here's the deal

[laketime]

I have two panels approx 4" apart and energized. I need to install a 2" nipple between the two to allow for more wires. Whats a good way to drill and punch out the holes when the panels are so close?

 

[zappy]

right angle drill, with a hole saw.

 

[ultramegabob]

if there are any factory knock outs on the side, knock them out and then use a slug buster with a draw stud and a wrench to knock out the larger holes.

 

[infinity]

With 4" of space you should be able to punch the KO's with a standard hydraulic punch. Is there some type of obstruction?

 

[augie47]

forget the nipple...use a PVC coupling and box adapters. cut the coupling to fir between the boxes and slip the box adapters in

http://www.carlon.com/Master Catalog/Conduit_Fittings_Schedule_40_and_80.pdf

a 2" KO punch/die should fit in a 4" opening, or as other suggested a right angle drill and a holesaw.

 

[hurk27]

With 4" between, I say use a unibit to drill the hole in each panel, to use a knockout punch. but you will have to have a running thread nipple or 2 two piece connectors for EMT, or for PVC put a 2"coupling between the panels and use the glue in bushing in each end. not sure how long a 2" PVC coupling is though:-?

 

[hurk27]

We must be bored lol, 4 post almost a minute apart :grin:

Vultures waiting for a new poster

 

[augie47]

service that rivals the "big box stores" and information almost as valuable :grin:

 

[hurk27]

service that rivals the "big box stores" and information almost as valuable :grin:

I would like to think the information here also rivals the "big box stores" also:-?

 

[dduffee260]

Maybe you could use a short nipple with locknuts on one side with a collar and a chase nipple on the other side. That way you don't have to pry the panels apart to make up one end. Or maybe go 2 1/2" and use a collar with 2 chase nipples which might be close to 4 inches.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

service that rivals the "big box stores" and information almost as valuable :grin:

There are big discounts at the box stores this month, I doubt we are nearly as valuable. :wink:

 

[e57]

First shut down panel.... Or do yourself a favor - do a fault calc and select proper PPE...

Then score some of them carbide hole cutters, properly align, drill and install a 3-peice fitting, or RMC nipple (to size) with a coupling and chase nipple.

 

[Rockyd]

Might not be too pretty, but it sounds like a good spot for a piece of running thread....No need to get spun up about working the lock nuts on this way.

 

[LarryFine]

A couple of years ago, I added a sub-panel as a generator panel next to the original panel, which was flush-mounted in a finished garage, and I wanted to leave the walls untouched.

I hole-sawed through the stud, pried out the original panel's 2" factory KO in the side, and used a steel nipple with only one locknut on each end, inside each panel, but I used an EGC.

I would think the OP could cut his holes from inside each panel, and he ought to be able to loosen each panel enough to insert a nipple with locknuts between them if they're surface-mounted.