2026-02-05 10:14:01

Mechanical Connection Selection

Relevant to electrical-takeoff, sourced from joel-jansen's OneNote Takeoff Notes "Mechanical Connections".

Ben says he has never used any PVC assembly except .../PVC - ....

Type III, IV, and V construction. Usually only 6 AWG and smaller; EMT is expected to be cheaper for larger sizes.

Type I and II construction.

[!quote] Paraphrased from Source Usually only short runs, otherwise use PVC if possible.

Important

Note that MC cable may be forbidden for this application.¹

May be preferred for equipment in the same electrical room as the panel feeding it, otherwise treat as last resort, preferring MC or PVC.

Use where equipment disconnect is not integral.

J-box in the ceiling for mechanical connections, or where a motor-rated switch is shown.

Use for equipment powered from a wall mount j-box

Assembly Note: Does not include j-box

Use in lieu of .../PVC - ... where drop would be exposed if PVC is not permitted to be exposed.

Also use for J-Boxes for Heaters.

[!example] directional unit heater shown with connection to a flush wall mount j-box

Assembly Note: Does not include j-box

Use if panels are located on level below panel. EMT covers vertical transition for exposed conduit

For garage heaters, no labor/power term

[!quote] hampton-roads-navy_newport-news, Project Specifications MC cable shall not be allowed for wiring to mechanical equipment except for within the dwelling units.

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