Precast concrete shear wall panels provide a lateral load-resisting system when combined with the diaphragm action of the floor construction. metal electrical box on the drywall surface, slightly above or below the existing opening so you can pull at least 1/4 in. Bending electric conduit isn’t difficult (Photo 7). You have to patch the drywall anyway, before you screw the new box to the wall (Photo 3). For more detailed step-by-step information, please view the Concrete Screw Installation Video. Cut the wires, leaving 8 in. square raised covers, one 1/2-in. The size/diameter of the conduit will also affect spacing. Bend conduit by positioning it in the bender so your distance mark on the conduit lines up with the bender arrow (Photo 5 and inset). After you decide on the correct size of conduit and type of conduit strap to use, the installation process can begin. To attach your railing to concrete you will need a hammer drill to drill into the concrete, a standard drill for drilling into the pipe, an Allen wrench to tighten the fittings, a hammer, a tape measure, hack saw, vacuum, extension cord, and a sharpie marker. It's easier to secure one box and then run the conduit from that box to the next one. This will cause the screw to spin in the hole stripping the threads. Concrete blocks are made from precast concrete, i.e. Published by Mike C Pistorino on Feb 27th 2010, Purchase Hammer Drive AnchorsPurchase Tapcon Anchors. We chose to use offset setscrew connectors (Photo 2) to simplify this task. When not in a loop system, all primary conduit runs for commercial applications shall include a spare conduit for the length of the radial, including stub-ups. If the total distance is 33 in., mark the conduit at 28 in. One thing people do is attach 3/4 thick presser-treated furring strips to the wall, 16" on center, then screw plywood on top of that. Home House & Components Rooms Basement, By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine. You’ll also need a 3/4 x 24-in. Drill the special-size pilot hole (see package for exact bit size) and drive the concrete screw’s super-hard, large profile threads into the concrete with a power screwdriver. Measure from the wall corner to a point 3/4 in. Attach the box to the concrete with plastic anchors and panhead screws (Photo 10). Most jurisdictions require a 4-mil plastic sheet vapor barrier for basement walls against concrete. Insert the pointed end of the concrete screw through the hole in the conduit strap and into the hole in the base material. Hammer-set anchors, also known as nail anchors, are perfect for attaching metal electrical boxes, wood furring strips, metal conduit, and shelf … The cut nail has a square, tapered shape with a square tip. Drill and insert plastic anchorsMark and drill all the holes first, insert the plastic anchors, then mount … The most commonly used fasteners for this application are Tapcon® concrete screws and hammer drive anchors. PVC conduit is another good option, but it differs in that you glue the joints. This can be solved by simply leaving the pipe in place and building the new wall just inside the pipe. Typical load-bearing wall units include solid wall panels and window wall and spandrel panels. To bolt into concrete, you’ll need a hammer drill, a titanium or carbide-tipped drill bit, and wedge anchors. Wiring For Exposed Locations One approved way to run wiring across exposed surfaces is to mount an approved rigid conduit across the framing members or wall, then run individual THNN conductor wires inside the conduit. When using 1/2-in. If the cable is run along walls, it requires some form of protection. Push fish tape from Box 1 to Box 2. Builders use many techniques to run pipe through concrete block walls, but the easiest and most efficient way is to use a core drill. For longer distances, or runs that have two or more bends, run a fish tape through the conduit and tape the wires to it (Photo 14 and DETAIL photo). Cut the drywall and shift the box if necessary to get more sheathed cable inside the box. Dig a trench 24 inches deep using a trenching shovel. For safety, exposed electrical wiring (in the garage, basement and outdoors) must be protected by sturdy tubing. When conduit needs to be attached to a wall, conduit straps (or clamps) are typically installed around the conduit itself to support the conduit and fasten it securely to the wall. Stop bending when the bubble reads level. The first step is to find your power source. Using concrete screws is the fastest method for attaching furring strips, windows and doors, conduit clamps and electrical boxes. In most cases, either a 3/16" or 1/4" diameter fastener will be needed. Turn off the power and remove the old receptacle. I want to replace one of the electrical boxes in the basement with a 2-gang. Place the electric conduit in the bender with the mark directly in line with the arrow (see next photo). It is also important to consider the unique characteristics of the project and your specific needs when deciding on the type of fastener to use. The spacing of the straps is determined by the type of conduits such as rigid steel, EMT or PVC. Tapcons® can also be used in concrete, brick and block. Repeat this step with all receptacles so they fit inside the metal box as well as screw to the 4-in. Some electrical boxes may contain wires from more than one circuit. offset setscrew connector for each conduit/box connection (Photo 2), plus 1/2-in. 4. Mount the box to the wall by driving two 1-5/8 in. Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Another common bend is an offset, which is a difficult two-part bend that positions the electric conduit slightly off the wall to connect straight into electrical boxes. 3. EMT conduit (10 ft. long), 4 x 4 x 1-1/2 in. This protection can be conduit, or some other form of protection. As for attaching the PVC to the concrete walls, plumbers tape would also work and give you plenty of options. This time we will use concrete screws rather than concrete anchors. 2. Level the horizontal sections, then position Box 2 and mark the location of the cut. Attaching the Railing to a Concrete Base. Reposition the electric conduit and Box 2 and mark hole locations for plastic anchors. When fastening a conduit strap to a concrete, brick or block wall- it is necessary to use a concrete anchor or fastener to ensure a safe installation. Repeat this process to attach all other boxes, as well as the straps that hold the conduit to the masonry. Clean any concrete dust out of each hole you drill with a vacuum cleaner or wire brush. Insert the hammer drive anchor through the hole in the conduit strap and into the hole in the base material. Its kind of pricey but is designed to be bent around pipes and ducting, and … Before doing any work, test all the wires with a non-contact voltage tester (sold at hardware stores and home centers) to make sure they’re “dead.”. I'd probably not use them to secure the pipes themselves to the wall directly. Scrape any sharp burrs from both the inside and the outside edges with pliers. Remove 1/2-in. I want to replace one of the electrical boxes in the basement with a 2-gang. A concrete block, cement block, foundation block or concrete masonry unit (CMU), is a large rectangular block used primarily in the construction of walls. With the correct preparation, furring strips or 2x4s can be easily attached to concrete, brick, or block. Check the circuit breaker in the main electrical panel to determine the circuit size. Now position (not attach) a 4 x 4 x 1-1/2 in. Tapcon® Concrete Screws are probably the most commonly used type of cement fastener for this application. We recommend our users to update the browser. couplings (to join two pieces of conduit in longer runs), electric conduit straps, a 15-amp switch, receptacles and 14-gauge THHN wiring (the type of wire to run inside the conduit). Its this soft metal that has a row of holes in it and comes spooled up. Repeat this step from Box 3 to Box 4. Our materials included 1/2-in. Mount Holes. Tech Tip: Anchor size is equal to hole size when working with hammer drive anchors. The walls are poured concrete and the existing outlets are in metal boxes with metal conduit and are fastened to the walls. metal boxes (which hold two receptacles; Photo 2), 4-in. The foundation is poured concrete. PVC pipe is a reliable building and plumbing material. A lot of work to adjust and many more holes in your wall. Then screw all receptacles to the covers and attach the covers to the boxes. inside of the offset connector. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Now tighten all offset connector locknuts with a hammer and screwdriver. Two common nail options are shown below: the cut nail and the concrete nail. Make sure you bend it 90 degrees in the correct direction. Subtract 5 in. Tapcons and hammer drive anchors are both available in 3/16" and 1/4" diameters. That is if the studs are going to touch the concrete wall. Pry the top and bottom box nails away from the stud to remove the box. When fastening a conduit strap to a concrete, brick or block wall- it is necessary to use a concrete anchor or fastener to ensure a safe installation. Using a hammer, carefully hit the nail into the anchor until the nail head is flush with the top of the anchor. Many straps also offer some chemical resistance, providing a complete corrosion resistant system. If working with a concrete wall, drill a hole into the concrete using a carbide bit and either use a concrete screw in the hole or hammer a sleeve into the hole for a regular screw to fit. Push the sheathed cable through the clamp and into the box. 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The aggregate used … Some code-compliant PVC fittings can be used with ENT inside walls, floors, some ceilings or encased in concrete. The citation from the National Electrical Code is as follows: to account for the thickness of the conduit in the first bend (Photo 6). Portland cement, water, and aggregate. After you’ve chosen the electrical box to tie in to, turn off the circuit breaker or unscrew the fuse that protects the circuit. After this is completed, the next steps in the renovation process can take place. If you copy this project and operate power-hungry tools such as circular or table saws, you will need to tap in to or run a new 20-amp circuit (see “Power-Hungry Tools”). The first thing to do is put your drill into hammer mode and drill a hole in the concrete. Such wiring is well protected against physical damage. 