RACEWAYS

The term raceway, which is used in this chapter as well as others, is defined by the NEC® as a channel that is
designed and used expressly for the purpose of holding wires, cables, or busbars. The term circular raceway is
finding its way into the NEC to distinguish between raceways that are circular in configuration from raceways
that are rectangular such as wire-ways.
The following paragraphs describe several types of materials classified as a raceway.
The NEC has introduced acronyms for most raceways as shown. The NEC recognizes
intermediate metal conduit (IMC), rigid metal conduit (RMC), flexible metal conduit
(FMC), liquid-tight flexible metal conduit (LFMC), rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit
(PVC), high-density polyethylene conduit (HDPE), nonmetallic underground conduit
with conductors (NUCC), reinforced thermosetting resin conduit (RTRC), liquid-tight
flexible nonmetallic conduit (LFNC), electrical metallic tubing (EMT), flexible
metallic tubing (FMT), and electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT).
RACEWAY SIZING IN THE NEC
• In keeping with the emphasis of the metric system of measurements in the NEC, a Metric
Designator has been introduced to provide an equivalency to the inch system of measurement for
circular raceways used for many years. You may have noticed the NEC uses the term “trade size”
rather than simply “size” or “size in inches” to indicate the size of circular raceways. The nominal
internal diameters in inches and millimeters as well as the square-inch (square millimeter) areas of
trade size 2 (metric designator 53) circular raceways are as shown in Table 6-2.
IT WILL BE USEFUL TO REVIEW SOME OF THE TERMS USED IN THE NEC CONCERNING
RACEWAYS:

•A ferrous conduit is made of iron or steel (sometimes referred to as magnetic); a nonferrous conduit is
made of a metal other than iron or steel (often is nonmagnetic but some alloys may have enough iron
or steel content to be magnetic).
•Common nonferrous raceways include aluminum, brass, and stainless steel (some alloys of stainless
steel may have enough iron or steel content to be magnetic).
•Metal or metallic would include both ferrous and nonferrous.
•Nonmetallic raceways would include PVC, ENT, Liquid-tight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit (LFNC), and
fiberglass (RTRC).
•Couplings are used to connect sections of a raceway.
•Locknuts, metal bushings, or connectors are used to connect raceways to boxes or fittings.
•Integral couplings are formed into some raceways and cannot be removed.
•Associated fittings such as couplings and connectors are separate items.
•• A running thread is a longer-than-standard length thread cut on one conduit and is sometimes
referred to as “continuous-thread” or “all-thread.” Connection to another conduit is achieved by
screwing a coupling on the running thread, butting the conduits together, and then backing the
coupling onto the second conduit. As shown in Figure 6-1, running threads are not permitted for
connecting conduits together with a coupling as a tight connection is not assured, NEC 344.42(B).
RIGID METAL CONDUIT (RMC)

Rigid metal conduit, Figure 6-2, is of heavy-wall construction to provide a maximum degree of
physical protection to the conductors that run through it. Rigid metal conduit is available in steel,
aluminum, brass, and stainless steel. The conduit can be threaded on the job with a standard pipe
die, or non-threaded fittings may be used where permitted.
INTERMEDIATE METAL CONDUIT (IMC)

Intermediate metal conduit has a wall thickness that is

between that of rigid metal conduit (RMC) and electrical
metallic tubing (EMT). As a result, this circular raceway is
often permitted to contain more conductors than RMC.
This type of conduit can be installed using either
threaded or non-threaded fittings. The factory bends for
rigid metal conduit can be used for IMC but will result in
a smaller internal diameter for the same size conduit.
NEC Article 342 defines IMC and describes the uses
permitted, the installation requirements, and the
construction specifications. It is permitted to be installed
in the same locations as RMC.
ELECTRICAL METALLIC TUBING (EMT)

EMT is a thin-wall metal raceway that

is not permitted to be threaded. EMT
is also referred to in the trade as thin-
wall. The specifications for the
Commercial Building in this text permit
the use of EMT for all branch-circuit
wiring. NEC Article 358 should be
consulted for exact installation
requirements.
FITTINGS

Electrical metallic tubing is a non-threaded, thin-

wall raceway. Because EMT is not permitted to
be threaded, sections are joined together and
connected to boxes, other fittings, or cabinets by
couplings and connectors. EMT fittings available
include the setscrew, compression, and indenter
styles.
SET-SCREW

When used with this type of fitting, the EMT is

pushed into the coupling or connector to the stop
and is secured in place by tightening the set-screws,
Figure 6-6. This type of fitting is classified as
concrete-tight but is not rain-tight. Some fittings
may be concrete-tight only when wrapped with
tape. If so, the carton containing the fitting is marked
“Concrete-tight when taped.”
COMPRESSION

