Strapping EMT at couplings

[CoulombsElectric]

Hello Electricians,

I have someone telling me I have to strap my EMT 3' on each side of a coupling. I have checked NEC 358 & 300 and I cannot find anything on this.

I strap my EMT every 3' leaving the box or device and every 8ft after that. (I know code is every 10ft)

So, can I fail an inspection for not strapping my 2" EMT, 3' on each side of the coupling?

Thank you all.

 

[tom baker]

No. You only need to strap every 10 ft. Thanks for checking and using the forum

 

[infinity]

So, can I fail an inspection for not strapping my 2" EMT, 3' on each side of the coupling?

No, but there was a time when the NEC used something like the word fitting which led people to believe that the coupling would require support within 3' on both sides.

 

[tom baker]

Yes, that’s what I recall, a coupling is not a fitting

 

[infinity]

The wording in the 1990 NEC used the word fitting. That word was removed to avoid confusion since some argued that a coupling is a fitting.

1990 NEC:

348-12. Supports. Electrical metallic tubing shall be installed as a complete system as provided in Article 300 and shall be securely fastened in place at least every 10 feet (3.05 m) and within 3 feet (914 mm) of each outlet box, junction box, cabinet, or fitting.

1993 ROP:

8-114- (345-12): Accept in Principle
S U B ~Patrioa B. Horton, Allied Tube & Conduit Corporation
RECOMMENDATION: Revise last two sentences to read:
Conduit shall be supported at least every ten feet (3.05m). In
addition conduit shall be securely fastened within 3 feet of each
outlet box,junction box, cabinet, conduit body, or other conduit
termination.
SUBSTANTIATION: Reason: Provides consistency with other
conduit support language and clarifies by removing the age old
argument, "is a coupling a fitting?"
PANEL ACTION: Accept in Principle
• Change the word "ten to a numerical value of "10 feet" in the first
sentence and add the metric value after "3 feet" in the second
sentence to read: "within 3 feet (914 mm)..."
PANEL STATEMENT. To bring the proposal into compliance with
the Style Manual.
VOTE ON PANEL ACTION: Unanimously Affirmative.

 

[mtnelect]

I love pictures like this ... "A picture is worth a thousand words".

 

[tom baker]

It’s interesting since I used Mikes graphics, I can recall graphics, but have a hard time finding the code section