Yeah, I’m certain I’ve seen Armorlite off the shelf that is wet rated and assumed that’s what was in the picture. I shoulda looked more closely.
Emt or rigid conduit for PV on outside of house?
- Thread starter ElkPicture
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wheelman55
New Member
No pro here. I believe any UL listed connector that is rated for the voltage that you’ll be running through the wires.
I use Polaris connectors.
Be safe.
Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
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I think the water tight ones are blue.
Smaller sizes, get hand benders.
Larger, there are power benders and hydraulic jack benders.
I've got a Greenlee motorized bender. It bends 2" rigid just fine. 2" EMT kinks badly. Apparently due to poor quality conduit from home improvement store. I punted and bought a bunch of 45 and 90 degree bends.
Smaller sizes, get hand benders.
Larger, there are power benders and hydraulic jack benders.
I've got a Greenlee motorized bender. It bends 2" rigid just fine. 2" EMT kinks badly. Apparently due to poor quality conduit from home improvement store. I punted and bought a bunch of 45 and 90 degree bends.
Can something like this be used on the roof without conduit?
robbob2112
Doing more research, mosty harmless
not if you want to be safe and meet the NEC requirements.
Pretty much whatever you do must
- be in metal
- be rated for 90c
- be rated as waterproof
- be raised off the roof so it doesn't sit in water
- be rated for UV/direct sunlight
- wires much be rated at 90c
Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
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Don't mix-n-match MC4 brands, might start (yet another) fire.
Best to use only genuine Stabuli everywhere.
You would use PV wire on panels and for extensions, typically under panels not in direct sun all the time, although rated for it.
Best to use only genuine Stabuli everywhere.
You would use PV wire on panels and for extensions, typically under panels not in direct sun all the time, although rated for it.
robbob2112
Doing more research, mosty harmless
This wire is rated 106c dry and 90c wet so it is good temp wise.
I happen to have the 30ft version of that cable with the connectors on one end and and to run it in conduit would be a super tight fit in 1", for a 15ft run you would need to have them staggered and lubed to pull them. If you have the crimper you can run them in 1/2" conduit and put the MC4 ends on after you pull them.
You will need to snip the ends off the solar panels and use Temco brand MC4 connectors to match these. They are quality stuff but the brands need to match.
EDIT - or as @Hedges suggests, snip the ends off these and use Stabuli brand - The main rules are #1 use quality verse no-name junk, and #2 - use only the same brands together or if they are UL tested to interoperate then you can mix them... but best to stick with one type.
You can use the EMT itself as your EGC or you can pull either THWN/THHN-2 rated 90c or bare copper 10awg in the conduit. We as a collective group generally dislike EMT as the etra ground conductor because if it corrodes you loose your ground which is bad. To use the EMT you will need the ground bushings to attach your ground wire to at each end.
If I had it to do over again - I would
buy this wire
these connectors
these crimpers
or the crimper kit
This to attach things to the racking
Lots of ways to do it right, what exactly are you trying to do?
I happen to have the 30ft version of that cable with the connectors on one end and and to run it in conduit would be a super tight fit in 1", for a 15ft run you would need to have them staggered and lubed to pull them. If you have the crimper you can run them in 1/2" conduit and put the MC4 ends on after you pull them.
You will need to snip the ends off the solar panels and use Temco brand MC4 connectors to match these. They are quality stuff but the brands need to match.
EDIT - or as @Hedges suggests, snip the ends off these and use Stabuli brand - The main rules are #1 use quality verse no-name junk, and #2 - use only the same brands together or if they are UL tested to interoperate then you can mix them... but best to stick with one type.
You can use the EMT itself as your EGC or you can pull either THWN/THHN-2 rated 90c or bare copper 10awg in the conduit. We as a collective group generally dislike EMT as the etra ground conductor because if it corrodes you loose your ground which is bad. To use the EMT you will need the ground bushings to attach your ground wire to at each end.
If I had it to do over again - I would
buy this wire
these connectors
these crimpers
or the crimper kit
This to attach things to the racking
Lots of ways to do it right, what exactly are you trying to do?
Last edited:
robbob2112
Doing more research, mosty harmless
Gotcha and searching around I only come up with this - but it is open tab type crimper
Some of the Iwiss crimpers will do the open tab crimps in that size with the right jaws, but they aren't specifically for MC4 connectors.
What style MC4 connectors do you have, so far as I knew only Stabuli had the connectors. And they are expensive and not interchangable with the 10awg version.
Correction the Amphenol Helios H4 connectors fit 8awg wire. So the crimper for that would work - they are square crimped verse HEX like most crimpers do.
Some of the Iwiss crimpers will do the open tab crimps in that size with the right jaws, but they aren't specifically for MC4 connectors.
What style MC4 connectors do you have, so far as I knew only Stabuli had the connectors. And they are expensive and not interchangable with the 10awg version.
Correction the Amphenol Helios H4 connectors fit 8awg wire. So the crimper for that would work - they are square crimped verse HEX like most crimpers do.
Last edited:
robbob2112
Doing more research, mosty harmless
According to NEC Article 300.5, the minimum cover requirements for electrical wiring in rigid conduit are as follows:
- Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) and Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC):
- Minimum burial depth: 6 inches (150 mm) below the surface if the wiring is under a concrete slab that is 4 inches (100 mm) or more thick.
- Minimum burial depth: 18 inches (450 mm) below the surface in general areas not under a concrete slab.
- Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit (RNC) such as PVC:
- Minimum burial depth: 18 inches (450 mm) below the surface in general areas.
