Usage of EMT for grounding

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OrlandoCB

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G'day !

Just finished article 250, what a trip !
Since EMT can be used as EGC, the reason its not always used is because of the cost or is there something I'm missing here ?
Just checked the price on grainer and is quite expensive compared to other options plus the grounding wire.
 
A given size of EMT has been proven to be able to carry more current than the wires it is capable of containing, so there's no electrical concern.

Certain job specs require a wire EGC anyway, presumably to assure EGC continuity in case of poor installation or conduit damage or joint pull-apart.
 
OrlandoCB said:
G'day !

Just finished article 250, what a trip !
Since EMT can be used as EGC, the reason its not always used is because of the cost or is there something I'm missing here ?
Click to expand...

Are you asking why EMT is not used as a wiring method?

Just checked the price on grainer and is quite expensive compared to other options plus the grounding wire.
Click to expand...

Everything in Grainger is expensive.
 
LarryFine said:
....Certain job specs require a wire EGC anyway, presumably to assure EGC continuity in case of poor installation or conduit damage or joint pull-apart.
Click to expand...

Usually, it's ill-informed designers and engineers. That, or those that simply copy-n-paste specs from one project to the next.
 
And the most obnoxious part is having to pigtail the EGC and use ground screws in every box. :roll:
 
OrlandoCB said:
G'day !

Just finished article 250, what a trip !
Since EMT can be used as EGC, the reason its not always used is because of the cost or is there something I'm missing here ?
Just checked the price on grainer and is quite expensive compared to other options plus the grounding wire.
Click to expand...

PVC with a EGC will be cheaper than EMT without a wire EGC, but not by much. Also you have to figure the extra labor for dealing with the EGC and EMT is nicer to pull through IMO. Its a very minor increase for small sizes like 3/4. 2" EMT is say $19 a stick and PVC is $7 a stick. #6 Cu THHN is 50 cents a foot so you dont make it all up using the EMT. But if you have to go up to 2.5 PVC because of that EGC, then it about ties EMT.

All that said, I rarely run PVC indoors exposed. IMO its generally hack to use for other than services and underground.
 
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