4. DON’T finish walls until the basement is dry. For 90-degree bends in 1/2-in. And you may need a fish tape to pull wire if you have long electric conduit runs with multiple bends. Wiring For Exposed Locations . Using tapcon concrete screws for attaching conduit to a block wall, purchase them @ http://www.confast.com/products/tapcon-concretescrew.aspx Size and type of conduit and ells will be specified on construction print(s). The foundation is poured concrete. I want to install copper support clamps to secure the pipe to the wall. from the connector-to-wall measurement. All conduits. But you may not get perfect bends on the first try, so buy an extra 10-ft. length just in case. If you don’t want to bend conduit, you can buy gradual “90-degree sweep bends” or “90-degree square corner elbow fittings.” However, your project won’t look as professional because of the numerous connectors, and the extra joints make it harder to push or pull wire. The following is a breakdown of the pros and cons of four versatile fasteners most often used for attaching wood to concrete. Purchase Hammer Drive Anchors Purchase Tapcon Anchors. Below are the installation instructions for both the Tapcon® concrete screw and the hammer drive anchor: 1. Blue electrical nonmetal tubing (ENT) is for indoor use only. When fastening a conduit strap to a concrete, brick or block wall- it is necessary to use a concrete anchor or fastener to ensure a safe installation. How to Install Electricity in a Wall With Furring Strips. Use this same process to install any other conduit straps that are needed in the application. When completing any type of electrical project, please refer to the NEC (National Electrical Code) to ensure the safe installation of all electrical wiring and equipment. 3. I think I'd run a 2x6 the length of the wall, hit it with white water sealant paint, and tap-con the boards to the wall, then use standard screws and clamps to attach your plumbing to it. Tape together ends of one black and one white 14-gauge wire and push the taped ends through the conduit. It is important to use a concrete anchor that will provide the strongest and most secure hold to ensure safety and proper installation. Depending on your location/climate, concrete can sweat. from the measurement, then add 3/4 in. water pipe, which serves as the handle and screws into the bender head (Photo 5). Attach electric conduit loosely to Box 1. Removal of hammer drive anchors will cause damage to the surrounding concrete, brick or block. Drill the holes. ** Be careful not to over-tighten the screw! Next, sketch the electric conduit route from your power source to the new electrical box locations and note the length of the run and all the boxes, connectors and wire you need. Step on the conduit bender and push down on the handle until the conduit forms a 90-degree angle and is level. electric conduit bender (Photo 5) is the only specialty tool you need to bend 10-ft. sections of 1/2-in. Here’s a list. Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration. When running wire short distances with few bends, such as between Boxes 2 and 3, and 3 and 4, you can simply tape the two wire ends together and push them through the conduit (Photo 13). Cut nail Nails. Install Box 4. Again, take that distance and subtract 5 in. cable clamp and an offset setscrew connector. Use a steel drill bit the size of the bolt for … Apply pressure with your foot and hand to bend the end of the conduit straight up. Concrete blocks are made from precast concrete, i.e. If working with a concrete wall, drill a hole into the concrete using a carbide bit and either use a concrete screw in the hole or hammer a sleeve into the hole for a regular screw to fit. Portland cement, water, and aggregate. Simply attach the 2x4 to the joist, and then attach the cable and box to the 2x4 (following proper NEC procedures of course). Mark that distance on the electric conduit. Bend both wires through the fish tape hook and tape them, leaving the middle open to flex around corners, then pull wires back from Box 2 to Box 1. 1. Repeat Step 5 to make the second 90-degree bend. Then check the angle with a magnetic torpedo level (or with the bubble level built into some bender heads) and adjust the bend until you get 90 degrees. It's tempting to start by attaching all of the electrical boxes to the walls and ceiling and then run the conduit, but don't do it. We recommend a maximum connected load (lights and other permanently plugged in devices) and operating load (tools and other temporarily running devices) of 1,440 watts (12 amps) for a 15-amp circuit and 1,920 watts (16 amps) for a 20-amp circuit. Be sure to measure to the inside of the offset connector where the conduit actually seats (Photos 2 and 4). What conduit/boxes are the best to use? If you get power from a 20-amp circuit, use only 12-gauge