What is EMT conduit pipe?

Rigid metal conduit (RMC) is a thick-walled threaded tubing, usually made of coated steel, stainless steel or aluminum. Electrical metallic tubing (EMT), sometimes called thin-wall, is commonly used instead of galvanized rigid conduit (GRC), as it is less costly and lighter than GRC.

Also to know is, what is EMT conduit used for?

EMT conduit is more affordable than IMC or GRC, but its thin walls are more easily punctured. It is most often used in dry interior spaces, but can be used in damp locations with corrosion-resistant hardware and rain-tight fittings.

Similarly, what gauge is EMT conduit? Covered by Article 358 of the NEC, EMT is available in trade sizes 1/2 through 4. The outside is galvanized for corrosion protection and the inside has an approved corrosion-resistant organic coating.

Also asked, is EMT conduit galvanized?

Electrical Metallic Tubing—EMT Another example of a rigid electrical conduit is EMT (electrical metal tubing), which is most commonly made of galvanized steel but can also be aluminum. The tubing itself is not threaded like RMC and IMC.

Can you use EMT conduit outside?

It can be used indoors, outdoors, underground, and in both concealed and exposed applications. IMC has a thinner wall and weighs less than RMC. IMC can be used for the same applications as galvanized RMC. EMT is the lightest-weight steel conduit manufactured.

37 Related Question Answers Found

Does EMT conduit rust?

Typical EMT Type conduit will resist rust for a few years. It is however inevitable that it will rust. On the other hand there have been times when the conduit has rusted on parts of its surface having been exposed to the outdoor elements for one or two seasons.

Can I use white PVC pipe for electrical conduit?

PVC pipe can be used in place of PVC conduit if the PVC pipe has been manufactured to meet safety requirements on flame and temperature resistance, but because PVC conduit isn't pressure tested, PVC conduit cannot replace PVC pipe. So, the answer is YES. A PVC pipe can be used for electrical conduit.

Can I use PVC conduit in garage?

Combining metal boxes and PVC conduit is fine, but unlike an all-metal system, PVC requires you to run a separate ground wire and bond it to each metal box or light fixture with either a screw or a special grounding clip. You can heat and bend PVC pipe, but we don't show how here.

Can you thread EMT conduit?

Electrical metallic tubing (EMT), sometimes called thin-wall, is commonly used instead of galvanized rigid conduit (GRC), as it is less costly and lighter than GRC. EMT itself is not threaded, but can be used with threaded fittings that clamp to it.

Can EMT be used in wet locations?

EMT can be used in wet locations as long as the conduit is galvanized and you use all fittings that are identified for wet locations and protected from corrosion. EMT can be used in concrete as long as the fittings are identified for use. 358.10 Uses Permitted. (A) Exposed and Concealed.

Do I have to use conduit in garage?

In general, conduit is required where the cable is exposed to possible damage or exposed to the elements. A sheathed cable protected behind drywall generally does not need conduit. If there is open framing (common with detached garages, uncommon with attached garages) the local electrical code will vary.

Can you weld EMT conduit?

Introduction: Welding EMT Conduit

EMT is cheap, smaller sizes are bendable and it is readily available at local home supply stores. There are potential health problems welding EMT however. The biggest problem is that toxic fume are given off when the welding arc heats up the galvanized coating on the EMT.

Can you run Romex in EMT?

To run Romex, non-metallic NM-B sheathed cable in EMT conduit use a listed fitting, as shown above, per the manufacturers instructions. To make it easier to pull NM in conduit, don't. Strip the sheathing, leaving only the THHN insulated wires to pull, as you would transitioning your circuit from 3/8" MC to EMT.

Can I use PVC electrical conduit above ground?

PVC conduit provides protection for electrical work that is buried underground. Available in a variety of thicknesses or grades, PVC is well suited for direct burial or above ground work. PVC conduit is also used for many electrical requirements.

Is flexible conduit code?

According to 348.10 of the 2011 NEC, flexible metal conduit (FMC) is permitted in exposed or concealed locations. On the other hand, the locations where FMC is not permitted are much more specific.

What is EMT conduit made out of?

EMT is a common, thinly-walled conduit pipe that is often chosen in place of galvanized rigid conduit. It is made out of coated steel and aluminum.

What is the difference between rigid conduit and galvanized pipe?

Galvanized pipe can be manufactured to almost any diameter, while rigid metal conduit is available in diameters between 1/2 inch and 6 inches. Galvanized piping can be machined to feature threads or couplings on the ends. Rigid metal conduit is designed with one coupling end and one threaded end.

Can EMT be buried?

Not all types of conduit can be buried in the soil. EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) and flexible “Raintite” are not considered suitable for burial. Aluminum Rigid will corrode away in certain soils, such as clay, or in moist areas. That leaves PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride) conduit as the choice for most do-it-yourselfers.

Can you paint EMT conduit?

The NEC does not prohibit the painting of steel EMT or conduit, but it is important to maintain grounding continuity. But if you want to match exposed EMT or conduit to your specific paint color, we suggest you refer to the websites of paint manufacturers who post guidelines for painting galvanized products.

Is EMT measured ID or OD?

Tubing is measured by the OUTSIDE DIAMETER (O.D.), specified in inches (e.g., 1.250) or fraction of an inch (eg. 1-1/4″). Pipe is usually measured by NOMINAL PIPE SIZE (NPS).

OD and Nominal Pipe Size.

Nominal Pipe Size	Outside Diameter (inches)
1"	1.315
1-1/4"	1.66
1-1/2"	1.9
2"	2.375

How much does EMT conduit cost?

Compare all Specifications

1 in. x 10 ft. Electric Metallic Tube (EMT) Conduit	2 in. x 10 ft. PVC Schedule 40 Conduit	1 in. x 10 ft. Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) Conduit
$9.90	$8.64	$9.90
(101)	(74)	(69)
Length 10 ft.	Length 10 ft.	Length 10 ft.
Conduit type Metallic	Conduit type Nonmetallic	Conduit type Metallic

What is the outside diameter of 1 EMT conduit?

Outside Diameter of Conduit
Size	EMT	Rigid
1/2"	0.706	0.84
3/4"	0.922	1.05
1"	1.163	1.315