Beginner starting out with emt

[MerlinsBeard]

I'm planning to install some emt for 6 LED strip lighting fixtures in my garage, trying to come up with a list of materials.

I have 2 round ceiling light boxes where existing incandescent fixtures are installed. I want to remove those and use some kind of round box extensions to run emt to the LED strip light fixtures. The fixture is

TechBrite 48" 3 Lamp LED T8 Strip Fixture - 5000K - 8,019 Lumens - 120-277V
SKU: T443SSUBCXX00P0-18W5K

Looking at 1/2" ideal conduit bender "Ideal 74-026 1/2" EMT Bender w/Handle".

Wondering if I need the IDEAL Electrical 74-037 Grooved BenderBoot for Bender Handles (probably).

Looking at these for connecting emt conduit to fixtures and ceiling box extender, 1/2 in. Two Piece EMT Connector Item# TPC-50 from Garvin.

Looks like I need a tool for cutting emt and reaming. Not sure if drill or screwdriver model for reamer is better. Any recommendations? I don't plan on doing a lot of emt, so don't want to overspend, but also don't want to make it extra tedious.

Any recommendations for ceiling box extensions? Was looking at red dot s130e, but don't know if that should work.

Anything else I need?

 

[Marctrees]

Unless you want to accumulate the bending tools, and have time and interest learning curve a new skill,for such a small job you can use factory 90's or pull corners or LB's.

NO bending tools or skill needed.

Purchase offset connectors where offsets are needed, or run w NO offsets using "Minerellac Conduit Hanger" straps.

1/2" emt is usually cut w a fine tooth hacksaw... Then normally in the field the ID is reamed by sidecutters "Dykes"... the OD is often not reamed, but if you want it can be done good enough w the same sidecutters.

Keep in mind the wires cannot ever touch to OD of the cut pipe, nor even be affected by small burrs on the id due to the constricting shoulder the cut end bears against in a connector or coupling...So even though the cuts should be de burred, it's not as critical to de burr as perfectly as many think.

Read Benfield bender book if you want a new rabbithole.

Anyway, for a first timer, it will take you WAY less time to do it w components rather than custom bending.

Marc

 

[sberry]

I say get the bender. A uni bit is a great reamer, I cut it chop saw or sawzall, common hacksaw works.

 

[brianh]

Benders are cheap I use emt for all kinds of projects bending is a simple process. I do the same as sberry with the uni bit.

 

[Terry D]

This is by far the best conduit bending manual out there.

https://ergodebooks.com/index.php?r...term=4576785880584413&utm_content=Ad group #1

 

[Steve.S]

I cut 1/2” EMT with a copper pipe cutter and use the pop-out deburring tool to clean up the inside of the pipe.

 

[Bert_]

Get the bender. It's so much nicer than using factory bends for conduit this small. Gives you a lot more options also.

I've never had a bender foot and I've bent a ton of pipe. Might be handy if you're worried about scratching a really nice floor.

Those connectors are fine but about 2-4x as expensive as regular compression or set screw.

Sawzall is common for cutting pipe. Use whatever will get the job done. They make dedicated reamers but for a small amount of pipe any sort of tool with a sharp edge will do the job. A hand reamer is more than enough for this job. Nobody uses a hacksaw but that doesn't mean it's wrong.

Use this box to extend the existing one

Octagon extension

 

[Copymutt]

You will like a bender and might even use it for emt projects other than electrical.

 

[BigGarage]

I cut 1/2” EMT with a copper pipe cutter and use the pop-out deburring tool to clean up the inside of the pipe.

I do the same thing and it works well.

MerlinsBeard: I only needed a few of these 90's for my garage. They were about $4 at the time. I have a bender but have only used it once up in the attic. I do not want the conduit coming so far off the wall as a bender would leave it. If it works for your application that's great though.

This pic (best pic I have right now) shows how the conduit is tight to the corner.

Disclaimer: This is a pic of the work in progress not the finished project.

EDIT: I just went out and took the 3rd & 4th pics just to show the tight corners. I like that better than a bent conduit even though it cost a little bit more.

Dennis

 

[Kaizen]

Don’t shy away from using conduit. It is a great skill to learn so just get a couple extra lengths of conduit because you are going to make mistakes. The bender listed is fine nothing else is needed besides a hacksaw or you could use a sawsall as mentioned and a reamer. I have a drill mounted one that works fine. This is what I did over my light boxes. I used a box cover with a knockout and put a Romex box connector through the cover and light knockout. I dropped my boxes down to be flush with ceiling. I will have to redo these when I get a ceiling. You should use a “kick” to keep the emt flat in the ceiling. Mine do not have a kick yet





Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Norcal]

I cut 1/2” EMT with a copper pipe cutter and use the pop-out deburring tool to clean up the inside of the pipe.

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too time consuming, + much more difficult to ream it, Hacksaw, cordless Sawzall®, or a portaband saw, all work much better.

 

[Bert_]

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too time consuming, + much more difficult to ream it, Hacksaw, cordless Sawzall®, or a portaband saw, all work much better.

