Stumped by the Code? NEC Requirements for Installing, Securing, and Supporting FMC
Courtesy of www.MikeHolt.com
All questions and answers are based on the 2023 NEC.
Q: What is the minimum and maximum FMC trade size permitted?
(A) Minimum. Trade size ½, except trade size 3⁄8 is permitted for the following applications:
(1) For enclosing the leads of motors.
(2) Not exceeding 6 ft in length:
a. For utilization equipment,
b. As part of a listed assembly, or
c. For luminaire tap connections in accordance with Sec. 410.117(C).
(B) Maximum. Trade size 4.
(A) Securely Fastened. FMC must be securely fastened by a means approved by the authority having jurisdiction within 1 ft of termination, and it must be secured and supported at intervals not exceeding 4½ ft (see Figure below).
Where cable ties are to be used to secure and support Type FMC, they must be listed and identified for securing and supporting.
Exception No. 1: Type FMC is not required to be securely fastened or supported where fished between access points through concealed spaces and supporting is impractical.
Exception No. 2: If flexibility is necessary after installation, unsecured lengths from the last point the raceway is securely fastened are not permitted to exceed:
(1) 3 ft for trade sizes ½ through 1¼
(2) 4 ft for trade sizes 1½ through 2
(3) 5 ft for trade sizes 2½ and larger
Exception No. 4: Lengths not exceeding 6 ft from the last point where the raceway is securely fastened can be unsecured within an accessible ceiling for a luminaire(s) or other equipment. Listed fittings are considered a means of securement and support.
(B) Horizontal Runs. FMC installed horizontally in bored or punched holes in wood or metal framing members, or notches in wooden members, at intervals not more than 4½ ft is considered supported, but the raceway must be secured within 1 ft of terminations.
These materials are provided by Mike Holt Enterprises in Leesburg, Fla. To view Code training materials offered by this company, visit www.mikeholt.com/code.
