EMT run exposed

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Dexie123

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If most of you were running lighting on a building would you run the wiring in EMT or something else? I know rusting's an issue so just curious as to what most do.
 
Dexie123 said:
If most of you were running lighting on a building would you run the wiring in EMT or something else? I know rusting's an issue so just curious as to what most do.
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give a little more details on your project, it depends on the application what I might do...
 
Running lights on building. 3/4 Emt with compression couplings to and to round FS (water proof called FS in NJ) boxes and mounting outside wall sconces. Would you run EMT or would you run Rigid conduit? EMT when get's wet can rust and therefore streak on the wall so just wondering what others might do to get around this.

Thx
 
what kind of building is it? a barn, prison, hospital? how high up will the lights be? are they likely to be exposed to physical damage? more than likely, I would use PVC, but if its likely to be damaged like on a warehouse with forklifts and such, I may go with IMC or ridged....
 
It seems to me to be a good opportunity to let the customer decide among a two or three options and price levels.

Maybe provide a price for PVC, EMT and RMC and let the customer decide what they want after you tell them the pros and cons.
 
I want to say PVC, but if you go very far with exposed PVC, it looks like festoon cable then the weather gets hot. EMT is totally out of the question for exposed outdoor installations, in my mind. I pick IMC as a next step. If it's up to me, it's PVC for shorter runs, and IMC for longer runs.
 
brian john said:
I'd run the the cable inside the building and poke out.
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there again, that would depend on the application, but the O.P. is asking about what type of conduit to run on the outside, maybe running inside is not an option...
 
I know But years ago I went to a walk through where the customer was moaning about us having to run conduit for exterior lighting and how ugly it would look. I suggested running it in the building. Remember the little light bulb over the cartoon characters head, I saw one that day over his.

Sometimes the obvious excapes us.
 
Well honestly this is not anything I'm doing. It's all hypothetical in my mind. I just thought of this type of installation today and wondered what all of you would usually do.

I figured IMC or rigid. I would consider EMT and don't really see anything wrong with it but can understand it's definately a sub job compared to the former.

PVC could be an option but if it's in a really hot, sunny area and someone messes up with expansion fittings that could start to sag or bend.

The cost difference could be significant though.
 
brian john said:
I'd run the the cable inside the building and poke out.
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thats the way i would do it. looks nicier with just lights, nothing running on the wall, and would be cheaper with having not to run any kind of pipe.
 
I would use wireless lights.


OK, maybe not.....In New England, I'd probably use PVC and strap the snot out of it. EMT - no way. RMC? Maybe, but only as a last resort.

In California or Arizona where it's usually always dry, EMT would work just fine outdoors. I'm not sure I would reccommend it anywhere else.
 
George Stolz said:
...or Colorado or Wyoming or Utah or New Mexico or Texas...

It's a big dry country out west, Pete. :D
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Oh right....I was thinking only about the desert...so add Nevada too. :)

But don't you get quite a bit of snow/rain in CO, WY, and UT?
 
I forgot Nevada!?! :D

It all dries off pretty quick. Provided the EMT isn't in a place where water pools, or condensation is a problem, then it tends to last a long time.
 
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