It's actually not bad with a good cutter. I've got a little Milwaukee tubing cutter that I throw in my bag if I just have a few cuts to make.

Otherwise I use a circular saw with a metal blade. It's a lot better than a sawzall

 

[PugetDude]

I use my Hackzall with a fine tooth blade and deburr with a unibit.
Offset connectors and 90 degree connectors/bends make it easy to run EMT, all you have to measure are straight lengths.
Good luck with your project.

 

[Terry D]

It's actually not bad with a good cutter. I've got a little Milwaukee tubing cutter that I throw in my bag if I just have a few cuts to make.

Otherwise I use a circular saw with a metal blade. It's a lot better than a sawzall

That's they way I have done it for years, metal cutting blade in my cordless circular saw. Use it to cut strut also. Sawzalls **** for cutting conduit unless you have it in a vise.

 

[sberry]

I have an economy HF chop saw I take along if I got a real job.

 

[u2slow]

I was taught that plumber's tube cutters and abrasive wheels were 'wrong' for EMT. The former pinches down the tube at the cut for a reduced diameter, and the latter creates razor sharp ends. The 'right' way is a hacksaw or bandsaw. (de-bur also)

When installing 1/2" EMT I use a simple hacksaw. Squat using the back of one knee to hold the conduit secure. Use your opposite thigh for support. That's all you need. I use the Klein reamer on the smaller stuff. If I'm cutting a lot, I'll break out a power tool.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/klein-tools-conduit-fitting-and-reaming-screwdriver/1000421454

This link covers a lot of the basic principles:
https://www.wikihow.com/Bend-EMT-Conduit

 

[Jim greengo]

I was taught that plumber's tube cutters and abrasive wheels were 'wrong' for EMT. The former pinches down the tube at the cut for a reduced diameter, and the latter creates razor sharp ends. The 'right' way is a hacksaw or bandsaw. (de-bur also)

When installing 1/2" EMT I use a simple hacksaw. Squat using the back of one knee to hold the conduit secure. Use your opposite thigh for support. That's all you need. I use the Klein reamer on the smaller stuff. If I'm cutting a lot, I'll break out a power tool.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/klein-tools-conduit-fitting-and-reaming-screwdriver/1000421454

This link covers a lot of the basic principles:
https://www.wikihow.com/Bend-EMT-Conduit

What he said.

 

[Jim greengo]

Dont forget the 3 most important numbers for bending 90s in pipe.
5,6 and 8.
Take up for 1/2",3/4" and 1"

 

[sparky 1971]

I used a hacksaw with a 32 tpi blade for many years. I have since gone on to the M12 hackzall, and now the M12 bandsaw. For reaming, I use the Klein reamer that slips into a screwdriver. But I was taught to use my needlenose for the inside and Channellocks for the outside of the pipe. The bender is the only specialized tool required, the other stuff just makes it a little easier. As far as the the bender boot, I have never seen one in a job.

 

[Shiftless]

Bert: (or other sparkies)

The octagon extension you suggested is probably the best for that job but if a guy wanted a bit more finished look, could he use a cast octagon box and bring the 3 house wires into the box through the back hole and do all the splices in the new box?

Any NEC violations with that? I can only think of one technicality where you’d have to drill new mounting holes through the back of the cast box (modification) to mate up with the threaded screw mount holes in the old box. You could add a bushing to cover the threads where the wires passed through.

Would it be code compliant to merely use the ears of the cast box for mounting to the ceiling rather than drill new holes in the back of the cast box? I’d guess not...

 

[nadogail]

I cut 1/2” EMT with a copper pipe cutter and use the pop-out deburring tool to clean up the inside of the pipe.

That method is not approved by the Code Book.

 

[MerlinsBeard]

So I've been checking in the local county and to do the electrical work to install LED strip lights, the permit application requires an electrician's license, which I don't have. They said that even fixture replacements are included in that, so I guess they don't trust residents to change a wirenut.

They have a homeowner's exam, which I could probably take (I have a master's in EE, but all that was years ago). I haven't really studied the NEC in any detail. It's only offered twice a year, so if I wanted to do the work myself, I'd have to pass that exam, which would be months away.

Haven't bought anything yet other than fixtures, but now I'm wondering what the best course of action is. How likely is it that I can find an electrician to take the risk to sign off on a homeowner's pet project?

 

[alfredeneuman]

How likely is it that I can find an electrician to take the risk to sign off on a homeowner's pet project?

Not very likely.
He'd have to take responsibility for all that the homeowner didn't get right and then there's the question of liability should any problems (such as a fire) occur in the future.
I personally wouldn't do it, and never did

Why did you post this in a thread about EMT?

 

[MerlinsBeard]

I started the thread? There was also a database restore that wiped several posts.

There seems to be a lot of electrical DIY on this forum, but does everyone have a license to do *any* electrical work? Technically, I’m not even supposed to change an existing incandescent to a Led strip fixture which is three wire nuts without a permit. I guess I had the wrong impression that you could do this without a lot of overhead.

