1/2" conduit question

[NUTTSGT]

Just a question hear for you guys since many of you guys are electricians and more experienced than me. I'm not going to get deep into discussion but just a basic question.

1/2" EMT conduit, how many strands of #8 (THHN) along with a #10 wire can be run in it ? I know conduit can be filled up to a certain percentage but I don't know what or how to figure it. So I'm coming to my information experts to fill me in.

Thanks.

 

[_Dock_]

Only 2 #8 awg and 1 #10 awg in 1/2". Your allowed 40% with 1/2 emt, 3 #8 and 1 #10 would be 42% which would be to much.

1/2 is really only used (or should) for single device runs from a junction box. 3/4 is much more common, especially for any conductors above #10.

Derating may also come into play depending on what you're trying to do.

 

[Aceman]

I'd say most electricians wouldn't pull 8's in a 1/2". They'd use 3/4" minimum.

 

[mmelton005]

For sure 3/4 is the best for this application. 1/2 is ok for receptacles, switches, etc. But things like data and anything larger than #10 I would recommend 3/4.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Only 2 #8 awg and 1 #10 awg in 1/2". Your allowed 40% with 1/2 emt, 3 #8 and 1 #10 would be 42% which would be to much.

1/2 is really only used (or should) for single device runs from a junction box. 3/4 is much more common, especially for any conductors above #10.

Derating may also come into play depending on what you're trying to do.

I figured the 3 #8 and the #10 that is in the conduit was too tight but I wanted to ask.

I'd say most electricians wouldn't pull 8's in a 1/2". They'd use 3/4" minimum.

Considering the clan that did the remodel back in '88-'89, finding what I found doesn't surprise me.

For sure 3/4 is the best for this application. 1/2 is ok for receptacles, switches, etc. But things like data and anything larger than #10 I would recommend 3/4.

I thought it should have been 3/4" too once I opened the disconnect box and saw the wiring.

 

[alfredeneuman]

I pushed, not pulled, a 50' run with 2-90° bends. 2-#8s and a #10 in a 1/2".
It was surprisingly easy