EMT is secured in these fittings by

tightening the compression nuts with a
wrench or pliers, Figure 6-7. These fittings
are classified as rain-tight and concrete-
tight types. When installing EMT outdoors
where exposed to rain, or in any other wet
location, compression EMT fittings must be
listed for this use. Check the carton for
wording that indicates the suitability of
these fittings for use in wet locations.
INDENTER

The indenter (crimp) type of fitting is a thing of

the past, although an Underwriters Laboratories
standard continues to have such a listing
available. A special crimping tool was used to
secure the fitting to the EMT. The tool places an
indentation in both the fitting and the EMT. It
was a standard wiring practice to make two sets
of indentations at each connection,
approximately 90° apart. This type of fitting is
classified as concrete-tight. Figure 6-8 shows a
straight indenter-type connector. Couplings were
also available.
INSTALLATION OF EMT

Due to numerous failures of EMT in underground installations, many electrical inspection

authorities will not permit EMT to be installed underground or in concrete slabs that are on
or below grade. It is also common for electrical consulting engineers to require the use of
PVC conduits in these and other corrosive locations. Be sure to consult the authority having
jurisdiction as well as the project specifications before beginning the electrical installation.
THE EFFICIENT INSTALLATION OF EMT REQUIRES THE USE OF A BENDER, FIGURE 6-9. THIS
TOOL IS COMMONLY AVAILABLE IN HAND-OPERATED MODELS FOR EMT IN TRADE SIZES
1/2, 3/4, 1, AND 1 ¼ AND IN POWER-OPERATED MODELS FOR LARGER TRADE EMT SIZES.
SEVERAL KINDS OF BENDS CAN BE MADE WITH THE USE OF THE BENDING TOOL. THE STUB, BACK-TO-
BACK, OFFSET, SADDLE AND THE ANGLE BEND ARE SHOWN IN FIGURE 6-10.
INSTALLATION OF METALLIC RACEWAY

IMC, RMC, and EMT are to be installed according to the requirements of NEC Articles 342, 344, and
358. The following points summarize the contents of these articles. All conduit runs should be level,
straight, plumb, and neat, showing good workmanship. Do not do sloppy work. It is quite common for
the authority having jurisdiction or the electrical engineer who designs the project to require an
equipment grounding conductor of the wire type to be installed through every metal raceway of the
circular type. The reason for this rule is the numerous failures of the metal raceways to provide a
continuous ground-fault return path. The failure can be the result of the conduit or EMT being loose
at fittings, having a broken fitting, or rusting through.
Due to repeated failures of compression-type couplings on conduit and EMT for rooftop installations to HVAC
equipment, a rule has been added to NEC 440.9 that requires an equipment grounding conductor of the wire
type to be installed in these runs.

The rigid types of metal conduit and IMC

•may be installed in concealed and exposed work.
•may be installed in or under concrete when of the type approved for this purpose.
•must not be installed in or under cinder concrete or cinder fill that is subject to permanent moisture, unless the
conduit is encased in at least 2 in. (50 mm) of non-cinder concrete, is at least 18 in. (450 mm) under the fill, or is of
corrosion-resistant material suitable for the purpose.
•must not be installed where subject to severe mechanical damage. (An exception to this is rigid metal conduit,
which may be installed in a location where it is subject to damaging conditions.)
•may contain up to four quarter bends (for a total of 360°) in any run.
•are required to be fastened within 3 ft (900 mm) of each outlet box, junction box, cabinet, or conduit body but
may be extended to 5 ft (1.5 m) to accommodate structural members.
•must be securely supported at least every 10 ft (3 m) except if threaded couplings are used as given
in NEC Table 344.30(B)(2).
•are permitted to be installed in wet or dry locations if the conduit is of the type approved for this
use.
•are required to have the ends reamed to remove rough edges.
•are considered adequately supported when run through drilled, bored, or punched holes in framing
members, such as studs or joists.
•comply with the following requirement for grounding: all listed fittings for metallic raceways are
tested for a specified amount of current for a specified length of time, making the fittings acceptable
for grounding.
WET LOCATION AND DRAINING OF RACEWAYS

Raceways provide a path for water to run into electrical equipment. This can be a hazard. The NEC
addresses this issue as follows:
•NEC 225.22 states, “Raceways on exteriors of buildings or other structures shall be arranged to drain
and shall be listed or approved for use in wet locations”.
•NEC 230.53 states, “Where exposed to the weather, raceways enclosing service entrance conductors
shall be listed or approved for use in wet locations and arranged to drain. Where embedded in
masonry, raceways shall be arranged to drain”.
WET LOCATION AND DRAINING OF RACEWAYS

