What is an EMT Electrical Conduit?

An EMT electrical conduit is a type of conduit that is also referred to as thin wall conduit. EMT electrical conduits are used to protect wires that carry electrical loads within a building. The thin wall or EMT electrical conduits are used instead of galvanized rigid conduits (GRC) because of the cost and weight. EMT electrical conduits are less expensive to use than GRCs and much lighter. This makes EMT electrical conduits easier to install.

EMT Electrical Conduits

EMT electrical conduits stand for electrical metallic tubing. They are made from coated steel and may also be made from aluminum. The most common installation for EMT electrical conduits is in industrial and commercial buildings. It is not a common building material found in residential homes.

Code Requirements for EMT Electrical Conduits

The building and electrical codes of a community, mostly based on the National Electrical Code or NFPA 70 standard, dictate the requirements for the use of EMT electrical conduits within a building. The NEC requirements differ from the Canadian Electrical Code regarding the use of EMT electrical conduits.

A builder would need to consult with the appropriate code for the respective community before incorporating the use of EMT electrical conduits in their project.