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zmVault/wiring-method-selection.md
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2025-10-24 16:11:23 -04:00

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---
id:
aliases: []
tags:
- destiny/permanent
- occupational
- status/incomplete
- type/guide
- authorship/original
title: Wiring Method Selection
---
# Wiring Method Selection
Determine where each wiring method can be used.
NM/SER < PVC < MC < EMT-SS < EMT-Comp < IMC
Below is an example Wiring Method Selection
for a [[ibc-construction-types#5-Over-1 Construction|podium]] construction.
> [!example]
> Wire Material:
> * Less than 100A: CU
> * 100A and larger: AL
>
> Outdoors:
> * Above-ground: EMT-Comp
> * Underground: PVC w/ Rigid Elbows
>
> Levels 1-2 (Type IA):
> * Concealed: MC
> * Exposed to Structure:
> * Up to 2"C: PVC In-Slab
> * 2-1/2"C and larger: EMT-SS OH
>
> Levels 3-5 (Type IIIA):
> * Concealed: NM/SER
> * Exposed to Structure: PVC OH
<!--
This needs reworking.
I know PVC is preferable to MC in the case of feeders, subfeeds, and possibly home runs,
but I think they swap for branch.
-->
## Slab Thickness
Conduits may not be routed through slabs of thickness
less than 3 times the outer diameter of the conduit.
| Conduit Size | Minimum Slab Thickness (in) |
| ------------:| ---------------------------:|
| 1/2" | 3.0 |
| 3/4" | 3.5 |
| 1" | 4.0 |
| 1-1/4" | 5.0 |
| 1-1/2" | 6.0 |
| 2" | 7.5 |
| 3" | 9.0 |
| 2-1/2" | 10.5 |
| 3-1/2" | 12.0 |
| 4" | 13.5 |
| 5" | 17.0 |
| 6" | 20.0 |
## By Finish
Cable type raceways (MC, NM, SE)
may only be used where they will be concealed from view.
Exception:
Temporary provisions for unfinished spaces (e.g. core and shell retail)
## By Construction Type
Nonmetallic-sheathed cables (NM/SER)
are not permissible in Non-Combustible (Type I, II) constructions.
See [[ibc-construction-types]] for more info.
## By Use-Case
### Multi-Circuit Homeruns
> [!quote] Art Baldwin (pp.)
> Multi-circuit MC is not cost-effective
> when considering the difficulty of rework.
> Use conduit, even EMT if necessary.
* Market Type = Assisted Living: MC-AP may be required.
## By Specification
> [!info] Example Specs Relevant to Wiring Methods Selection
> * 26XXXX - Raceway And Boxes For Electrical Systems
> * 26XXXX - Conduits For Electrical Systems
> * 26XXXX - Underground Ducts And Raceways For Electrical Systems
>
> * 26XXXX - Low-Voltage Electrical Power Conductors And Cables
>
> * 26XXXX - General Requirements For Electrical
> * 26XXXX - Common Work Results For Electrical
### Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)
Set-screw fittings may not be acceptable.
> [!info]
> EMT has a third coupling type "indenter",
> which are crimped onto the conduit using a special tool.
> These are usually only mentioned in specifications
> to say that they are unacceptable.
> [!info] Edge Case: Vanderbilt Central Neighborhood Residential College
>
> > [!cite] Vanderbilt Central Neighborhood Residential College - Project Specifications (pp.)
> > Fittings for Type EMT Duct Raceways:
> > * Coupling Method: Compression coupling or Setscrew coupling.
> > Setscrew couplings with only single screw per conduit are unacceptable.
>
> > [!quote] Joel Jansen via Microsoft Teams @ 2025-10-15 09:33 AM
> > use set screw 🙂
### Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Conduit (PVC)
Not usually permissible exposed indoors in any construction,
except in Florida.
May require rigid stub-ups in certain cases,
which could make EMT more cost-effective.
Consult with the Senior Construction Estimator in this case.
## Flow Chart
```mermaid
flowchart LR
A[Construction Type]
A -- I, II --> B[Can can be run in slab?]
B -- No --> D[Concealed?]
B -- Yes --> PVC
D -- No --> EMT
D -- Yes --> MC
A -- III, IV, V --> C[Concealed?]
C -- No --> PVC
C -- Yes --> NM/SER
```