• A practical solution for the challenge of how to drain water that might accumulate in raceways that
are installed in wet locations is found in NEC 314.15. It reads “In damp or wet locations, boxes,
conduit bodies, outlet box hoods, and fittings shall be placed or equipped so as to prevent
moisture from entering or accumulating within the box, conduit body, or fitting. Boxes, conduit
bodies, outlet box hoods, and fittings installed in wet locations shall be listed for use in wet
locations. Approved drainage openings not smaller than 1⁄8 in. (3 mm) and not larger than ¼ in. (6
mm) shall be permitted to be installed in the field in boxes or conduit bodies listed for use in damp
or wet locations. For installation of listed drain fittings, larger openings are permitted to be
installed in the field in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions”.
WET LOCATION AND DRAINING OF RACEWAYS

• Drain holes not larger than 1⁄4 in. (6 mm) in diameter are permitted to be drilled at appropriate
locations in conduit bodies such as LBs or in the wet-location enclosure. Properly installed drain
holes or fittings will help prevent water from entering enclosures that contain energized parts
including bussing for panelboards that can be damaged by exposure to water. Another policy that
should be considered is to limit entries to the top or sides of enclosures that contain energized
components. An important practice is to use a weatherproof hub or sealing locknuts on any entry
on the side of the enclosure that is above the factory knockouts. The same installation method
must be followed for entries on the top of an enclosure that is installed in a wet location.
FLEXIBLE METAL CONDUIT (FMC)

NEC Article 348 regulates the use and installation of

FMC. FMC is similar to armored cable, except that the
conductors are installed by the electrician. For Type AC
and Type MC cable, the cable armor is wrapped around
the conductors at the factory to form a complete cable
assembly. NEC 348.10 covers Uses Permitted and 348.12
gives Uses Not Permitted for FMC. Note that NEC
348.12(1) prohibits the use of FMC in wet locations. This
prohibition reduces the likelihood that water will enter
enclosures through FMC. LFMC and LFNC are commonly
used to connect equipment in wet locations.
Some of the more common installations
using FMC are shown in Figure 6-13. Note
that the flexibility required to make the
installation is provided by the FMC. Flexible
metal and nonmetallic conduit are
commonly used to connect recessed or lay-in
luminaires. When used in this manner,
electricians refer to it as a “fixture whip.”
LISTED FMC IS PERMITTED TO BE USED AS AN EQUIPMENT
GROUNDING CONDUCTOR IF

(a) it is connected with listed fittings;

(b) the overcurrent device protecting the contained conductors is rated at 20 amperes or
less, Figure 6-13(A) and 6-13(B);
(c) in trade size 1¼ or smaller;
(d) not more than 6 ft (1.8 m) of FMC, LFMC, and flexible metallic tubing are in the same
ground-fault path.
NEC 348.60 and 250.118(5) also require: If used to connect equipment where flexibility is
necessary to minimize the transmission of vibration from equipment or to provide flexibility
for equipment that requires movement after installation, an equipment grounding conductor
shall be installed.*
LIQUID-TIGHT FLEXIBLE METAL CONDUIT (LFMC)

The use and installation of LFMC is described in

NEC Article 350. LFMC has a tighter and flatter fit
of its spiral metallic tape or armor as compared
to FMC. LFMC has a thermoplastic outer jacket
that is liquid-tight and is commonly used as a
flexible connection to central air-conditioning
units located outdoors, Figures 6-15 and 6-16.
LFMC IS PERMITTED TO BE INSTALLED

•in exposed or concealed locations.

•if flexibility or protection from liquids is required.
•in hazardous (classified) locations where specifically approved or permitted such as by NEC 501.10(B),
502.10, 503.10, and 504.20. These uses generally are limited to locations where flexibility is required.
Be cautious as some uses permitted are limited by the Class or Division of the hazardous (classified)
locations.
•for direct burial, if so listed and marked.
•if not subject to physical damage.
•if the combination of ambient and conductor temperature does not exceed that for which the LFMC is
approved.
•with fittings identified for use with the LFMC.
LFMC IS PERMITTED TO BE INSTALLED

•in trade sizes 1⁄2 to 4. For enclosing motor leads, trade size 3⁄8 is suitable.

