Chicago and EMT

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andycook said:
I was required to use a torque wrench on the service feeders in front of an inspector in Palo Alto. That was a first!

I also just realized how stupid it was to sign my name to my Replies! Duh!
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I don't think the Palo Alto inspector is on this sight,or he might be a little more informed.
 
Andy,
I'm by no means anti-union, but it sounds like those areas that have this requirement had a strong union influence on the local code requirements to ensure union labor on residential projects.
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Unless the code only permits union contractors to buy conduit benders, I don't see how a "pipe code" limits non-union contractors.
I was required to use a torque wrench on the service feeders in front of an inspector in Palo Alto. That was a first!
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A first for torquing the connections or a first for the inspector wanting to see you torque them?
Don
 
finhead said:
Aging of electrical wiring is becoming a hot topic. A single family with EMT as the wiring method can be rewired in about a day -- depending on the size. How long would it take to rewire a home done in romex?
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Probably about the same time.Since all holes are drilled and boxes are in place.That includes removeal and replacement of said NM.My question would be why rewire at all unless there is a fire or such a disaster.I`ve worked on wiring that has operated for almost 100 years .Why fix what isn`t broke.Ok now you guys can throw stones.
 
If romex is the base price....and EMT comes in at 1.25% of base - where does AC, MC, FLEX, etc. come in at?

Something doesn't add up.
 
allenwayne said:
Probably about the same time.Since all holes are drilled and boxes are in place.That includes removeal and replacement of said NM.My question would be why rewire at all unless there is a fire or such a disaster.I`ve worked on wiring that has operated for almost 100 years .Why fix what isn`t broke.Ok now you guys can throw stones.
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I'd doubt that -- demolishing electrical work in EMT and NM is a hugely different time consumer in my experience, in EMT's favor. Replacing the wire is also hugely different, again in EMT's favor. One advantage of EMT over NM is that you can pull the new condunctors into the pipe using the old conductors. That's obviously impossible with NM. Even near the limits on conduit fill, I was able to measure, cut, bundle and fish far faster than I can pull and restaple NM through predrilled holes.
 
tallgirl said:
Even near the limits on conduit fill, I was able to measure, cut, bundle and fish far faster than I can pull and restaple NM through predrilled holes.
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Not to mention having to remove those staples in the first place, especially in concealed work. That's where conduit really shines.
 
celtic said:
If romex is the base price....and EMT comes in at 1.25% of base - where does AC, MC, FLEX, etc. come in at?

Something doesn't add up.
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I agree that this resembles Reaganomics. Does make for an interesting thread however.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
A first for torquing the connections or a first for the inspector wanting to see you torque them?
Don
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Don if he and I are talking about the same one of two guys - he should have retired 20 years ago. Refused final unless I chopped out spares to an attic. Made me neutral-bond a sub-panel. (In fact all of them) AFCI existing circuits that were 1.) out of scope, 2.) 3-wire long before they made a breaker for that, and still don't for that make of panel. My original scope of work was 3 circuits (10' total length) for landscape lighting - which were FINE. Wandered around making up codes as he went along. Forced my customer to spend hundreds more on unnessesary electrical, (My boss cut her a break after several trips and her breaking down in tears in front of him.) maybe a thousand or more on plumbing, and who knows what else in pool repairs. All of this from my 3 circuits and retaining wall with an irrigation feed. On two of the four occasions I wanted to punch the old geeser... (not that I don't like old people - I hate power-trips.)

Worst Inspector Ever..... (Comic book guy ;) )
 
Rats, etc....

Rats, etc....

In my apprentice days, I spent considerable time working in Washington, DC. One of the things I noticed was many of the older houses were wired with "BX" instead of NM cable.

When I inquired about this, I was informed that the BX was there for protection from vermin chewing thru the cables, as the varmits would ignore the armored coverings.

I would agree that pipe also protects from such attacks, but BX AC MC should also be allowed if that were the only reason.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
Andy,

Unless the code only permits union contractors to buy conduit benders, I don't see how a "pipe code" limits non-union contractors.

A first for torquing the connections or a first for the inspector wanting to see you torque them?
Don
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1) I stated that poorly. I shouldn't have used the word "ensured", but I believe most contractors understand what I meant.

2) It was the first time an inspector required it be torqued in front of him. I've used torque wrenches whenever I've done panelboard, MCC's, etc, but not typically doing a 200amp residential service change.
 
electricguy61,
1) I stated that poorly. I shouldn't have used the word "ensured", but I believe most contractors understand what I meant.
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I don't see how any code requirement limits what type of contractor does the work.
2) It was the first time an inspector required it be torqued in front of him. I've used torque wrenches whenever I've done panelboard, MCC's, etc, but not typically doing a 200amp residential service change.
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The use of a torque wrench is required anytime there is a torque spec on the label...I have never seen any panel that did not have one.
Don
 
Just curious: You use a torque wrench for every panel you install, including breakers, neutrals and grounds?
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All feeder or service terminations are done with a torque wrench...smaller branch circuits not (yes the code requires it ever for the smaller branch circuits and even for some wiring devices).
Don
 
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