Electrical conduit on the floor ?

AL · 2004-07-08T04:24:49+00:00

I want to run EMT conduit along my concrete floor to power my lathe. Thearrangement is such that I'm not worried about someone tripping over it.But it is possible that water could leak because of a broken pipe, hole inthe roof, etc. and come into contact with the wiring. I plan on usingcompression fittings and making the conduit as water tight as I can.Does anyone know if the national electrical code permits installing conduiton the floor? I borrowed the 2002 NEC Handbook from the local library, butI can't find any mention of where conduit should be installed. The book is1200 pages and the index didn't help. Which chapter should I look in?

Ned Simmons 22 years ago

Aluminum is lower in the galvanic series, so it's more likely the aluminum expands as it corrodes, stressing the concrete.

Ned Simmons

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George 22 years ago

Yep. Still remember the windows in our former embassy in Cuba, where steel screws had been used to attach aluminum. The more electronegative was eaten up to an inch clear away, leaving the screws to finally rust in the salt air while we were away.

That's why they galvanize instead of use lead paint under your car.

I'm going to bet, however, that the interior of the conduit has enough room for the developed aluminum oxide.

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J. Clarke 22 years ago

It is _always_ appropriate to ask for a statement in writing--it eliminates potential for future misunderstandings. Any inspector who has a problem with writing down his interpretation is already your enemy. Just ask him politely and make it clear that you want to have it down so that you don't forget something important later.

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