MC conductors in EMT

[kec]

At times when I run MC say thru a dropped ceiling and then have to mount it on a block wall and to protect it I will install a comb squeeze to emt fitting, strip armor and push conductors thru to outlet. This is a violation?
What should I do. Mount a 1900 box at top and install THHN?

 

[roger]

At times when I run MC say thru a dropped ceiling and then have to mount it on a block wall and to protect it I will install a comb squeeze to emt fitting, strip armor and push conductors thru to outlet. This is a violation?

Not in the case of MC conductors, they are identified on their insulation, OTOH NM would be a violation since the conductors are not identified. Of course in a non-residential application you couldn't run NM in a drop ceiling anyways.

Roger

 

[kwired]

Stripping the conductors from MC is sometimes easier and cheaper, depending on the situation. There are times where I'm on a call, and instead of going to get material I can just pull out 25' of MC, strip it back, and push it through conduit. I used to carry rolls of wire, but I rarely used them as I was mostly running MC and romex. I have to be selective about how much material I carry, as I don't have a ton of space (extended cab Ford Ranger with bed-mounted tool box).

Thanks for all the replies, and the code reference as well. I was aware of marking conductors for where they go, I guess I just glossed over the part about actual writing on the insulation!

I guess if you hardly ever run raceways then whatever works for you is what works for you, stripping 25 feet of MC cable for the conductor inside may very well cost you less then running after some THHN/THWN. Do keep in mind if those conductors aren't marked they do violate the construction requirements mentioned somewhere (sorry didn't look) in art 310 that states they need marked at certain intervals with the conductor type. Also note that you can sometimes find MC cable that does contain conductors with such markings.

Another thing though, if you seldom run raceway, yet know you are going to be running raceway, throw some THHN/THWN on the truck with the raceway when you load up for the job. Big box stores do sell THHN/THWN on only 100 foot reels, maybe even shorter lengths, or possibly can even cut what you want as well. My supply houses stopped cutting 14 and 12 AWG and maybe even 10 AWG, but will cut anything larger to desired length.

 

[Smart $]

At times when I run MC say thru a dropped ceiling and then have to mount it on a block wall and to protect it I will install a comb squeeze to emt fitting, strip armor and push conductors thru to outlet. This is a violation?

IMO, the only violation is perhaps the transition adapter. Here's an example of listed adapters...

http://www.cooperindustries.com/con...ts/catalog-pdfs/acc-combination-couplings.pdf

There's also the group that says you can/must leave the armor on until you get to the outlet.

 

[active1]

Vegas is MC land. It's common to run a gazillion MC's to a can or gutter and nipple down to the panel or what ever.
Sometimes to the point of it being a project to safely install the cover.
Time consuming to strip, identify, and fish many times the same 3 color conductors into a panel.
But it's better than having 3 gazillion wire nuts in that can or gutter.
Many will push the EG straight through. Myself I put a ground bar an and only 1 EC per conduit. Unless it's a service call. Then I would just wirenut what I'm doing and bond the can as too many times the last guy skipped that.
Sometimes it seemed like the EC had a fair amount of time & material budgeted with some quality work in the basement.
Terminal blocks in cans for each circuit to land. Everything is clean, labeled, with some nice bent larger conduits going to the panel.
Then by the 30th floor on the same project and EC seems like the schedule and budget caught up with them.
No more connectors on the MC's, just blast some big holes and run everything thru into a rats nest and continuous into the gear.

Now I have worked for one SOB EC that would not always order me rolls of wire.
They would bring out scraps of MC. Having to strip off 20-70' at a time.
If the scraps weren't long enough they would bring out half a roll.
It's time consuming. You take a chance of nicking the conductors.
Without gloves your hands get all oily and a chance of cuts.
By the time your done the wire is not always straight.
You can never pull more of 1 color like the green unless you untwist the run.
For servicing you cant replace just 1 conductor because of the twisting together.
When your done you got a pile of scrap metal and plastic.

Bottom line I believe it's unprofessional.

 

[kwired]

Now I have worked for one SOB EC that would not always order me rolls of wire.
They would bring out scraps of MC. Having to strip off 20-70' at a time.
If the scraps weren't long enough they would bring out half a roll.
It's time consuming. You take a chance of nicking the conductors.
Without gloves your hands get all oily and a chance of cuts.
By the time your done the wire is not always straight.
You can never pull more of 1 color like the green unless you untwist the run.
For servicing you cant replace just 1 conductor because of the twisting together.
When your done you got a pile of scrap metal and plastic.

Sounds like stepping over dollar bills to pick up some dimes to me.

 

[active1]

"Sounds like stepping over dollar bills to pick up some dimes to me. "
Vegas things have gotten that way.
Could have 30-40 electrical tradesman working at a major property on the strip.
Need something like a few more 2" set screw connectors.
Looking in our material storage and asking material handler says we're out.
Ask my foreman, we look again and make the rounds, maybe someone has it on the cart.
He has me go with the general foreman to the material staging area another part of the property.
Can't go alone as you need keys to get there.
Dig thru boxes in the material lot looking, nothing.
GF contacts the EC owner to get approval to buy a few more connectors.
That happened about every day. Always ready to answer the question "why do you need..."?