2" Conduit Elbows?

[Joel 67]

I am going to start running the conduit for a 100A sub panel to my garage (My town requires the use of conduit over cable). I will be running #2 THHN in a 2" conduit so that it will be pretty easy to pull.

I went to home depot yesterday to start making a materials list and did not see any 2" EMT elbows. Do they not make them in this big a size or did I just miss them? I could use junction boxes but they cost more than I would think a bent piece of EMT would cost so if elbows are available and would fit then that would be my preference.

thanks!

 

[fusionspecialists]

The Home Depot in my area (SF Bay Area) has them. 2" EMT 90 degree elbow: $9.08 each. That doesn't sound too bad, but then you have to use two couplings to join each elbow to the straight sections. Those (compression style only; I didn't see the set screw style in that size) cost $39.12 each!!!

$87.32 plus tax per bend!!!

I don't know about you, but that's not OK for me. I have to make a similar run soon, and I plan on using a pipe bender and welded **** joints as opposed to those high dollar parts.

 

[Zrexxer]

I don't know if your code will allow it, but big diameter conduit like that I use the grey PVC conduit instead of EMT. Easy to make nice waterproof joints without expensive fittings as noted above, plus sweeps are readily available. If you have to run EMT check with local electrical supply instead of Home Cheapo, 2" EMT sweeps are available and made in a bunch of different radii.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Sure, they're available. My guess is Home Depot doesn't carry them (or at least keep them in stock.)

You can also use conduit bodies to make corners, although they may make the pull harder. The most common one is a 'LB' but they come in other configurations, I'm sure you've seen them before.

Here's a picture:

This one is PVC but you get the idea.

 

[fusionspecialists]

Also, I'm pretty sure that price applies to each coupling and not to a package of N connectors. Since writing this I have started to second guess myself so I'll confirm it next time I go to HD.

McMaster has the 2" EMT parts. Their 90 degree elbows are about the same price as HD. They have the compression couplings too; $20.94 ea for steel and $8.54 ea for zinc. Also steel set screw style couplings for $14.19 ea. Better than HD, but I'd still rather **** weld the conduit together, using store-bought connectors only where conduit meets J-box. Unless an electrician here gives me a really good reason not to do that.

 

[oleguy]

not a bright idea to weld.not code either.where did you come up with 89$ per bend?

 

[fusionspecialists]

Assuming I'm correct in that Home Depot charges $39.12 for each coupler, then two couplers plus one elbow cost $89. That's why I said you would pay $89 per bend if you buy the parts from Home Depot. Like others have mentioned, electrical supply houses might have better prices, plus they would be likely to carry cast zinc or set screw styles that are much cheaper. I only saw steel compression style couplers in the 2" size last time I was at Home Depot.

 

[oleguy]

just did some work with 2" emt.4$ ea.for screw couplings.10$ each for 90* bend.couplings are steel.this was from ace hardware.i get steel compression for 15.50 ea.cast for 4$.you are getting screwed.

 

[walrus]

The price of die cast fittings are thru the roof, generally steel is cheaper

 

[fusionspecialists]

Not screwed yet; haven't bought anything. I'm here doing my research!

Thanks oleguy, I'll check out ACE. Stock probably varies widely based on location. Home Depot has the highest margin on all the little bits and pieces. That's how I never seem to make it out of there for less than $100.

 

[mrb]

since you only need to run three #2 and a #6 for the ground, I would knock it down to 1-1/2in EMT (which allows seven #2, so you will have plenty of extra room to make pulling easy)

 

[porschedude996TT]

I ran 1-1/4" PVC for my 100amp service drop and used 90 degree sweeps and a LB in the center. Pulled it from the center and each side was about 35-40 feet.

 

[oleguy]

did not get the 2" comp fittings from ace but an elect supply house.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

but I'd still rather **** weld the conduit together, using store-bought connectors only where conduit meets J-box. Unless an electrician here gives me a really good reason not to do that.

What would you do about possible weld protrusion inside the conduit, which could damage the cable? Aside from the fact that the conduit is UL listed as a system and as such, you have to use the connections intended to be used.

Charles

 

[DURAMAT]

DON'T DO IT! If welding pipe was allowed to
save cost every electrical outfit would be doing it to save $. I don't think it's a accepted means of installation. Plus I doubt your inspector would let it fly. Electrical ain't cheap and there's no way around it, you can't cut corners. Your going to have to pull the prybar out and use it on your wallet and I and most prefer the set-screw style over the compression. (unless outside)

 

[ddawg16]

Just find a local electrical supply house.....their prices are typically quite fair....and in many cases cheaper the HD.....

 

[fusionspecialists]

So I guess I won't be welding, given that new info. If the Home Depot selection and prices were all I had to go on, I would probably still weld. Say what you will about code, inspectors, etc. I'm bootstrapping and I would fix something later if someone forced me to do so.

But now that I know that cheap set screw style connectors are available, I'd go with those. The electrical supply I go to is about 30 miles away and HD is a lot closer, so I hadn't checked there yet. I expect the bulk of the cost with electrical to be in the copper, not the stupid EMT connectors.

 

[Keep]

How far is the run? How many turns? Does the conduit need to be run the entire length?

I ran #3 copper romex. Most of my run was inside so I only needed to run it in conduit for about 11 feet. I used 1 1/2 emt with one cast 90 at the box and one emt 90 in the run.

 

[fusionspecialists]

Keep,

Not sure if you were talking to me or the OP, but:

Run will be approximately 40 feet with 3 - 5 bends. All conduit. I haven't worked out the details of it, but I'm definitely trying to keep bends to a minimum. Not just because of cost of couplers, but to make pulling easier. This is for my 3 phase, 50A air compressor. I need to pull three 4 gauge conductors and one 8 gauge (green/ground) through this conduit. Not sure if I should use 1 1/2" or 2" EMT. I want it to be easy to pull.

