EMT Layout/Route Planning

[dfiler2]

I'm in the process of building a shop, looking for advice on the layout of the EMT, by layout I mean, what should I consider or are there any tips and tricks in deciding which run to come out of the panel with first? I can see without proper planning I could end up needing to cross over other runs. Any thoughts?

 

[kd3pc]

most of us start at the top of the panel, back center and works towards the sides an front of the panel.

As an apprentice, I was often told to "stub" every knockout, straight up and in to the ceiling using scrap EMT, later an older apprentice or mechanic would add 90s, sweeps and saddles to send the pipe where it needed to go. That way if the finishing was needed - the sparky was not to blame.

Depending on the job, commercial or residential, I may be doing the same thing on the bottom of the panel, or tying it in to a riser or chase pipe.

Crossing over/saddles requires pipe bending skill, and every degree of bend adds to your total bends (less than 4 for sure) and may make pulling wire tough.

The usual issue is whether the EMT is actually on the finished wall or spaced out from the finished wall and where things are going to terminate and be attached and how.

best of luck, I am sure others will offer their skill and tricks as well.

 

[dfiler2]

Thanks, that info is helpful. Are there any rules of thumb as far as EMT runs headed for the walls vs the ceiling? The walls and ceiling will be finished, I did the ceiling yesterday, 30' sheets of white liner panel, alone. Would probably do it in two pieces next time.

 

[05wrangler]

just keep in mind, no more than 360 degree of bends in one run, otherwise you will have to set boxes or pulling C's. I would make my home run pipes ATLEAST 3/4 pipe if not 1 inch. You really need to lay things out and plan a good run so you don't waste time, money, and bend degrees on something that could be avoided. and as always don't forget to ream your pipe!

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

Pictures of the garage/layout would help.

 

[hh76]

Layout and planning are where the electrician can become a true artist. Watch a true pro layout a room, and you get the feeling that they can picture every bend and box, and can feel the exact order in which everything must be installed.

Best bet is to draw up all the device locations, and start planning runs. Start experimenting on paper trying avoid having to avoid any pipes crossing. Look at lots of pictures online to get an idea of how bends fit together with one another.

 

[dfiler2]

Thanks for the responses. hh76, you're right, I have been looking at layouts every chance I get and some are quite amazing. I will sit down and draw up the layout and I should be able to do it without crossing any lines. Again, thanks for your help folks.

 

[05wrangler]

Thanks for the responses. hh76, you're right, I have been looking at layouts every chance I get and some are quite amazing. I will sit down and draw up the layout and I should be able to do it without crossing any lines. Again, thanks for your help folks.

Post some pics of your progress! If you have any questions on bends son hesitate to post!

 

[dfiler2]

Thanks, I will do that.

 

[Rusty Bumper]

Not to hack the thread, but I am going to follow this thread as I will be doing the same thing. Hoping someone would chime in with code rules regarding EMT. I have a capacity chart, how about fastening at splices/couplers, or other mistakes home owners are known to do?
Rusty

 

[05wrangler]

Basics are no more than 360 degrees of bends in one run, a support at ever ten feet, 3 feet support at every box. Also kinda more related to wire install is conduit full, de-rating of wire, and also voltage drop

 

[rippered]

This helped me a lot.


https://www.mikeholt.com/documents/freestuff/BendingRoundRaceways.pdf