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I'm running 1/2" EMT conduit between single-gang surface-mount boxes. The holes for the boxes are slightly set away from the wall so that the conduit does not mount flush against the wall. I have found various types of single screw and double screw support clips that are intended for holding the conduit flush to the wall, but that would require an offset fitting at each box.

It seems that my options are to:

  1. Strap the kind of it down and let it bend.
  2. Use an offset fitting at each box.

Question:

If the distance from the wall to the box fitting a standard length, then what kind of strap or clip would you use to avoid offset fittings, even if it sticks up away from the wall by a small amount? (or do you simply use offsets at each box and strap it flat to the wall?)

KJ7LNW
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5 Answers5

17

If you don't want to get a conduit bender, you can use conduit hanger clamps like the one shown below from Home Depot. The clamp fastens to the wall and holds the conduit away from the wall.

enter image description here

JACK
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13

If you're using EMT and if wall-to-box offsets are the only thing you want to do (which is unlikely) and if you really don't want to learn to use a bender (or you're getting there, but slowly, and the job needs to get done) ... there's a solution in a box, the EMT offset connector. It does exactly what you want, it connects EMT at a small, adjustable offset. It has its limitations and because of the collar at the EMT end it won't be dead flush with the wall, so it won't look totally beautiful.

You'll probably want to do some other bends so maybe it's a good time to learn. But this part is sometimes useful.

enter image description here

jay613
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12

1\2" EMT lends itself to bending very easily. And incorrect bends are easy to "adjust." A little practice with a bender will have you making great box offset bends in no time.
I will typically place the pipe flush with the hook of the bender shoe, then bend the smallest bend possible. It's a by "feel" bend for me, rather than a measured angle. As soon as I feel the pipe "give" a little, stop. Slide pipe thru the bender about 1.5", rotate 180 degree and repeat same bend.
If you use the weld seam as a guide, it is easy to ensure your bends are 180 degrees to each other. Just line the weld up either straight up or down in shoe, or left and right. Most benders have marks or edges that indicate the four 90 degree positions.

I avoid the conduit hangers as the give too much offset for 1\2".

brhans
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Keith
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5

When confronted with that situation, I resort to a conduit bender. You can put a couple of small bends in the EMT . It takes a bit of practice, but it's really not all that hard.

George Anderson
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3

Since bending attractive offsets is a skill that continues to elude me, I employ a mix of "leave it straight and let it stand off" and "let the strap bend it flush".

  • For 1/2" and 3/4", I just let the strap pull them close to the wall - to me, the slight bend is usually less noticeable than a coupler+offset fitting would be.

  • For larger pipe, 1-1/2", 2", and up, I use a spacer such as a bushing, uni-strut, or wood block to hold the straps tight, keeping the conduit straight and maintaining spacing from the wall.

ThisOneGoesToEleven
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