 

[Aceman]

Run will be approximately 40 feet with 3 - 5 bends. All conduit. I haven't worked out the details of it, but I'm definitely trying to keep bends to a minimum. Not just because of cost of couplers, but to make pulling easier. This is for my 3 phase, 50A air compressor. I need to pull three 4 gauge conductors and one 8 gauge (green/ground) through this conduit. Not sure if I should use 1 1/2" or 2" EMT. I want it to be easy to pull.

Why are you running such big conduit? How many HP is the compressor? Voltage?

 

[fusionspecialists]

Why are you running such big conduit? How many HP is the compressor? Voltage?

20 horsepower 3 phase. The motor plate says it draws 50.9A at 220V. I could probably use 6 gauge wire but I have 120/208V service, so, already a tad low on voltage. The 4 gauge wire should have a negligible voltage drop for that current and that length of run. A very experienced air compressor business owner and installer recommended this wire size.

Aceman, what size EMT conduit do you think I should use for three #4's and one #8?

 

[oleguy]

4 #4 in a 1".1 1/2 will make it an easy pull.or 1 1/4" which ever you want.

 

[Aceman]

20 horsepower 3 phase. The motor plate says it draws 50.9A at 220V. I could probably use 6 gauge wire but I have 120/208V service, so, already a tad low on voltage. The 4 gauge wire should have a negligible voltage drop for that current and that length of run. A very experienced air compressor business owner and installer recommended this wire size.

Aceman, what size EMT conduit do you think I should use for three #4's and one #8?

1" is only 32% fill, so it shouldn't be too bad as long as you keep the bends to a minimum or install a pull point in the middle somewhere. HD sells hand benders for 1" emt, if you want to get away from buying factory 90's.

 

[cnc-me]

3-4's & 8 will go through 1" conduit Ok.
Just got done running about 30' to my 100A plasma cutter.
Spray some silicone lube into the conduit before you put the sections together.

 

[mrb]

3-4's & 8 will go through 1" conduit Ok.
Just got done running about 30' to my 100A plasma cutter.
Spray some silicone lube into the conduit before you put the sections together.

you should only use proper wire pulling lube (cheaper than silicone spray anyways) max for 1in is 4x #4 so yes 3x #4 + 1x #8 is fine

 

[fusionspecialists]

4 #4 in a 1".1 1/2 will make it an easy pull.or 1 1/4" which ever you want.

1" is only 32% fill, so it shouldn't be too bad as long as you keep the bends to a minimum or install a pull point in the middle somewhere. HD sells hand benders for 1" emt, if you want to get away from buying factory 90's.

3-4's & 8 will go through 1" conduit Ok.
Just got done running about 30' to my 100A plasma cutter.
Spray some silicone lube into the conduit before you put the sections together.

you should only use proper wire pulling lube (cheaper than silicone spray anyways) max for 1in is 4x #4 so yes 3x #4 + 1x #8 is fine

Good to know. Tremendous help. Thanks guys. Helps me because I already have an empty 1" EMT conduit coming out of my panel. I thought I was going to have to tear open the wall and put in bigger EMT.

 

[Mickey O]

EMT under ground?

 

[oleguy]

in code 358.10. yes if specified for direct bury.corrosion resistant protection judged suitable.

 

[cnc-me]

you should only use proper wire pulling lube (cheaper than silicone spray anyways) max for 1in is 4x #4 so yes 3x #4 + 1x #8 is fine

Just usin' what I had around.
Doesn't leave any gunk behind, like some wire pullin' lubes.

 

[fusionspecialists]

I guess the concern with silicone is that it's not compatible with all materials. Maybe it can degrade the wire insulation. I do hate that wire pulling lube though. So messy, can't get it off your hands without washing with soap and water. Makes it hard to handle material.

I'm just writing back on here because I said I'd confirm the Home Depot prices on 2" couplers. They are indeed $39.12 each. It's outrageous.

 

[Vinko]

The price of die cast fittings are thru the roof, generally steel is cheaper

I was looking at the 2" die cast from Appleton and I almost fainted in shock.

 

[oleguy]

I guess the concern with silicone is that it's not compatible with all materials. Maybe it can degrade the wire insulation. I do hate that wire pulling lube though. So messy, can't get it off your hands without washing with soap and water. Makes it hard to handle material.

I'm just writing back on here because I said I'd confirm the Home Depot prices on 2" couplers. They are indeed $39.12 each. It's outrageous.

first off emt was mentioned.those are for ridgid conduit not emt.a whole lot of difference.

 

[mrb]

I guess the concern with silicone is that it's not compatible with all materials. Maybe it can degrade the wire insulation. I do hate that wire pulling lube though. So messy, can't get it off your hands without washing with soap and water. Makes it hard to handle material.

I'm just writing back on here because I said I'd confirm the Home Depot prices on 2" couplers. They are indeed $39.12 each. It's outrageous.

thsoe are rigid couplings, -compression fittings for rigid are expensive. He is talking about EMT, I just checked and 2in steel set screw couplings are around $5.

 

[mrb]

EMT under ground?

who said anything about underground?

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Home Depot, Halex, Screw coupling for EMT, 2 inch, $3.74 each.

http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Charles

 

[fusionspecialists]

I'm a *******. It being Home Depot, I subconsciously assumed it was like the Rigid brand. I thought the rigid conduit connected with threaded couplings.

Oh well, I learned something.

 

[oleguy]

just a learning curve.you are not a bumb ***!!rigid can use either threaded couplings or compression.some times you don't have access to threading eq so you use compression couplings.emt or thin wall as it is sometimes called cannot be threaded.