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📱 EPISODE 2 — Article 342 (Part 2 of 2)

Threading, Securing, Couplings & Grounding — Article 342 Complete!

SLIDE 1 — Reaming, Threading & Paired Locknuts
🔧 FINISHING THE CUT (342.28)

All cut ends must be REAMED or otherwise finished to remove rough edges — this prevents wire/cable insulation damage during pulling. Field-threaded conduit uses a standard cutting die with a 1-in-16 taper (¾ in. taper per foot).

🔩 PAIRED LOCKNUTS (342.29)
If conduit threads enter a box/cabinet/enclosure through a NON-threaded opening, a locknut or fitting is required on BOTH the inside AND outside of the enclosure.

SLIDE 2 — Securing & Supporting (342.30)
🛠️ THE 3-FT / 10-FT RULE

Securely fastened (342.30(A)):
🔹 Within 3 ft (900mm) of each outlet/junction/device box, cabinet, conduit body, or termination
🔹 Where structural members don't allow 3 ft fastening → extend up to 5 ft (1.5m)
🔹 Approved above-roof mast terminations → NOT required to be fastened within 3 ft of the service head

Exception: unbroken lengths (no couplings) can be FISHED in concealed work/finished buildings where securing is impracticable.

Supported (342.30(B)):
🔹 General: max 10 ft (3m) intervals
🔹 Straight runs with threaded couplings → follow Table 344.30(B) distances
🔹 Exposed vertical risers (industrial machinery/fixed equipment) → up to 20 ft (6m) IF threaded couplings + secured top/bottom + no other intermediate support available
🔹 Horizontal runs through framing member openings → 10 ft intervals + secured within 3 ft of termination points

SLIDE 3 — Couplings, Connectors & Bushings
🔗 COUPLINGS/CONNECTORS (342.42)

Must be made TIGHT:
✅ Buried in masonry/concrete → fittings listed for CONCRETE-TIGHT use
✅ Wet locations → fittings listed for WET locations
✅ Threaded conduit ends → fittings listed for that purpose

🚫 Running threads are NOT permitted for coupling connections.

🛡️ BUSHINGS (342.46)
Where conduit enters a box/fitting/enclosure, a BUSHING is required to protect wires from abrasion — UNLESS the enclosure itself is designed to provide that protection. (See 300.6(G) for extra protection requirements on 4 AWG+ conductors.)

SLIDE 4 — Grounding & Construction + Final Exam Question
🌎 GROUNDING (342.60)

IMC IS permitted to serve as an equipment grounding conductor — the metal raceway itself can be part of that ground-fault current path.

🏗️ CONSTRUCTION (342.100)
IMC must be made of either:
1️⃣ Steel, with protective coatings
2️⃣ Stainless steel

🏷️ MARKING (342.120)
Each length marked with "IMC" at least every 5 ft (1.5m), plus standard marking per 110.21(A).

🎉 That's a wrap on Article 342 — Intermediate Metal Conduit!

🧠 FINAL EXAM QUESTION FOR ARTICLE 342

Q: Per 342.30(A)(1), IMC must be securely fastened within what distance of each outlet box, junction box, or other termination?

A) 1 ft (300mm)
B) 3 ft (900mm)
C) 5 ft (1.5m)
D) 10 ft (3m)

(Drop your final answer 👇)

Article 342 = DONE ✅ FOLLOW for more daily quick-hit NEC study notes ⚡ #JoshTheSparky #NEC2026 #ElectricianLife

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