

I planned on not soldering but was considering using a silicone glue/sealant.

And you're welcome!

 

[Garage5.9]

polish the **** out of the copper then spray a few coats of clear on it and it should shine for awhile

 

[ibedayank]

Boyd depending on how heavy the fixture is you might want to if you can run a safety cable inside the pipe

 

[djjsr]

For a strong and tight connection without solder there's some stuff called "Just-for-copper". Check into it. Works great.

 

[shoot summ]

It would take some work, but I think you could come up with different fittings and find ways to "copperize" a box. You could even modify fittings to work. The box wont show nearly as much as the pipe will. You could use a solder to NPT fitting to get you into the box and devise some way to secure it. If you were concerned about a reaction between dissimilar metals you could use a plastic box instead, or you could "wrap" a box in light sheet copper....

 

[rburke65]

ishiboo.....I have to agree with you. I think you should put up barricades and at least have someone posted near the copper pipe instalation in case the cable should fail....you don't want to get in trouble with OSHA