guyhood
Mar 14, 2007, 07:41 AM
I am wiring a large barn/shop building. I will be using emt conduit for most of the wiring, but do I need it up above 8 feet for the lighting. I would prefer to just run something flexible to the lights from a box. The lights are up in high bays. Is there an inexpensive flexible conduit that you could recommend that would work for thhn #12 wires, or could we just run Romex from the boxes to the lights if above 8 feet?
Thank you
Guy
ballengerb1
Mar 14, 2007, 07:50 AM
I'd go with the Romex but are you trying to follow code in your area? Best to check that code or the IBC to be safe. Most hanging light fixture do use a flexible drop cable.
tkrussell
Mar 14, 2007, 01:38 PM
If you use Romex extending from the EMT be sure to use an EMT to Cable coupling, and not just sleeve the Romex into the EMT.
If you prefer using a metal raceway, use flexible metal conduit, comes in steel and aluminum, 3/8",1/2",3/4" etc. and it requires it's own connectors.
Consider using PVC schedule 40 conduit, that are a complete assortment of fittings and boxes, and for the flexible raceway above 8 foot you can use ENT, which is a PVC flexible conduit, known in the trade as Smurf Tube because of it's blue color.
PVC conduit is glued for a tight fit, and uses a heater to make bends.
PVC conduit and fittings can be reviewed at Carlon... an industry-leading manufacturer and marketer of thermoplastic enclosures, fittings, and wire and cable management products for the electrical, industrial, commercial, data and telecommunications markets. (http://www.carlon.com)