View Full Version : Bending conduit
So I am going to be adding a few outlets in my garage and therefore I need to run conduit.
I have never done it before but have access to the tools needed.
Anyone have any advice for bending conduit to a outbox and making 90 degree turns?
Thanks
gnihcraes
11-30-2014, 15:18
run pvc unless you're really stuck on doing the metal conduit. my 2 cents.
BPTactical
11-30-2014, 15:22
Pay a Sparky to do the bends, you have to calculate set back and offset and unless you do it frequently, it is a pain.
Just read this.... http://service.kleintools.com/instructions/ConduitBenderGuide.pdf
Doesn't seem that difficult. I'll practice a a few pieces of conduit first. I really like the look of metal so I think I'm gonna give it a shot.
Just read this.... http://service.kleintools.com/instructions/ConduitBenderGuide.pdf
Doesn't seem that difficult. I'll practice a a few pieces of conduit first. I really like the look of metal so I think I'm gonna give it a shot.
yes, having bent plenty of conduit, it's fairly easy if you follow the formulas that exist. this is one situation where reading the user guide makes a world of difference.
SideShow Bob
11-30-2014, 16:12
Just remember that garage circuits need to be ground fault interrupter circuits, unless they are dedicated circuits for equipment.
Just remember that garage circuits need to be ground fault interrupter circuits, unless they are dedicated circuits for equipment.
Can you explain further? I simple wall outlet wont work?
SideShow Bob
11-30-2014, 16:35
Can you explain further? I simple wall outlet wont work?
All garage outlets either need to be on GFI circuit breakers or slaved from a master GFI outlet(s)
Gottcha. That " ground fault interrupter circuits" didnt click. The main one will be a GFI outlet for sure.
On a side note... what gauge wire should I run?
SideShow Bob
11-30-2014, 16:49
On a side note... what gauge wire should I run?
What size of circuit breaker(s) are you going to use ?
Just remember that garage circuits need to be ground fault interrupter circuits, unless they are dedicated circuits for equipment.
Now all 120v circuits have to be gfci.
12ga for up to 20a, 14ga for 15a.
Z
If you run 14/3 BX, you will shouldn't have to re run anything if you want to add in a 3 pole switch. BX costs a bit more, but is way easier than bending EMT. With practice, EMT is easy enough to work with, but probably overkill in a residential garage.
I have no idea what local code calls for, so take anything I write with a grain of salt.
You should just use 90 degree pvc elbows unless you have a hot box or blanket to make straight pieces into curves. Don't forget the more angles you put the harder the pull, but in your case with such small wire it won't matter. If you lived closer I could give you a can of glue to put your pvc pipes together.
If you run 14/3 BX, you will shouldn't have to re run anything if you want to add in a 3 pole switch. BX costs a bit more, but is way easier than bending EMT. With practice, EMT is easy enough to work with, but probably overkill in a residential garage.
I have no idea what local code calls for, so take anything I write with a grain of salt.
Nobody uses BX anymore.
Romex is legal in a garage.
Great-Kazoo
11-30-2014, 21:08
I ran mine (to code) behind the walls. Which fortunately had not been installed in the shop, yet.
Question for the pros (Sparky) Why GFI's in a shop / place where there is no water ?
I ran mine (to code) behind the walls. Which fortunately had not been installed in the shop, yet.
Question for the pros (Sparky) Why GFI's in a shop / place where there is no water ?
There are these groups of guys called code panels. These guys go through the code book and think shit up to make electricity safer for us. Nobody but them understand why they think this crap up. I think it is because a gfci will trip quicker than a breaker in the instance there is damage to a piece of equipment. This rule only applies to 120v circuits not 220v circuits. go figure.
yes, having bent plenty of conduit, it's fairly easy if you follow the formulas that exist. this is one situation where reading the user guide makes a world of difference.
I thought reading the directions constituted automatic revocation of you man-card..... [Sofa]
SideShow Bob
11-30-2014, 21:58
You should just use 90 degree pvc elbows unless you have a hot box or blanket to make straight pieces into curves. Don't forget the more angles you put the harder the pull, but in your case with such small wire it won't matter. If you lived closer I could give you a can of glue to put your pvc pipes together.
He is talking running EMT and bending, I don't think a wennie roaster or heat blanket will produce enough heat to bend that.
SideShow Bob
11-30-2014, 22:01
There are these groups of guys called code panels. These guys go through the code book and think shit up to make electricity safer for us. Nobody but them understand why they think this crap up. I think it is because a gfci will trip quicker than a breaker in the instance there is damage to a piece of equipment. This rule only applies to 120v circuits not 220v circuits. go figure.
Also they own large amounts of stocks in the companies that make GFCI's...............
Nobody uses BX anymore.
Given the choice between BX and EMT, which would you prefer to run? BX is about twice the cost of Romex, and certainly good enough for just about anything residential. EMT is more expensive than BX and way overkill for residential IMO.
Great-Kazoo
11-30-2014, 22:10
He is talking running EMT and bending, I don't think a wennie roaster or heat blanket will produce enough heat to bend that.
