Can I do this myself.

ryanmcl

Putting the final touches on my basement plan to submit for permit.

This is part of my code i need to follow.

(A) All wiring systems which carry 110 volt or larger shall be installed in rigid pipe, Intermediate metallic conduit (IMC) or Electric metallic tubing
(EMT).

If i was just running Romex i would be comfortable but i have never dealt with metal conduit.

What is the learning curve and is it worth my time learning or hiring someone?

I will have about 30 outlets, 5 switches and 15 can lights to be installed.

k_buz

Where do you live that this is required? The only place I know of with such a code is Chicago.

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ryanmcl

I am just north of the city of Chicago.

k_buz

Buy LOTS of couplings.

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diystephen

I did my basement in EMT; whether you can do it or not, can't really say. It's all about getting good with a pipe bender, or buying pre-fab bends. You'll make some mistakes, but I picked it up pretty quickly. If you need it in a hurry hire a pro; it's unbelievable how quickly they can put the stuff up. It will take you MUCH longer.

ryanmcl

Did you run it through the wall studs? Also what did you cut them with? I have all the time in the world.

brric

And lots of pipe. Learning curve for pipe bending.

diystephen

Yep, ran through the studs for outlets, and across joists (drop ceiling) for lighting. I have access to a bandsaw, and found that it worked incredibly well for EMT. You can also use MC for short runs (I believe it's up to 3', but may be 6'.) MC is great for lighting (and necessary in a drop ceiling with pot lights.) I used the 3' rule when I did my lighting, but I was asked about that recently on the forum and am waiting for clarification from my electrician buddy.

ryanmcl

What was the longest piece you could fit through the studs in one shot? 6ft?

darren

Pipe work is an art, it takes time to get good and fast. I always tell apprentices not to worry to much about time but learn the bends and the speed will follow. Running pipe is probably the most enjoyable part of the job for me.

Look at youtube I am sure there is videos there to help you out.

diystephen

I put up studs, and ran conduit at the same time; much easier I like a lot of outlets, so they're every 8' (with a solid piece of EMT between.)

ryanmcl

How big of pipe did you go with? 10ft x 1"?

frenchelectrican

The size of pipe most case useally 3/4 or 1/2 inch EMT depending on the layout for most of the home runs useally 3/4 inch most case but once a while half inch home runs and the numbers of conductors in the conduit.

I can use either 6 or 8 feet stick depending on the way the stud is bored out and the layout and size of conduit.

BTW ( by the way ) Chicago do have it own unquine colour format I will try to post what the colours and what it functions it means.,

Black , Red , Bleu - power source ( useally unswitched )
White - Non GFCI or Non AFCI netural
Grey - GFCI or AFCI netural
Orange or Yellow - switched source
Brown - traveller for three/four way switches ( common colour but some case other will show up.
Purple - useally GFCI or AFCI source *

* please verify your area it may change the colour format some way so be aware if any change do show up.

Merci,
Marc

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The answer will be based on NEC ( National Electrical code ) or CEC ( Cananda Electrical code ) or ECF ( Electrique Code France )