EMT or Electrical-mechanical tubing made from galvanized pipe works as a conduit for electrical wires. You will find them in different infrastructures and various metal welding projects. EMT is easy to work with, readily available, and offers a variety of sizes.
To work it out in different types of settings, we may need to weld EMTs. Is it possible to do that? That is what we are going to figure out today. Keep reading to know more about the EMT conduit.
Can you weld emt conduit?
It is possible to weld the EMT conduit. One can accomplish the process by metal inert gas welding, also known as MIG. EMT has a smaller size, is cheap, easy to work with, lightweight, and readily available. However, potential health issues such as producing toxic fume may occur.
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Generally, EMT is always a better option to work on exhaust tubing. It has a thinner wall with no threaded connections. The product is also lightweight and easy to use when compared to RMC.
However, issues that may occur due to welding of EMT is that they may produce toxic fume. The production of smoke occurs when we heat the galvanized coating.
The welding of the EMT conduit is done through metal inert gas welding or MIG. During the process, a gas produces in the surrounding. It keeps the EMT safe from the surrounding elements. The process is also known as wire welding.
When you initiate the process you need to feed a steel wire. Push it through the machine and then to the nozzle hence, forming welding material.
We will be looking at the processes of burning EMT conduit and whether you can weld electrical EMT conduit.
Burning EMT conduit:
You can burn the EMT conduit as it is fire-rated to 2-hours. The process takes place when you introduce the EMT in a metallic tubing or rigid metal conduit (RMC).
Electrical EMT conduit:
Electrical EMT conduit provides brilliant protection to the cables and conductors. It is possible to weld an electrical conduit. Electrical EMT is recyclable to 100 percent and also provides strong EMI shielding.
Is it safe to weld emt conduit?
EMT or electrical metallic tubing conduit is safe to use in projects. It is cheap, smaller in size, vastly available, and easily bendable.
It is again possible to weld EMT conduit for other applications. With knowledge of welding, it is easy to achieve the task. Even an amateur welder can easily do it. However, there could be a potential health risk when you weld an EMT.
The biggest problem that seems to arise is the production of toxic fumes. When the welding process heats the galvanized coating of EMT, smoke occurs. It is mostly zinc oxide, which is drastically poisonous when inhaled.
Nevertheless, there are a few measures you can adopt. Firstly, wear heat-resistant protective gear such as goggles, shields, masks, and gloves.
Again, carry the task in a well-ventilated area or an open place. In addition, do not breathe the fumes and work steadily. Otherwise, remove the galvanized layer from the place you will be welding.
So that, this can be said, it is safe to weld emt conduit with proper precautions.
3 reasons why you can weld emt conduit
We know that we can use the welding method on the EMT conduit. It is a popular choice among welders for it is easy to use. EMT conduit is also available and easy to handle. Here we have compiled points and discussed in detail why you can weld EMT conduit.
Easily achievable:
Welding EMT conduit is easy to achieve. You do not need to be an expert to accomplish the task. Even an amateur welder can weld EMTs. The result that comes out is standard.
One of the biggest problems that occur due to EMT welding is the production of toxic fumes. They are poisonous when inhaled inside.
Therefore by adopting some easy preventive methods, you can avoid fumes from inhaling.
Do not breathe in the fumes, wear protective gear, do not hurry, take expert help when necessary, and work steadily. You may again use a respirator.
Easy to work with:
EMT conduits are easy to work with. They have a thinner wall with no threaded connections, lightweight when compared to RMC.
You will experience only trivial issues when working with them. They are easy to handle and you can work with them comfortably.
Availability:
Since EMT is popular with many welders, the item is readily available. Many well-known manufacturers do the production of EMT. It is a sturdy and easily handled metal pipe in DIY projects.
How to weld emt conduit?
Here’s step by step on how to weld the EMT conduit.
Select workspace:
The work area should be well ventilated. It is better if you can carry the task outdoors.
Wear protective gear:
Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, work gloves, a welding helmet, and a filter respirator.
When welding, do not breathe the smoke. Have a fan running always.
To avoid fume:
When you start welding the galvanized pipe, you will notice the fume production. We already mentioned that this fume is toxic to inhale. So to avoid that, we can follow a simple trick.
Use a grinder to clean the area where you will weld. Turn on the grinder. Clean the galvanized covering from a small area where you will weld.
If you are joining another galvanized object, make sure to use the grinder to get rid of the galvanized layer from the top of the head or edge of the other object.
Welding:
Turn on the welding machine and hold it in the place where you need to weld. We have already cleared the galvanized layer from the welding area.
Holding the welding to the pipe and the object you are attaching will weld it on the place.
There will still be fume. However, it is negligible in amount.
Repaint with galvanized layer:
Once done, you can get a galvanized layer spray to cover the parts where you removed the layer before welding.
How do I join EMT conduit?
EMT conduit allows you to work without much effort and is a great building material in DIY projects. If you are thinking about connecting two pieces of conduits, here are some ideas.
Firstly, with a 180-degree connector. It allows you to connect two pieces of pipes at 180 degrees. The center pipe is the support and runs through the connecter.
You may add a plumbing pipe coupling in the center hole of the connecter and then add the two pipes. It will allow strong support to the system.
Now with a threaded pipe insert. There are different sizes available. However, for end-to-end connections, use the larger inserts. You need to Hammer or vice to connect the insert into the ends of conduits.
First, put inserts into the two pieces of conduits you want to join. Now use a threaded rode in between to connect the conduits.
How to bend 1/2 inch emt conduit?
Bending the EMT conduit is easy to pull off. To bend 1/2 inches EMT Conduit, you need a tool named EMT conduit bender. You may find it in any hardware store. It makes bending simple and effective.
The tool has a cast dice on the head and a long handle. When you need to bend the 1/2 inches EMT conduit, put it in the mouth located on the side of the head of the bender tool.
Now, apply some leverage on the handle. Again, put the pressure by placing your foot on the footrest. The tool will eventually help bend the EMT conduit against the flat surface.
There will be an arrow marking on the head. It shows the point where you want the pipe to bend. There will also be degree marks. You can bend the pipe up to 90 degrees.
Can you thread emt conduit?
No, you cannot thread the EMT conduit. The metal pipe itself is not threaded. Nevertheless, you can use a threaded fitting that will clamp to it.
The EMT conduit metal pipe is not only thin but is lightweight and easy to work with, especially in DIY projects.
The pipe is again easy to weld, gives off a good result, and is also easy to bend. However, toxic fumes seem to be produced when welding EMT conduits.
You can again use a threaded fitting on EMT conduit. Also, you may use compression fittings.
Final Thoughts
You can weld the EMT conduit. The metal pipe is easy to use, has a thin and lightweight structure. The welding is easily achievable and gives off a brilliant outcome. However, toxic fume produces when you weld EMT. By adopting proper steps, one can avoid the smoke from inhaling.