EMT or PVC

12708 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by frank, Jul 26, 2007

AT Grimaldi

Discussion Starter · Jul 24, 2007

Hello all.

I am new here, but quite experienced in wireless network installations.

I have a question about when to use EMT or PVC as conduit for Cat 5e or 6 cable with Power over Ethernet going through the cable.

A licensed electrician will be pulling a dozen or so cat 5e or 6 drops inside a warehouse for a customer of mine. There is a 15" thick wall of concrete slab || foam || concrete slab to the exterior.

I will be mounting a wireless Access Point on the inside of the wall (to keep it dry and warm). We will then drill a down-angle 1" hole through the wall, instering conduit and then the cabling to match an antenna mounted on the outside of the building. This will give access, in all seasons, to people outside the building.

Here is my question: I want to have a VERY neat installation. Should I be using EMT for the conduit of the Cat 5e or PVC?

I would prefer to use only one, but need a smidge of help in deciding. Also, when it comes to bending PVC - anyone use those spring benders without heat? Do they work?

Any and all help appreciated.

Also, on the conduit going from the inside to the outside, I plan on filling the gap with HILTI insulation eurothane foam. Are there any issues there?

Thanks for helping an newbie out.

- ATG

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JohnJ0906

· #2 · Jul 24, 2007

EMT might be easier for you to bend. You could paint it as well. I would use bushings to protect the wire.

Never used one of the "spring pvc benders"

As far as I know, the foam shouldn't be an issue, except the neatness. You might have to trim it up and caulk over it when dry to neaten it up. Or maybe a little quick-set cement.

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frank

· #3 · Jul 25, 2007

John says EMT. Here we go. Another view just to confuse you. I would use PVC. The plastic bends very easily with the spring bender. Dog legs are easy and you can 90D bend also. Always use correct bushes and couplings and also use the MANUFACTURERS GLUE to fix joints and such. Problems associated with Electromagnetism will be negated by use of PVC . Foam filler is fine in most instances but not the fire retardant types used as a fire barrier.

Frank

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sbrn33

· #4 · Jul 25, 2007

I also think PVC is the way to go as I have been told that CAT 6 does not like being enclosed in metal(of course this was by a system salesman).
On the other hand I have a couple spring benders and would never use them for above ground work as there is just no way to make a bend look good. EMT would definitely look better, I just don't know about the CAT 6 thing.

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John

· #5 · Jul 25, 2007 (Edited)

AT Grimaldi said:
A licensed electrician will be pulling a dozen or so cat 5e or 6 drops inside a warehouse for a customer of mine. There is a 15" thick wall of concrete slab || foam || concrete slab to the exterior. - ATG

Have the electrician run the conduit

AT Grimaldi said:
We will then drill a down-angle 1" hole through the wall, instering - ATG

7/8" hole through the wall instead of 1" and you will get a tighter and better fit

AT Grimaldi said:
Here is my question: I want to have a VERY neat installation. Should I be using EMT for the conduit of the Cat 5e or PVC? - ATG

Run EMT conduit because it would look better. Nothing worse looking than spaghetti wiring in an exposed ceiling!

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AT Grimaldi

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jul 26, 2007

thanks

Many thanks Gents.

Is the use of EMT outside widely accepted? Will it rust or otherwise oxidide?

thanks again. All sage words.

- ATG

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frank

· #7 · Jul 26, 2007

In the USA can you get galvanised EMT? If not then have the external length galvanised or paint with a couple of coats of quality external paint,
something like Hammerite Smooth. Be sure to seal all bushes and joint too,

Frank

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