On 6/24/19 6:14 PM, wrote:
On Monday, June 24, 2019 at 2:51:30 PM UTC-7, wrote:
On Mon, 24 Jun 2019 13:50:24 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

On Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 12:38:04 AM UTC-8, wrote:
On Sat, 22 Feb 2014 01:46:34 +0000 (UTC), HerHusband
wrote:

I just bought a new heater for my garage, but all the electrical knockouts
are sized for 1/2" conduit. I need a hole for 3/4" conduit to accomodate
the size of my power cable.

My first thought was to use a knockout punch, but good golly those things
are expensive. I don't want to spend $60 for a one time task like this. I'm
also curious if a punch would work for enlarging an existing hole?

Another option is a step-drill, but those are almost as expensive at the
home centers. I'm also a little worried about metal shavings falling inside
the heater, or overshooting the size I need and making the hole too big.

I haven't had time to check, but I wonder if anyone rents the knockout
punches?

Thanks,

Anthony

They do sell conduit fittings that slip over 3/4" conduit, yet the end
that goes in the box is 1/2". I'd try one of them first. You'll
probably have to go to an electrical supply store, unless you have a
large hardware store nearby, like an ACE Hardware super store. While
you probably do need 3/4" conduit for thicker wires, there is a good
chance they will slip thru that last half inch where that fitting is.
I've used them, and they work well.

Your other option is slow, but a round file will do the trick, and you
probably got one of them. I've used that method on the old
electronics, like the old tube type tv set chassis. Back in my
younger days, I built or repaired that stuff, and I had to make holes
for tube sockets, or other parts, which were often an oddball size.
Those old chassis were probably the same or thicker metal. It takes
awhile, but it works.

I realize this is 5 years old, but would you happen to have a link to where I can find this conduit fitting that slips over a 3/4" conduit and connects to a 1/2" KO? Thank you for your help.
-Cameron Ross

What kind of conduit? EMT, FMC, Carflex (plastic)?
The OP was talking about a "cable".

I would try Home Depot, they have a pretty good selection. If not a
real electrical supply can help you out. Just be sure you know what
you want because these guys get pretty impatient with home owners.
Say something like "I need a FNC connector with a 1/2 inch KO entry"
and they will usually help you.
trade nicknames
EMT is thin wall metal conduit
FMC is Flexible Metal Conduit. (BX/MC looking stuff but the trade size
of conduit).
"Carflex" is the gray PVC flex conduit. (LNFC)
"Smurf" is (Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing ENT) and usually blue, hence
the name with a corrugated surface.
It is very unlikely home owners deal with IMC or RMC, (threaded
galvanized conduit that looks like old time water or gas pipe)

We are supplying EMT which needs to be 3/4" Trade Size. We are running it to a custom night light back box provision (Per spec the box only has one 1/2" KO). Trying to find a connector as we do not have access to the electrical box to punch it ourselves. and thank you I will look into some other electrical supply shops for assistance. Thanks again!



If you have room, perhaps attaching a box like this that has both 1/2 &
3/4 KOs could work. Use a nipple and locknuts on the 1/2 KO (or even a
length of EMT to best position the box).

https://www.acehardware.com/departme...it/boxes/30331

or https://tinyurl.com/y6oolmny

Let us know what finally works.

On Mon, 24 Jun 2019 14:03:09 -0700 (PDT), trader_4
wrote:

On Monday, June 24, 2019 at 4:50:28 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 12:38:04 AM UTC-8, wrote:
On Sat, 22 Feb 2014 01:46:34 +0000 (UTC), HerHusband
wrote:

I just bought a new heater for my garage, but all the electrical knockouts
are sized for 1/2" conduit. I need a hole for 3/4" conduit to accomodate
the size of my power cable.

My first thought was to use a knockout punch, but good golly those things
are expensive. I don't want to spend $60 for a one time task like this. I'm
also curious if a punch would work for enlarging an existing hole?

Another option is a step-drill, but those are almost as expensive at the
home centers. I'm also a little worried about metal shavings falling inside
the heater, or overshooting the size I need and making the hole too big.

I haven't had time to check, but I wonder if anyone rents the knockout
punches?

