Transitioning from NM to surface-mount EMT

[exranger06]

I'm probably overthinking this, but: I need to transition a NM cable inside a finished wall (drywall) to surface-mounted EMT with THHN wires. One option is to cut in an old-work box and bring the NM into that, and then install an extension ring like this to attach the EMT to:

Or, can I simply drill a hole in the drywall, fish the NM through the hole, and install a cable clamp on the backside of a surface-mounted 4"x4" box?

I'm assuming the second option is fine, and it's the method I would prefer.

 

[Movover]

I am sure an sparky will chime in But, I see nothing wrong with the 2nd option. You would have cable clamp and all the connections in a metal box. Looks good from here

 

[Bert_]

Cable clamp every time.

The first option would normally be used where there is an existing flush mounted box and you want to extend with surface mounted wiring.

 

[strutaeng]

Yeah, option 2.

I've got NM in wall and then exposed EMT to a light fixture in my living area (actually, 4 of them.)

I used these as close to the drywall as I could:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Halex-1...PIPHorizontal2_rr-_-203671368-_-202328186-_-N