• for fixture whips not less than 18 in. (450 mm) or over 6 ft (1.8 m) in length permitted or required
by NEC 410.117(C), or for flexible connection to equipment such as a motor.
LFMC OF TRADE SIZE 1⁄2 OR SMALLER MAY BE USED AS AN EQUIPMENT
GROUNDING CONDUCTOR IF

•it is listed;
•it is not more than 6 ft (1.8 m) in length;
•it is connected with listed fittings; and
•the circuit is rated at 20 amperes or less.
LFMC OF TRADE SIZE 3⁄4, 1, OR 11⁄4 MAY BE USED AS AN EQUIPMENT
GROUNDING CONDUCTOR IF

•it is listed;
•it is not more than 6 ft (1.8 m) in length;
•it is connected with listed fittings; and
•the overcurrent device is rated at 60 amperes or less.

NEC 350.60 and 250.118(6) require that: If used to connect equipment where flexibility is necessary
to minimize the transmission of vibration from equipment or to provide flexibility for equipment that
requires movement after installation, an equipment grounding conductor shall be installed.*
 LIQUID-TIGHT FLEXIBLE NONMETALLIC CONDUIT (LFNC)

The three types of LFNC are identified as follows:

•. LFNC-A for a smooth seamless inner core and cover bonded together and having one or more reinforcement
layers between the core and covers for layered conduit
•LFNC-B for a smooth inner surface with integral reinforcement within the conduit wall
•LFNC-C for a corrugated internal and external surface without integral reinforcement within the conduit wall

Both metal and nonmetallic fittings listed for use with the various types of LFNC will be marked with the “A,” “B,”
or “C” designations.
LFNC types A and C are generally restricted to a length of 6 ft (1.8 m). Type B LFNC is permitted in lengths
exceeding 6 ft (1.8 m) if secured as required.
ARMORED (TYPE AC) AND METAL-CLAD (TYPE MC) CABLES

Two increasingly popular wiring systems are presented in NEC Articles 320 and 330. As they are similar
and different in many ways, the information on these systems is presented in the following parallel
comparative format, Figure 6-18 and Table 6-3.
 RIGID POLYVINYL CHLORIDE CONDUIT (PVC)

The most commonly used PVC (formerly referred to as rigid nonmetallic conduit) is made of polyvinyl
chloride, which is a thermoplastic polymer. Solvent-type cement is used for PVC connections and
terminations.
The two most popular types of PVC are as follows:

•Schedule 40: Permitted underground (direct burial or encased in concrete) and aboveground (indoors
and outdoors exposed to sunlight) where not subject to physical damage. Some Schedule 40 is marked for
underground use only. Schedule 40 has a thinner wall than Schedule 80.
•Schedule 80: Permitted underground (direct burial or encased in concrete) and aboveground (indoors
and outdoors in sunlight) as well as where subject to physical damage. Schedule 80 has a thicker wall than
Schedule 40.
PVC CONDUIT IS PERMITTED

• concealed in walls, floors, and ceilings.

• in corrosive areas if the PVC is suitable for the chemicals to which it is exposed.
• in cinder fill.
• in wet and damp locations.
• for exposed work where not subject to physical damage unless identified for such use. (Schedule
80 is so listed.)
• for underground installations.

• in places of assembly if the requirements of NEC 518.4(B), 518.4(C), and 520.5(C) are met.
PVC CONDUIT IS NOT PERMITTED

•in hazardous (classified) locations except for limited use as set forth in NEC Chapter 5.
•for support of luminaires.
•where exposed to physical damage unless so identified. (Schedule 80 is so listed.)
•where subject to ambient temperatures exceeding 122°F (50°C).
•for conductors whose insulation temperature limitations would exceed those for which the
conduit is listed. (Check the marking or listing label to obtain this temperature rating.)
•for electrical circuits serving patient care areas in hospitals and health care facilities, as the
raceway does not provide an equipment grounding conductor as required by NEC 517.13(A).
•in places of assembly and theaters except as provided in NEC 518.4(B) and 520.5(C).
PVC CONDUIT FITTINGS AND BOXES

A complete line of fittings, boxes, and accessories

are available for PVC conduit. A small sample of
nonmetallic enclosures is shown in Figure 6-20.
Where PVC conduit is connected to a box or
enclosure, a box adapter is recommended over a
male connector because the box adapter is stronger
and provides a gentle radius for wire pulling.
RACEWAY SIZING

The conduit and tubing size required for an installation depends on three factors:
•The number of conductors to be installed
•The cross-sectional area of the conductors
•The permissible raceway fill
RACEWAY SUPPORT

Many available devices are used to support conduit. The more popular devices are shown in Figure 6-24.