The Basics of Multiple Conduit Runs

Sept. 1, 1999
A neat conduit job says a lot about you. Yet, you've often wasted a large amount of conduit trying to achieve a good appearance. Is there a trick to this? Is there a way to make a good-looking installation without filling the scrap barrel? Of course there is, and we'll see exactly how to do it.First, let's look at a typical installation, as shown in Fig. 1 (original article). If you are a contractor,

A neat conduit job says a lot about you. Yet, you've often wasted a large amount of conduit trying to achieve a good appearance. Is there a trick to this? Is there a way to make a good-looking installation without filling the scrap barrel? Of course there is, and we'll see exactly how to do it.

First, let's look at a typical installation, as shown in Fig. 1 (original article). If you are a contractor, this will not differentiate you from your competitors. If you are in maintenance, this is not something you can show with pride. The electrician who did this used standard elbows to save time. However, the amount of time saved is minimal. You should use elbows only when the conduits in a multiple run are the same diameter.

Using bends, as in Fig. 2 (original article) makes you look professional. Now, you are probably thinking there is no way to make all those bends consistent. Well, there is!

You should lay out the conduit on the floor. To do so, draw two lines at right angles to each other. Then, get a pencil or a piece of chalk and tie a string around the pencil (or chalk). Using the intersection of the lines as a center, draw arcs for each conduit. You can see an example of this in Fig. 3 (original article). If your holes are 4 in. apart (center to center), then each arc will be 4 in. apart from its neighbor. When you make your bends, check them against their corresponding arc on the floor. You can see an example of this in Fig. 4 (original article).

Once you have your bends made, you can cut each bend to the proper length. If you cut along the bend itself, you will change the angle of the bend once you install the conduit in the box. So, where should you cut?

First, determine the span of all your runs. To do so, measure on the panel or circuit box from the outer edge of the outer hole on one side to the outer edge of the outer hole on the other. Or, just measure the width of the box to be safe. Make sure your conduit, if it travels a path as wide as this span, will not hit anything. Adjust the starting point (bottom conduit of the bunch) as needed.

As you go, cut each piece of conduit so its length into the box will give you the right horizontal spacing. You will end up with a neat, professional-looking installation. Remember those elbows? Use them wherever you have conduits of the same size in a run. This will save you time and give you a neat appearance. The only time not to use elbows is when you have conduits of differing sizes.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Don't Let Burn-Through Threaten Another Data Center or Utility Project

Get the No Burn-Through Elbow eGuide to learn many reasons why Champion Fiberglass elbows will enhance your data center and utility projects today.

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.