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Flexible conduit

Kaizen

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I’m using 3/4 type rw flexible conduit to go from compressor to shut off box. I have two questions.
- my cutter does not go this big. Just use hacksaw?
- smaller mc like this has red bushings. This did not have them nor do the ones I saw at the store fit. Is there something that has to be done to protect the wires?


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exranger06

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Hacksaw should work fine. Cut-off wheel works well too.

The red anti-short bushings are only required for AC cable. They're not required for MC cable or for flex conduit, but you can use them anyway. You shouldn't have to do anything special with the ends, just use the proper fittings for flex conduit.
 

Bert_

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Commonly just called flexible metal conduit. I usually just kink it and cut with dikes. There is a cutter made for it, hacksaw will work too.

Just use the connectors made for it. You don't need anti-shorts for anything but AC cable. Even MC does not require them.
 

mobiledynamics

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? - ?

3/4 bushings do exist, and unless I've been doing it all wrong, and flex metal conduit should have a bushing to keep the edge from the wire.
 

teamextreme

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3/4" plastic bushings certainly exist, and you're free to use them to your hearts content, but code doesn't require them until your wire is #4 or larger.
 

mobiledynamics

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not a spark so don't know code...

I don't see why one would use them for 4 and larger but not smaller. abrasion is abrasion whether it's #10 or #4
 

alfredeneuman

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The anti short bushings for AC cable fit under the armor.
They're available for flex too that fit under the armor, are comparatively rare, and are completely different from the bushings that are used on the end of fittings.

(I, just as Bert does, snap the armor but don't use dykes. I use tin snips)
 

Norcal

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I prefer the jake style fittings that screw into the flex, that way no worries about damaging insulation, or need for anti shorts/redheads.
 

Bert_

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not a spark so don't know code...

I don't see why one would use them for 4 and larger but not smaller. abrasion is abrasion whether it's #10 or #4

It's more about the corner of the fitting pushing through the insulation if the wire makes a sharp turn. Small wires bend easier so it not an issue.
 

Bert_

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3/4" plastic bushings certainly exist, and you're free to use them to your hearts content, but code doesn't require them until your wire is #4 or larger.

I believe we're talking about the anti short bushings that protect the wire from sharp edges of the sheath of AC cable. Not the thread on bushings that go on the end of threaded conduit or fittings.
 
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Kaizen

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I believe we're talking about the anti short bushings that protect the wire from sharp edges of the sheath of AC cable. Not the thread on bushings that go on the end of threaded conduit or fittings.



Actually found them at hd tonight. Like red heads but bigger


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mobiledynamics

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There are the -screw in fittings- into FMC which should also alleviate the concern about what burrs may present on a nick as well, versus a standard exterior clamp. Regardless, I do treat the exposed edge as a concern for any wire size
 

teamextreme

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I believe we're talking about the anti short bushings that protect the wire from sharp edges of the sheath of AC cable. Not the thread on bushings that go on the end of threaded conduit or fittings.

Ya, there seems to be some confusion here. OP says 3/4" flex and you re-stated that in post 3. But I think others started talking about red-heads for AC, but that's not what OP says he is using. But then he says he found them at HD and are just large red-heads. Sounds like there's a bushing product I'm completely unfamiliar with. Kaizen do you have a link or pic of these 3/4" red-heads?
 
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Kaizen

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Ya, there seems to be some confusion here. OP says 3/4" flex and you re-stated that in post 3. But I think others started talking about red-heads for AC, but that's not what OP says he is using. But then he says he found them at HD and are just large red-heads. Sounds like there's a bushing product I'm completely unfamiliar with. Kaizen do you have a link or pic of these 3/4" red-heads?


https://www.homedepot.com/p/3-4-in-...MC-Anti-Short-Bushing-16-Pack-75404/100197535



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Kaizen

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Ya, there seems to be some confusion here. OP says 3/4" flex and you re-stated that in post 3. But I think others started talking about red-heads for AC, but that's not what OP says he is using. But then he says he found them at HD and are just large red-heads. Sounds like there's a bushing product I'm completely unfamiliar with. Kaizen do you have a link or pic of these 3/4" red-heads?



https://www.homedepot.com/p/3-4-in-...MC-Anti-Short-Bushing-16-Pack-75404/100197535


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teamextreme

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I'll be damned. Red-heads, just huge for conduit instead of AC cable. I've never seen such a thing. Learned something new.
 
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