What's Wrong Here?

What’s Wrong Here? Hint: EMT Is Never Enough

May 8, 2025

Think you know how this installation violates the NEC?

Hint: EMT is never enough.

EMT is great for a lot of things, but it will never be enough for supporting of boxes. This 4 11/16-inch metal box has 4 EMTs connected to it, but no matter how many EMTs are connected to this box it will never be enough! Section 358.12(2) prohibits using EMT for support of luminaires or other equipment except conduit bodies that are no larger than the largest trade size of the EMT. This box is not a conduit body and is not properly supported in accordance the provisions specified in Sec. 314.23(A) through (H). Sections 314.23(E), (F) and (H)(2) allow threaded conduits such as RMC or IMC to support boxes having threaded entries but they do not permit tubing such as EMT to support boxes. Perhaps some threaded rod or support wires could be installed as a means of support for this box and provide a Code-compliant installation.

About the Author

Russ LeBlanc | Owner

Russ started in the electrical trade as an apprentice in 1985. He worked his way up to become a Journeyman Electrician and then eventually became a Master Electrician and Licensed Construction Supervisor. In 1999 Russ become an Electrical Instructor for The Peterson School of Engineering in Massachusetts where he developed his passion for teaching, and quickly became Department Head of Electrical Instruction. Russ has taught thousands of apprentices, electricians, engineers, inspectors, and other electrical professionals during his career as an instructor. He continues to provide electrical professionals with Electrical Code seminars, Arc-Flash Awareness training seminars and educational material through his LeBlanc Consulting Services in North Reading, MA whose specialty is educating electricians. He has been an active member of the NFPA Electrical Section and has authored hundreds of National Electrical Code proposals and comments which have become Code rules to improve the safety for the electrical industry. Russ is also an IAEI certified Electrical Inspector.

Please visit www.russleblanc.net for more information.