Today, we will see together how to install and bend practically EMT conduits on-site.
I divided the explanation into three parts. In the first part, I will talk about the tools required to complete the work.
While in the second part, I will talk about the materials required during the installation process.
And in the third part, we will watch together practical videos for the installations on-site.
First of all, you need to know that EMT means metallic electrical tubing.
We usually use these EMT conduits above the false ceiling or inside the gypsum wall partitions.
Secondly, we can use these conduits with different electrical and low-current systems.
Thirdly, to install these conduits, we need some hand and power tools to perform the job correctly.
We can summarize the list of these tools as follows:
1- Measuring tape:
We will use it to measure the required length of pipes to be installed with the concrete slab.
2- Permanent maker:
We will use this marker to mark the locations of the holes we need to drill to install the saddles or straps.
The main function of the saddles or straps is to hold the conduit to the concrete slab or the wall.
We will also use this marker to indicate the pipe’s location for bending or cutting.
3- Hacksaw frame with its blade:
We will use it to cut the conduit to the required length on-site.
4- File set:
Since the pipe is circular, we will usually use either a round or a half-round file. This is to allow the removal of sharp edges on the inside or outside.
After cutting the EMT conduit, we shall remove and clear any sharp edges that exist at the conduit’s edge. That’s why we will use the file.
5- EMT Conduit Bender:
We will use it to bend the conduit at a specific angle, either 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, or whatever is required at the site.
This is based on the site conditions and the required angle during installation.
We have multiple types of benders, including a head-and-hand type, which is the most common.
Or it can be with a stand.
Also, you can find motorized types, as shown in this photo, but they’re definitely more expensive than the manual types.
That’s why, usually, in the projects, we will use the manual type head+hand because the EMT conduit’s material is not as hard as RGS conduits.
6- Hammer Drill machine:
We will need it to mark the locations of the required holes in the concrete slab/beams or walls, to allow installing the saddle that will catch or hold the conduit with the structural items.
We will also use it to drill the locations of the holes required for the Fischer, which will fix the GI boxes to the slab or the wall.
7- Drill bit:
It will be inserted into the hammer drill machine to drill the holes.
Its size and type will be determined based on Fischer’s size and the surface we require to drill.
8- Hammer:
We will use it to push the Fischer into its hole, which we made with the hammer drill, to ensure it is fully inserted.
9- Screwdriver:
We will use it to fix the screw with the Fischer, and we can use either a flat-head or a Phillips screwdriver. But usually, we will use the Phillips type.
10- Scaffolding or ladder:
The electrician needs to use them to get access to the work location at a high level.
The safest one is using steel scaffolding with wheels, brakes, and sidebars.
But the issue is that, due to its large dimensions, it needs a wide, open space to be erected.
That’s why we will go with aluminum scaffolding, given its lightweight, ease of erection, and portability.
But still, in some congested places, we can’t use the scaffolding, so we will go to the final option, which is the ladder.
There are two types of ladder: the straight one and the double-sided one.
Also, we are calling this second type A Type ladder.
The straight one we can use only while working on a wall, while the A-Type will be used in different situations and locations.
Both types of ladders have heights that depend on the number of their steps. And it will usually be fabricated from aluminum.
But you shall know that in many high-quality projects, the health and safety team will not allow using the ladder due to the high risk of falling during work, and in case they agree, they will instruct the technicians to use a safety harness, which will be held in a fixed item (like a pipe) to carry the technician in case of falling.
11- Spirit level:
We will use it to verify proper alignment of the EMT conduit, especially for vertical wall installations.
The longer the spirit levels are used, the more accurate the results you will get while checking.
12- Spray Paint:
After the completion of the EMT installation and its boxes, we need to identify which conduits and their boxes are related to which system, either lighting, power, fire alarm system, and so on.
That’s why we will use spray paint with a specific color on a specific system.
Usually, we use red to identify the fire alarm system.
Or you will use the color as approved by the consultant for your project.
Also, in some projects, they will instruct installing labels or tags on conduits and boxes to identify which system each installation is related to.
In the end, this depends on the project’s specifications.
If you would like to watch this video, please click on the following photo.
In the coming videos in the course, I will explain the different materials to be used during the installation, plus we will see practically how the electrician bends the EMT conduit and fixes the conduits in the slab and wall.
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