How to attach conduit to box

[TS057]

So I'm nearly done installing my Mr. Heater Big Maxx. I'm planning to have it be direct wired. The plan was to have a box in the wall with wire in conduit running from the box to the heater.

I can't for the life of me figure out how to attach the conduit to the wall box!

I'd planned on using 1/2" ENT. I can find connectors that push into a 1/2" knock-out. This will work just fine for attaching the conduit to the heater but I feel like I need something like a switch plate / face plate that has a 1/2" knock-out. These don't exist - at least not at Menards they don't. Is there another way? Is it acceptable to buy a blank face plate and drill it out?

So, how do you attach conduit to the face of a box?

Thanks,

TS

 

[CitadelBlue]

Thought you always did it from the side and the cover was used for access ......

 

[TS057]

I could understand that but if the conduit runs out the side of the box it will still be in the wall cavity. I need it to leave the front face of the box to exit the wall and go to the heater.

 

[Steevo]

I used a metal cover for the box with a knockout for the conduit (from Home Depot), and then used metal flex conduit from box to heater:

Sorry, I don't have any close-up pics of this handy.

 

[TS057]

That is EXACTLY what I need.

I couldn't find them anywhere at Menards. The only thing that had that was close was a 2-gang cover for a junction box. It was the flat style cover w/ slots that would have to be recessed into the sheetrock - i.e. not what I'm looking for.

Do you happen to remember where you got yours? HD or Lowes?

 

[Steevo]

http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical...Id=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#.UKZS6RikDO8

 

[TS057]

Excellent! Thanks again!

It's amazing how difficult it's been to find things for this project - this forum has been a lifesaver!

A person would think that it might be reasonable that any of the the home improvement stores would be able to supply a project like this - NOT SO!

Let's see...

Electrical Box Cover w/ knockout
Menards - NO
HD - YES

Gas Line
Fleet Farm - NO
Lowes - NO
Home Depot - NO
Menards - YES

2-2-2-4 SER
Fleet Farm - NO
Lowes - NO
Menards - NO
Home Depot - YES

3M Hi-Temp Flue Tape
Lowes - NO
HD - NO
Menards - NO
Fleet Farm - YES

And on and on and on...

I don't even want to know how many trips I've make around town trying to track stuff down for this project!

 

[Blk88GT]

You might want to secure that flexible conduit. I don't believe that would pass an inspection.

 

[ishiboo]

That is EXACTLY what I need.

I couldn't find them anywhere at Menards. The only thing that had that was close was a 2-gang cover for a junction box. It was the flat style cover w/ slots that would have to be recessed into the sheetrock - i.e. not what I'm looking for.

Do you happen to remember where you got yours? HD or Lowes?

I am shocked but all the knockout covers at Menards are special order.

Do remember you can always take a blank and drill a 1/2" hole in it

 

[ishiboo]

Excellent! Thanks again!

It's amazing how difficult it's been to find things for this project - this forum has been a lifesaver!

A person would think that it might be reasonable that any of the the home improvement stores would be able to supply a project like this - NOT SO!

Let's see...

Electrical Box Cover w/ knockout
Menards - NO
HD - YES

Gas Line
Fleet Farm - NO
Lowes - NO
Home Depot - NO
Menards - YES

2-2-2-4 SER
Fleet Farm - NO
Lowes - NO
Menards - NO
Home Depot - YES

3M Hi-Temp Flue Tape
Lowes - NO
HD - NO
Menards - NO
Fleet Farm - YES

And on and on and on...

I don't even want to know how many trips I've make around town trying to track stuff down for this project!

Our Menards carries 2-2-2-4 SER (I think Lowes and Fleet do too here?), and our Lowes carries all gas line products... believe Fleet does as well. Home Depot refuses to carry CSST... the rumor I've heard is they believe it's unsafe and thus a liability to sell, whether it be the product or the fact DIYs think they can do anything with it.

I always end up hitting several stores on a project, each has their strengths and weaknesses.

Never be afraid to ask... sometimes the location of things is surprising, and what's available in the yard exceeds what's shown on little cards indoors. Other times it's at a distribution center close by at a great price and it's worth waiting.

 

[rockwithjason]

take a cover and drill it. use a 7/8 hole saw for a 1/2 in conduit. don't use ent, use flex.

 

[ineedagarage]

I used a metal cover for the box with a knockout for the conduit (from Home Depot), and then used metal flex conduit from box to heater:

Sorry, I don't have any close-up pics of this handy.

Did you use 1/2 or 3/4 metal flex conduit? Which would be better for 8/2 wire?

 

[Steevo]

I used 14/2 MC.
Home Depot sells pre-made lengths with fittings.
I just cut mine down a little shorter.

 

[Norcal]

Don't use "Smurf Tube" (ENT), 1/2" steel, or aluminum flex or 1/2" Carflex®,are better choices, ENT is brittle in cold weather, in reading Art. 362, I did not see anything saying it's prohibited or OK, & since the NEC is a permissive document it's prob. fine but it's still cheesy.