THHN wire. EMT conduit, position straps within 3 ft. of each box and within 10 ft. thereafter. Connect Box 1 by first breaking the ears off a GFCI receptacle, then connect the wires from the power source to the ‘line’ terminals, the wires to the new receptacles to the ‘load’ terminals, and the ground wire to the ground screw. We tapped in to a 15-amp garage outlet receptacle to power the “light-duty” workbench area. If you have aluminum wiring, leave it alone. Arranging these pipes in a less evasive manner is extremely important for an individual to continue using their interior space without having large PVC pipe obstacles. Measure from the Box 3 offset connector to the ceiling, then repeat Steps 4 and 5. Check with your local building department to get a permit and an inspection for all work you do. Attaching PVC pipes to a wall is also a way to create shelving and racks using PVC. What is the white plastic fastener seen in the photo (there are two). drywall screws through the drywall and into the stud. If you’re uncertain about circuit sizing, consult a licensed electrician. Use a pneumatic concrete nail gun to mount the Furring (through the XPS) directly into into the concrete foundation wall. Similarly, NM attached to the face of concrete walls is susceptible to damage and thus is not allowed. EMT metal conduit for this project because it’s easy to bend and assemble (and take apart if you make a mistake!). This wiring is dull gray, not the dull orange that’s characteristic of copper. We chose 1/2-in. For more detailed installation instructions, please view this Hammer Drive Installation Video. Even if your basement walls have no visible cracks or … Tech Tip: 1/4" diameter Tapcon requires a 3/16" bit and a 3/16" diameter Tapcon uses a 5/32" bit. I'm going to be doing a residential job that has 10' tall x 8" thick exterior concrete walls and homowners want all outlets and switches in the concrete since the concrete will be the finished wall. Although any type of concrete anchor can be utilized for this purpose, these … The main difference is the type of fastener you will use to attach it to the concrete. electric conduit, the rule is to subtract 5 in. Then add 3/4 in. Each conduit strap is designed with one or two holes through which a fastener is inserted, securing the conduit strap to the wall. Conduit straps are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet the needs of various applications, conduit sizes, required holding values and personal preference. Along with that, you need basic hand tools, a hacksaw and a drill with a 1/4-in. Keep the box level. A concrete block, cement block, foundation block or concrete masonry unit (CMU), is a large rectangular block used primarily in the construction of walls. Using a standard drill with the appropriate hex or Phillips socket, drive the concrete screw slowly into the pre-drilled hole until the screw is fully seated. Laying down tiles on walls can give your home a new, fresh look. When measuring for the vertical rise, measure the height difference between the two boxes. extra at each box. If you plan to power any tools, be aware that a common 15-amp circuit may overload and trip if any of the following tools are run simultaneously (especially if your shop lights are on too): Miter saw – 13 to 15 amps Circular saw – 13 to 15 amps Router – 9 to 11 amps Belt sander – 6 to 12 amps. These items are at home centers and full-service hardware stores. Boring Holes in Concrete. Fasten the second box to the wall or ceiling after you fasten it to the conduit. This is a simple surface-mounted wiring plan. masonry bit. I … Hammer drive anchors can be used to install conduit straps in four simple steps: 1. Reposition the electric conduit and Box 2 and mark hole locations for plastic anchors. The most commonly used fasteners for this application are Tapcon® concrete screws and hammer drive anchors. Conduit is a rugged, protective pipe or tube that is used to house and protect electrical wiring. Mount 4' x 8' drywall to the furring with nail gun. Now drill the two holes for plastic anchors and a clearance hole for the ground screw. Next, remove the existing receptacle and box from the stud (Photo 1). Or you can leave a 4-inch gap between the studs and concrete wall and probably get away with it. Before You Get Started for the 90-degree bend, then mark that length on the electric conduit. How to Finish, Frame, and Insulate a Basement, Metal Studs: How to Use and Frame With Metal Studs, How to Install Basement Windows and Satisfy Egress Codes, How to Install Under Cabinet Lighting in Your Kitchen, Basement Waterproofing: How to Install a Basement Drainage System, Installing Glass Block Windows in Basement, How to Install a Terraced Window Well in Your Basement, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), An Expert Guide to Framing Basement Walls, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents, 12-gauge (for 20 AMP) or 14-gauge (for 15 AMP) THHN wiring, 3/4" x 24" threaded water pipe (handle for conduit bender). to allow for the thickness of the electric conduit. It's easier to secure one box and then