no EMT for outdoors???


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Old 08-15-07, 02:17 PM
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no EMT for outdoors???

An electrician just told me that code (southern California) no longer allows EMT conduit for outdoor use. It must be PVC. I asked him why they make waterproof EMT compression fittings. He said that's for indoor use in damp areas. True or not true?
 
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Old 08-15-07, 02:38 PM
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True within Canada and many other places I have worked, however, the US guys will have to clarify the issue when it pertains to your area.
 
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Old 08-15-07, 04:03 PM
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it may be state or area specific but there is no restriction from using it outdoors in the NEC.
 
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Old 08-15-07, 04:11 PM
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They had changed the codes for compression fittings. They have to be listed rain tight now.
 
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Old 08-15-07, 06:55 PM
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I bought the rain tight compression fittings. This is the first time I've heard EMT was not allowed outside. I wonder if this electrician is nuts. I can't imagine that of all the places in the U.S., EMT would be a no-no in a mostly desert environment (Southern California).
 
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Old 08-15-07, 06:59 PM
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ANYTHING is possible in California when it comes to codes and laws.
 
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Old 08-15-07, 08:29 PM
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depends on the city, I know in anaheim, the raintite fittings must be listed for use by ul then the city tests and approves the ones you can use... stupid I know but after all this is so cal
 
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Old 08-15-07, 09:39 PM
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Like the others said, the NEC doesn’t have an issue with it , but your local code might. New York City code has added a subsection (7) to 358.12 that prohibits the use of EMT “For underground or exterior installations or in wet locations.”
 
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Old 08-17-07, 09:34 AM
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Just a follow-up question. Is there a specific type of wire that must be used with outdoor EMT or PVC? The conduit will be attached to the outside wall of the house. I read that THWN may be used, but must it be used? Can I strip my leftover NM-B cable and use those wires? Thanks.
 
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Old 08-17-07, 09:54 AM
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Use THWN or dual rated THHN/THWN for outdoors in conduit. You may NOT use NM-B, even if you strip the outer jacket and just use the wire.
 
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Old 08-17-07, 12:40 PM
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> Can I strip my leftover NM-B cable and use those wires?

No. NM cable is rated and listed as an assembly; removing individual wires from the cable assembly voids the listing. The individual conductors are not listed for use. In addition to this, NM is only rated for indoor use so pulling the wires out for outdoor use would be improper anyway.
 
 

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