EMT, electrical metallic tubing, is lightweight galvanised steel conduit sold in 10-foot lengths from 1/2 to 4 inch trade size, too thin to thread. It is bent with hand benders up to 1-1/4 inch, joined with set-screw or compression couplings and connectors, and the tubing itself can serve as the equipment grounding path. It is the default raceway in commercial work and must be supported within 3 feet of each box and at least every 10 feet.
Run three-quarter EMT from the panel to the first four-square, then half-inch for the rest of the branch.
Also heard as
- thinwall
Do not mix it up with
- Rigid: Rigid conduit is thick-walled and threaded; EMT is thin-walled and joined with set-screw or compression fittings.
Related terms
Rigid
Heavy-wall threaded steel conduit, the toughest raceway on site, used for services, exposed runs and hazardous areas.
Set-screw fitting
EMT connector or coupling that grips the tubing with a screw, used in dry indoor locations.
Stick
One full 10-foot length of conduit, the unit crews count pipe in.
Offset
Two equal bends in opposite directions that shift a conduit run sideways to clear an obstruction or enter a box.