EMT close to the ground

[T74]

Hi, I need to run a conduit on a foundation wall low to the ground.

2-1/2" for the load side of a 200 amp meter main.

Does the closeness to the earth bother anyone for EMT? Thinking about corrosion over time.

We could run PVC as an alternative but it seems EMT might look nicer.

Would need to run under the window and then kick up a bit as the grade rises to stay under the mini split.

 

[roger]

Have you read 358.10? Personally I would opt for PVC.

 

[T74]

Have you read 358.10? Personally I would opt for PVC.

yes, it says approved for direct contact with the earth.

Why would you opt for PVC?

 

[roger]

I simply like PVC in outdoors or wet environments especially in salt water areas.

 

[infinity]

Does the closeness to the earth bother anyone for EMT? Thinking about corrosion over time.

It's not in the ground so EMT is fine. As Roger said PVC might be better but there is nothing wrong with running EMT low to the ground. Someone may argue that PVC run that low to the ground may be subject to physical damage. It would then need to be SCH80.

 

[busman]

That low, I would do it in GRC.

Mark

 

[roger]

That low, I would do it in GRC.

Mark

Why not schedule 80 PVC.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Why not schedule 80 PVC.

Because this is a forum with hundreds of people which means hundreds of opinions. haha Anyone running GRC is probably a commercial electrician or someone who likes hard work. haha

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Be careful with EMT as you will need weatherproof fittings. Compression alone is no good.

 

[busman]

Why not schedule 80 PVC.

Get paid more ;-) But seriously, I don't like the way PVC ages and sags in the sunlight. Not to say I haven't used it, but when I see my own jobs 10 years later, I think they look terrible in PVC. Also even Sched 80 can be damaged with the right yard equipment. Hard to hurt GRC. Also with GRC, you could bury it 6" and have it out of sight and damage.

Mark

 

[acrwc10]

Be careful with EMT as you will need weatherproof fittings. Compression alone is no good.

it seems silly If the EMT is completely outside and the interior of an exterior raceway is a wet location, why require weatherproof fittings? (just my opinion)

 

[roger]

it seems silly If the EMT is completely outside and the interior of an exterior raceway is a wet location, why require weatherproof fittings? (just my opinion)

Not only that, the conductors would have to be "W" rated and the raceway must be arranged to drain.

 

[roger]

Hard to hurt GRC.

If something were to hurt sched 80 PVC the window shown in the picture would be a bigger concern.

 

[ActionDave]

it seems silly If the EMT is completely outside and the interior of an exterior raceway is a wet location, why require weatherproof fittings? (just my opinion)

I have been angry and bitter about those wet rated emt fittings since the moment they were forced on us