ENT (aka Smurf)

[billconner]

Thinking about some electric in new patio (pour scheduled October 8) and was considering smurf. Never worked with it before - plenty of rigid and EMT - so was wondering if it was particularly difficult (other than sourcing in the north). Am considering 4 flush "floor" (slab?) boxes. Much less expensive than pvc and many fewer connections. Thoughts? Thank you.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

it can be a pain to fish through but nothing wrong with it

 

[sparky 1971]

I've only used it a couple of times, but found it to be a pain to work with. Mostly because of the pre-formed circle that it comes in. I'm sure that with enough practice it would become easier, I'm just not interested in practicing with it.

 

[billconner]

There will be 6 x 6 WWF and some rebar to tie to. would it that make a difference?

 

[alfredeneuman]

found it to be a pain to work with. Mostly because of the pre-formed circle that it comes in.

If you heat it up and work fast, because as soon as it cools off it will set back up, you can straighten it out but it's a PITA
Better off running metallic sealtite.

 

[sparky 1971]

double post

 

[sparky 1971]

If you heat it up and work fast, because as soon as it cools off it will set back up, you can straighten it out but it's a PITA
Better off running metallic sealtite.

I weigh 300 pounds. I don't do anything fast.

 

[Jim greengo]

I weigh 300 pounds. I don't do anything fast.

I'm old/worn out,and I'm held together with a combination of rods/screws,hernia patches and a pacemaker to keep it all going.
I have a tough time spelling fast anymore! Hahaha

 

[ycgoat]

It has specific requirements, so make sure you can use it as intended. I used it make the steel cable across my property drive visible. It has worked very well

 

[Dagny]

use pvc

 

[mike93lx]

There will be 6 x 6 WWF and some rebar to tie to. would it that make a difference?

Lots of zip ties should make it pretty easy to control.

Admittedly, I would likely do this with pvc and a heat bender. Eliminating all the pre-made bends saves money and makes the run easier

 

[sparky 1971]

Lots of zip ties should make it pretty easy to control.

Admittedly, I would likely do this with pvc and a heat bender. Eliminating all the pre-made bends saves money and makes the run easier

Actually, the factory 90's are pretty reasonable. I just finished a job with 3/4" PVC. Sch 40 was $12 a stick, sch. 80 was $23, but 90's were only $1.05, and couplings were $.25. I thought that was too cheap to screw around making my own even though I have a hotbox and heating blankets. On the other hand, if for some reason I have to use 1/2", I make my own. Factory 90's are too tight and hard to get a fish tape through. That's only in extreme circumstances, I try to avoid 1/2" PVC at all times.

Without seeing this job, I'd probably be leaning towards PVC here too.

 

[billconner]

Thank you. For a number of reasons - including not enough concrete cover for boxes and not enough planning for this - I'm going to drop it. I have building on 2 sides and partially on a third - very irregular shape - so can get power to perimeter. If I could find an acceptable exterior "tombstone" for a receptacle on the long side, I might put in one PVC run.

 

[Dagny]

incase you dont know they will fill with water.

 

[mike93lx]

incase you dont know they will fill with water.

All conduit can end up with water in it. That's why we need wet rated wire

 

[billconner]

incase you dont know they will fill with water.

And PVC with a box and device outside won't?

 

[sparky 1971]

incase you dont know they will fill with water.

Maybe just a little bit faster than PVC.

 

[billconner]

Maybe just a little bit faster than PVC.

That was my estimate, Smurf after first rain, pvc after first winter.

 

[grounded-b]

Be sure to secure the ENT at couplings and connectors very well. I had more than one come apart on me during the pour. Use plenty of tie-wire to secure the connections to the rebar.

 

[billconner]

Be sure to secure the ENT at couplings and connectors very well. I had more than one come apart on me during the pour. Use plenty of tie-wire to secure the connections to the rebar.

I thought the Smurf was attractive because of no couplings, just connectors at device.

 

[grounded-b]

I thought the Smurf was attractive because of no couplings, just connectors at device.

ENT comes in both 10' sticks and 25', 50' and 100' rolls

You may also have a short section left over that you may want to couple onto another piece.

Secondly, damage may occur during construction, where you will have to splice in a new piece before the pour

 

[billconner]

I was thinking a 100 ' role, and no joints. But skipping it. I'm sure there will be a time I wish I had an outlet in the middle, but then I'd probably curse it when it required repair.

This: https://www.floorboxoutlet.com/products/ob-1-sp-lewelectric-outdoor-floor-box-push-button

Not worth $300+ to me.