run the conduit from that box to the next one. You could use a scrap piece of 2x4, for example. Drill the metal where you want to anchor it to the concrete. What is the white plastic fastener seen in the photo (there are two). Pull the wires through the wall opening. The aggregate used … Call in a licensed pro who’s certified to work with it. The most commonly used fasteners for this application are Tapcon® concrete screws and hammer drive anchors. … After leveling the conduit and marking the location for Box 2 (Photo 8), be sure to smooth all cut edges with a pliers (Photo 9). Using a hammer drill and correctly sized carbide tipped masonry bit, carefully drill a pilot hole (1/4" deeper than the recommended anchor embedment) into the base material. Whether you're looking to do this in your basement or even tiling over tile in bathroom walls, the project can be done on your own. The flat, countersunk head of a Tapcon® screw provides a smooth surface in the wood to which you can attach your finishing material. Start digging against the structure and below … Fasten the second box to the wall or ceiling after you fasten it to the conduit. of the cable sheathing through the back of the box (Photo 3). The spare 220 outlet even had one of its metal screws fall inside the box against one of the wire lugs. A copper clad split ring hanger, small piece of all thread and a wall plate which you would tap con into your concrete wall. It's tempting to start by attaching all of the electrical boxes to the walls and ceiling and then run the conduit, but don't do it. We’ll only show how to make 90-degree bends, since they’re the easiest and most often used. Although any type of concrete anchor can be utilized for this purpose, these two fasteners are typically chosen due to their ease of installation. Add power to a basement or garage shop with easy, inexpensive EMT (electrical metallic tubing). Repeat steps 9 and 10 to mount them. Contractors use furring strips primarily when installing wood paneling or plasterboard over concrete or masonry walls. Then connect the devices in Boxes 2, 3 and 4 (see Figures B, C and D). PVC seems good for corrosion inhibiting since I've seen plenty of emt/metal boxes in concrete very corroded. Before wiring the GFCI receptacle into Box 1, bend or break off the top and bottom ears. The effectiveness of precast concrete shear walls is largely dependent on the panel-to-panel connections. Drill the holes, then mount the box and conduit straps with panhead screws. How to Run a Pipe Through a Concrete Block Wall. Using a hammer drill and correctly sized carbide tipped masonry bit, carefully drill a pilot hole 1/2" deeper than the recommended anchor embedment into the base material. Learn about the tools, materials and techniques you need to cut, bend and install surface-mounted metal conduit. The major difference between these two fasteners is that Tapcons are removable and hammer drive anchors are permanent fasteners. EMT conduit. Garage receptacles must be GFCI protected. Now connect the GFCI receptacle as shown (Photo 15), followed by the other boxes (Figures B, C and D). Hi there, I have a vertical run of copper water supply along an unfinished basement wall made of concrete block. Position Box 3, measure the distance to Box 2 and cut the conduit to fit. Additionally, they are all loose or have fallen off the walls. The easiest approach is simply to nail the wood to the concrete. The process for attaching the railing to the concrete is nearly the same as attaching it to the concrete base. Once you’ve installed the conduit and rotated the offsets so the conduit rests against the wall, tighten the offset connector locknuts with a sharp rap of a hammer on a screwdriver (Photo 11). As long as you inspect the surface and follow the proper procedure, the project should go smoothly. Plumb the conduit and attach a strap. A concrete drill bit and a typical VSR drill are all that’s required to install … These requirements can be found in the National Electric Code (NEC). A 1/2-in. Subtract 5 in. The following list of features may also be taken into consideration when choosing your fastener: Tapcons PROS: Removable Can be installed close to an edge Available in hex and flat head Available in stainless steel CONS: Blue color may detract from visual aesthetics, PROS: Permanent Color may blend nicely with fixture Anchor size is equal to hole size Low Profile Tamper Resistant Hammer sets the anchor easily Available in stainless steel CONS: Permanent Not recommended for overhead applications. knockouts and insert a 3/8-in. If one of the holes is on a portion of mortar … The size of the hole in the strap will determine the diameter of fastener that should be used. Measure the difference in height between Box 1 and Box 2 (above the bench; Figure A). Nonmetallic conduit is typically made from PVC and is a good choice for outdoor residential applications. At this point, the decision must be made on which fastener to use for your particular project. Cut the electric conduit with a hacksaw. … square cover (that is raised 1/2 in.). 3. Mark the holes of the bracket on the wall.