 

[u2slow]

There seems to be a lot of electrical DIY on this forum, but does everyone have a license to do *any* electrical work?

Being licensed means you are an above-board electrical contracting business with proper insurance.

The DIY crowd is either doing work under a homeowner's permit (some areas allow it, others do not) ... or, many are confident enough in their abilities to do whatever they want at their own risk.

 

[Marctrees]

At least in MN, where I was an Elect contractor for 25 years from approx 1982 to 1997,

Any and all "Homeowners" even a Senile Grandma could do ALL and ANY their own Elect work at that time.

I do not know what the scoop is since then, or in other states.

But, I do know there are still MANY areas where the technical "Homeowner" may do so.

Currently, where I live in TX rural at the TX/ LA border, anyone can do it, and w no permit.

But I think if one CHARGES $ for the work, they have to be state licensed, plus insured, bonded etc or something like that.

Marc

 

[sparky 1971]

So I've been checking in the local county and to do the electrical work to install LED strip lights, the permit application requires an electrician's license, which I don't have. They said that even fixture replacements are included in that, so I guess they don't trust residents to change a wirenut.

They have a homeowner's exam, which I could probably take (I have a master's in EE, but all that was years ago). I haven't really studied the NEC in any detail. It's only offered twice a year, so if I wanted to do the work myself, I'd have to pass that exam, which would be months away.

Haven't bought anything yet other than fixtures, but now I'm wondering what the best course of action is. How likely is it that I can find an electrician to take the risk to sign off on a homeowner's pet project?

I am going to take a guess that you are living there. Why in the world would you even consider getting a permit to change a couple of light fixtures? Just do it and forget it.

 

[u2slow]

How likely is it that I can find an electrician to take the risk to sign off on a homeowner's pet project?

In my area, a basic certified electrician (journeyman) cannot 'sign off' work. He has to be a licensed contractor on top of that.

 

[Marctrees]

I think that is pretty much at least everywhere, need to be a full legal Contractor to pull permit.

Marc

 

[MerlinsBeard]

I am going to take a guess that you are living there. Why in the world would you even consider getting a permit to change a couple of light fixtures? Just do it and forget it.

If it was just that, I would have. One fixture above the workbench I can replace straight up, but I have 2 incandescent fixtures I want to turn into extension box routed emt to 6 strip led fixtures. Sounds like my options are either I wait a few months, take an abbreviated qualification test the county provides to get a homeowner permit and save a little $, or hire an electrician to do it sooner if I want to do it by the book.

 

[sparky 1971]

If it was just that, I would have. One fixture above the workbench I can replace straight up, but I have 2 incandescent fixtures I want to turn into extension box routed emt to 6 strip led fixtures. Sounds like my options are either I wait a few months, take an abbreviated qualification test the county provides to get a homeowner permit and save a little $, or hire an electrician to do it sooner if I want to do it by the book.

So do it. It's not like the inspection department is going to come around knocking on doors to check garage lights. If you are worried about getting caught, leave the garage door down while you do it.

 

[Marctrees]

Handful of exposed wiring and fixtures in a private garage - I would just do it and be done w it.

The chances of the Inspection Police coming in night hours a to break all your glass windows, pull any and all copper you installed, and taking you, your infant Male children, and all/ any evidence to never be heard from again is quite slim.

AFAIK, YMMV.

Marc

 

[BigGarage]

At least in MN, where I was an Elect contractor for 25 years from approx 1982 to 1997,


Marc

That's some trick

Dennis

 

[Bert_]

Going back to the tubing cutter discussion. This took 25 seconds to cut and ream.

 

[MerlinsBeard]

Bert, looks great. What tubing cutter model did you use?

 

[Marctrees]

That's some trick

Dennis

I dunno, too far back, it was something like that.


Marc

 

[nadogail]

I cut 1/2” EMT with a copper pipe cutter and use the pop-out deburring tool to clean up the inside of the pipe.

A boss once told me he would fire me if he ever saw me with a tubing cutter in my hand while I was working with EMT.

IMHO, the electrical specifically forbids this practice because it leaves a sharp ridge inside the conduit.

 

[Marctrees]

Abrasive "Chop saw" leaves the worst razor edge in ID, but its very thin and easy to deburr.


Marc

 

[alfredeneuman]

A boss once told me he would fire me if he ever saw me with a tubing cutter in my hand while I was working with EMT.
IMHO, the electrical specifically forbids this practice because it leaves a sharp ridge inside the conduit.

We've been through all of this before (when the thread was still whole).
Give me a Code citation that supports this. Your boss forbidding you to do it isn't enough.
As long as the conduit is deburred it can be cut off in a number of ways.

 

[Bert_]

A boss once told me he would fire me if he ever saw me with a tubing cutter in my hand while I was working with EMT.

IMHO, the electrical specifically forbids this practice because it leaves a sharp ridge inside the conduit.

Could you point out this sharp ridge for me?