How to Safely Install Exposed Conduit in Your Home

Introduction

Installing exposed conduit in your home can provide an industrial look while also making it easier to upgrade electrical wiring down the road. However, exposed conduit also comes with some safety considerations. In this guide, I will walk through the steps for safely installing exposed conduit in a residential setting.

Planning the Conduit Route

• When planning where to run conduit, I consider where I may want to add new circuits or wiring in the future. I also think about avoiding areas where the conduit could get damaged like along the floor.
• I map out the full route ahead of time and identify all the points where the conduit will need to turn a corner or transition to a new surface.
• For surface mounted conduit, I use conduit hangers or clamps spaced every 4-5 feet to securely fasten the conduit. I space the hangers closer together near corners or junction boxes for added support.

Selecting the Right Conduit Type and Size

• I choose the conduit size based on the number and size of wires I need to run through it. Conduit is sized by internal diameter. Common sizes are 1/2" and 3/4" for residential.
• For surface mounted conduit, I use thin-wall EMT (electrical metallic tubing) as it is lightweight and designed for exposed runs. Rigid metal conduit can also be used.
• PVC conduit should only be used for wet locations like underground or embedded in concrete. I avoid PVC for surface conduit runs.
• I also consider bends and access points when sizing and selecting conduit. Larger conduit sizes have higher minimum bend radiuses.

Bending and Installing the Conduit

• I use a conduit bender to make uniform bends without kinking or flattening the conduit. A bending tool helps me achieve the proper radius for the conduit size.
• When making 90° turns, I offset the bends rather than making two 45° bends. This allows wires to pass through easier.
• I install conduit bodies and junction boxes where needed to provide pull access and facilitate wire pulls.
• All conduit connections are securely fastened together using fittings like couplers or connectors. All joints should be watertight.
• For long conduit runs, I allow for expansion and contraction by using expansion fittings.

Running and Securing the Wires

• I run wiring after the conduit is fully installed. I use care when pulling wires to avoid damage.
• Lube can be used on wire pulls to reduce friction. Junction boxes provide good pull points.
• Wires should be firmly secured without excess stress. Plastic wire staples work well with exposed conduit.
• Proper wire sizes are used based on voltage and amp loads. The conduit fill should not exceed 40%.
• Labeling all wire and conduit runs makes servicing easier. Durable self-laminating labels are great for marking exposed conduit.

Safety Tips

• Wear eye protection when cutting, reaming, or threading conduit to avoid injury from sharp edges or metal fragments.
• Use care when working at height and utilize proper fall protection equipment if needed.
• Verify power is OFF before accessing any wiring inside junction boxes or conduit bodies.
• Consult an electrician for large or complex conduit installations, especially for 240V circuits.

By taking a careful approach and following basic safety practices, I can successfully install exposed conduit in my home. With the flexibility to easily access wiring and add new circuits, exposed conduit provides a great way to achieve an industrial look. Let me know if you have any other questions!