Attaching EMT conduit to an outside light box

[smalltown]

I have an outside light fixture (motion detection flood lamp) that is metal and attaches on top of a vinyl siding mounting block with screws.

The rear of the lamp housing is threaded. What sort of "connector" do I need to thread into the fixture that will allow me to continue through the wall with 1/2 EMT? Is it just a simple connector with the set screw?

If I did use that kind I imagine that I would need to pre-attach a small length of EMT conduit to the connector beforehand, and insert the EMT into the wall so I would have something to work with.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Raco-EMT-1-2-in-Un-Insulated-Set-Screw-Connector-5-Pack-2002B5/203671364http://

 

[myredracer]

What about a cast alloy octagon box or PVC equivalent and mount the light on that. PVC will be cheaper. These boxes will have a hub on them for a conduit connector and for PVC would need to glue in a threaded female adapter.

Light does not have an entry point on the side? You could always drill a couple of small holes on the back surface of the light and use threaded screws into the female threaded holes on the box. Or mount the octagon box next to the light and jumper across with a short piece of cable.

A pic of the light may help?

 

[smalltown]

Gil I already have the light fixture. Sounds like the only way to attach to these boxes is with a regular conduit connector as with work box or service panel.

 

[Shiftless]

How about twisting on a half inch pipe ****** long enough to get through the wall? Water pipe threads are pretty close to electrical fitting threads. Only difference is the taper. Inside the house you could thread on an elbow or another box and continue from there? Does this make sense?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

U can use that.

Or my personal favorite- a compression connector:

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Halex-1-2-...Compression-Connectors-5-Pack-26230/100559992

 

[myredracer]

Gil I already have the light fixture. Sounds like the only way to attach to these boxes is with a regular conduit connector as with work box or service panel.

Oops, I was thinking this was all surface mount on the outside. With the right utility box with knockouts in it, you could mount that on the inside and install a short length of EMT to the back of the light. Or possibly a threaded type NMD connector on rear of light and NMD between the light and box?

Only problem with square steel type boxes is that the cover plates don't overlap the box to cover gaps in the drywall. I just came across an oversize cover at HD for an octagon box tho. If on an outside wall I guess you'd need a PVC box with vapor barrier seal? You could always drill a hole in the side of a box for a connector (with locknuts). You *could* use a steel box on an exterior wall but would have to seal it with sheet plastic and tuck tape. I've used pre-made "hats" for the same purpose and may be available at HD.

 

[smalltown]

U can use that.

Or my personal favorite- a compression connector:

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Halex-1-2-...Compression-Connectors-5-Pack-26230/100559992

Wiley the compression connector fit the bill! Thanks picked up the parts, and should have the motion light working by tomorrow. Just a few more trips up into the trussed overhead ceiling to measure and bend a little conduit.
Little by little I'm getting there

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I like compression fittings better than screw type fittings as the screw type fittings can kink the conduit if u screw them too hard.

Good job!