PVC is available in 45 bends.
Great-Kazoo
11-30-2014, 22:11
Also they own large amounts of stocks in the companies that make GFCI's...............
Kid i worked with back east his dad was part inventor of the GFI. However working for major company it became their property.
Given the choice between BX and EMT, which would you prefer to run? BX is about twice the cost of Romex, and certainly good enough for just about anything residential. EMT is more expensive than BX and way overkill for residential IMO.
My choices would be romex first then MC cable then pipe.
SideShow Bob
11-30-2014, 22:35
My choices would be roamed first then MC cable then pipe.
Yep, this. Sparky i know you know the following, this is for the others. If he is running conduit be it EMT or PVC, THHN/THWN is the only choice, you cannot run BX or Romex or any other multi-conductor assemblies in conduit. You can, but it is not to code.
I had to look up the difference between MC and BX. Learn something new everyday [Flower]
I knew BX was a brand name like Romex, but I've just been calling any armor clad/metal clad cable BX, i.e. Xerox vs copier machine. I now know the difference. Thanks.
While we are on the topic, my Dad taught me that if I was taking the trouble to run wire, think Romex here, but I would guess it is just as relevant to MC. I may as well run 12/3 or 14/3 rather than 12/2 or 14/2. The cost difference isn't that great, and it will give you greater flexibility down the road if you make changes in your switches. Your thoughts?
newracer
11-30-2014, 22:47
Romex is legal in a garage.
Even if it is not covered?
Yep, this. Sparky i know you know the following, this is for the others. If he is running conduit be it EMT or PVC, THHN/THWN is the only choice, you cannot run BX or Romex or any other multi-conductor assemblies in conduit. You can, but it is not to code.
We used to soap and pull bare wire off of reels into EMT. Limit your bends and your run lengths because there is only so much pulling you can do with a bundle of 12 wire [mop]
Even if it is not covered?
yes
So I can use romex right?
If so I'm going to use that because it seems to be easy. Just run the one wire and then hook up your grounds, positive, and negative wires.
Just looked up that BX wire. Thats some pretty slick shit. I'll see what it costs and consider it.
Just looked up that BX wire. Thats some pretty slick shit. I'll see what it costs and consider it.
Like Sparky said, nobody uses BX anymore. If you need armor clad, get MC. It looks similar to BX and has a bare ground and should be easier to find. If it is to code to use Romex, by all means save yourself the hassle and run Romex. If it is 15 amp, run 14/3 and call it good.
Romex is about. 28 per foot. MC cable is about .40 per foot at Home Depot. This is for 12/2 which I would use in my garage with a 20 amp breaker.
Thanks for all the help guys.
So if its a 15 amp breaker use 14/3 and if its a 20 amp breaker use 12/2?
Thanks for all the help guys.
So if its a 15 amp breaker use 14/3 and if its a 20 amp breaker use 12/2?
15 amp breaker use 14/2. 20 amp breaker use 12/2. Both will have a ground in them.
buffalobo
12-01-2014, 09:52
Go with the 20 amp circuit. Example - if you have a fridge or freezer on 15 amp circuit and try to start small air compressor or power tool while appliance is running you will spend your time trying to reset breaker.
BPTactical
12-01-2014, 10:27
Go with the 20 amp circuit. Example - if you have a fridge or freezer on 15 amp circuit and try to start small air compressor or power tool while appliance is running you will spend your time trying to reset breaker.
Yup, better to go bigger if the box and wiring will handle it. Just like a safe, you will always be able to use more capacity
buffalobo
12-01-2014, 11:21
Yup, better to go bigger if the box and wiring will handle it. Just like a safe, you will always be able to use more capacity
Damn straight. All 110 circuits in my shop are 30 amp. Can't run a 3hp router and a circular saw at same time.
You know what's super easy to bend? 100' of extension cord.
You know what's super easy to bend? 100' of extension cord.
I agree but its sloppy and non permanent. Looking for something to do in an afternoon and for it to look nice. I'll spend the $100, lol.
SideShow Bob
12-01-2014, 18:45
Remember, when you run the rope (Rolex) to drill holes in the studs and thread it through, don't try stapling it to the stud faces. Also staple it to the I side of the studs within 3ft of the outlet boxes.
Remember, when you run the rope (Rolex) to drill holes in the studs and thread it through, don't try stapling it to the stud faces. Also staple it to the I side of the studs within 3ft of the outlet boxes.
Its going through conduit. The garage is finished. I need more outlets.
SideShow Bob
12-01-2014, 20:27
Its going through conduit. The garage is finished. I need more outlets.
If you have access to the area above the ceiling, you can run MC up in there and fish it down the walls where you want the outlets. Unless of course there is a room above the garage.
I agree but its sloppy and non permanent. Looking for something to do in an afternoon and for it to look nice. I'll spend the $100, lol.
I know that was just a joke. I have the stuff to run romex to an outdoors outlet at my place, I just haven't done it yet.
Might as well get 20 amp outlets too.
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