The type voltage or current carrying capacity doesn't matter when you are burying it. Voltage is voltage
Ahh. Under a slab for 6”. Knew I had that number in my head from somewhere.
robbob2112
Doing more research, mosty harmless
I don't think anyone mentioned EMT underground - it was rigid or EMT above ground and PVC underground. Or maybe I missed a post.
My apologies. Looks like I misread things
robbob2112
Doing more research, mosty harmless
If you have the link to the earlier thread on EMT you are talking about I could
Trench and conduit advice
It’s been a while Since I rand conduit, so let me pick your brains and thanks in advance; 1- anyone have an easy affective way to dig. A trench, other than shovel or trencher or backhoe? 2 I have lots of fire sprinkler 1” pvc I think I’m gonna use, as far as I can tell it’s the same as cpvc...
diysolarforum.com
robbob2112
Doing more research, mosty harmless
Trench and conduit advice
It’s been a while Since I rand conduit, so let me pick your brains and thanks in advance; 1- anyone have an easy affective way to dig. A trench, other than shovel or trencher or backhoe? 2 I have lots of fire sprinkler 1” pvc I think I’m gonna use, as far as I can tell it’s the same as cpvc...
Thanks read that, would never have expected the change
Looked up a few things.
The burial depth of EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) when buried is primarily affected by the following factors according to the 2023 NEC:
1. **Voltage of the Circuit**:
- For circuits rated up to 120V, the minimum cover requirement is 18 inches (45.7 cm) for general underground installations.
2. **Type of Installation Location**:
- **Under Buildings**: EMT can have zero cover if buried under a building.
- **Under Driveways and Parking Areas**: Special considerations may apply, with the depth generally being 18 inches (45.7 cm) for one- and two-family dwellings driveways and parking areas.
3. **Additional Protection Requirements**:
- **Concrete Encapsulation**: When EMT is installed under a concrete slab with no vehicular traffic, the depth can be reduced to 4 inches (10.2 cm).
- **Physical Damage Considerations**: In areas where EMT might be subject to physical damage, additional protective measures such as encasement in concrete may be required.
4. **General Locations Not Specified Elsewhere**:
- For general underground installations not covered by specific conditions, the depth requirement is 24 inches (61 cm) for circuits above 120V but not specified for 120V, indicating a standardized depth for safety.
### Summary of Minimum Burial Depths from NEC Table 300.5(A):
- **Under Building**: 0 inches
- **Under 2-inch Concrete Slab with No Traffic**: 4 inches
- **Under 4-inch Concrete Slab with No Traffic**: 4 inches
- **Under One- and Two-Family Dwellings Driveways**: 18 inches
- **General Underground Installations (Up to 120V)**: 18 inches
- **General Underground Installations (Above 120V)**: 24 inches
### How to Bury EMT with AC Wire
For burying EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) with AC wire, especially for 240VAC 200-amp service or 120VAC 10-amp circuits, the following steps and requirements should be followed based on the 2023 NEC:
1. **Select Appropriate Fittings**:
- Use fittings that are specifically identified for direct burial applications. These fittings are designed to withstand moisture and soil conditions and are essential for ensuring the integrity of the installation【12†source】【13†source】.
2. **Corrosion Protection**:
- EMT installed in direct contact with the earth must be protected against corrosion. This may involve using galvanized or stainless steel EMT. In areas with severe corrosive influences, additional protective measures such as coating or wrapping may be required【12†source】【13†source】.
3. **Minimum Burial Depth**:
- **120VAC, 10-amp circuit**: Minimum cover requirement is 18 inches (45.7 cm).
- **240VAC, 200-amp service**: Minimum cover requirement is 24 inches (61 cm) for general installations【12†source】【13†source】.
- Specific conditions such as under concrete slabs or driveways may alter these depths (e.g., 4 inches under a 4-inch concrete slab with no vehicular traffic).
4. **Physical Damage Protection**:
- In areas where the EMT may be subject to physical damage, additional protective measures are required. This can include encasing the conduit in concrete or using other mechanical protection methods to prevent damage from physical impacts【11†source】【12†source】.
5. **Compliance with Local Codes**:
- Always check with local codes and regulations, as they may have additional requirements or restrictions. Some jurisdictions may still prohibit the use of EMT for direct burial despite the NEC provisions【13†source】.
6. **Installation Procedure**:
- Excavate the trench to the required depth.
- Install the EMT with the direct burial fittings.
- Ensure corrosion protection measures are in place if necessary.
- Lay the conduit in the trench, ensuring it is straight and level.
- Backfill the trench with soil, ensuring there are no sharp objects that could damage the conduit.
- Compact the soil to prevent settling and protect the conduit from physical damage.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and compliant installation of EMT for underground electrical circuits according to the 2023 NEC standards.
wheelman55
New Member
Hey there simiac. Looks like you are not the original poster of this thread. I suggest that you start a new thread explaining clearly what you are wanting to accomplish.
I also suggest that you do it right. Workmanlike, quality materials, best practices, follow nec and stay safe.
You will get some good advice here along with some bad advice…choose the good advice
I also suggest that you do it right. Workmanlike, quality materials, best practices, follow nec and stay safe.
You will get some good advice here along with some bad advice…choose the good advice
Dave911
Solar Enthusiast
Burying emt...just dont.
Its not worth it. Ive seen it set in concrete and thats ok. But running it in dirt is pointless.
Pvc basically lasts forever underground.
Depth...
Are you having this inspected?
If you you need to meet the local code I understand. If not I would have no issues running pvc conduit 6" deep.
robbob2112
Doing more research, mosty harmless
Oh, I agree, I would never bury EMT, I was just interested/surpised by the change and wanted the details.
To me pvc is what I use underground and emt or rigid above ground
To me pvc is what I use underground and emt or rigid above ground
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