Thanks,

Anthony

They do sell conduit fittings that slip over 3/4" conduit, yet the end
that goes in the box is 1/2". I'd try one of them first. You'll
probably have to go to an electrical supply store, unless you have a
large hardware store nearby, like an ACE Hardware super store. While
you probably do need 3/4" conduit for thicker wires, there is a good
chance they will slip thru that last half inch where that fitting is.
I've used them, and they work well.

Your other option is slow, but a round file will do the trick, and you
probably got one of them. I've used that method on the old
electronics, like the old tube type tv set chassis. Back in my
younger days, I built or repaired that stuff, and I had to make holes
for tube sockets, or other parts, which were often an oddball size.
Those old chassis were probably the same or thicker metal. It takes
awhile, but it works.

I realize this is 5 years old, but would you happen to have a link to where I can find this conduit fitting that slips over a 3/4" conduit and connects to a 1/2" KO? Thank you for your help.
-Cameron Ross

IDK, I've never seen one. I guess if the number of wires and sizes allow
it, it may be code compliant, but 99% of the time when you're running 3/4
it's because you need 3/4 not 1/2". If code calls for 3/4, you can't
reduce it to 1/2 going into the box.


There is a different rule for "nipples". It is 60% instead of 40%
Chapter 9 note 4
"(4) Where conduit or tubing nipples having a maximum
length not to exceed 600 mm (24 in.) are installed
between boxes, cabinets, and similar enclosures, the
nipples shall be permitted to be filled to 60 percent of
their total cross-sectional area, and 310.15(B)(3)(a)
adjustment factors need not apply to this condition."

They abuse the **** out of this in connectors.
Have you ever looked at a 90 degree Carflex connector?
You can put nine #12s in 1/2" Carflex but you will have a helluva time
getting more than 4 or 5 through that connector and you may need to
take it off of the conduit to do it. (that alone is a code violation)

On Mon, 24 Jun 2019 15:14:58 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

On Monday, June 24, 2019 at 2:51:30 PM UTC-7, wrote:
On Mon, 24 Jun 2019 13:50:24 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

On Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 12:38:04 AM UTC-8, wrote:
On Sat, 22 Feb 2014 01:46:34 +0000 (UTC), HerHusband
wrote:

I just bought a new heater for my garage, but all the electrical knockouts
are sized for 1/2" conduit. I need a hole for 3/4" conduit to accomodate
the size of my power cable.

My first thought was to use a knockout punch, but good golly those things
are expensive. I don't want to spend $60 for a one time task like this. I'm
also curious if a punch would work for enlarging an existing hole?

Another option is a step-drill, but those are almost as expensive at the
home centers. I'm also a little worried about metal shavings falling inside
the heater, or overshooting the size I need and making the hole too big.

I haven't had time to check, but I wonder if anyone rents the knockout
punches?

Thanks,

Anthony

They do sell conduit fittings that slip over 3/4" conduit, yet the end
that goes in the box is 1/2". I'd try one of them first. You'll
probably have to go to an electrical supply store, unless you have a
large hardware store nearby, like an ACE Hardware super store. While
you probably do need 3/4" conduit for thicker wires, there is a good
chance they will slip thru that last half inch where that fitting is.
I've used them, and they work well.

Your other option is slow, but a round file will do the trick, and you
probably got one of them. I've used that method on the old
electronics, like the old tube type tv set chassis. Back in my
younger days, I built or repaired that stuff, and I had to make holes
for tube sockets, or other parts, which were often an oddball size.
Those old chassis were probably the same or thicker metal. It takes
awhile, but it works.

I realize this is 5 years old, but would you happen to have a link to where I can find this conduit fitting that slips over a 3/4" conduit and connects to a 1/2" KO? Thank you for your help.
-Cameron Ross

What kind of conduit? EMT, FMC, Carflex (plastic)?
The OP was talking about a "cable".

I would try Home Depot, they have a pretty good selection. If not a
real electrical supply can help you out. Just be sure you know what
you want because these guys get pretty impatient with home owners.
Say something like "I need a FNC connector with a 1/2 inch KO entry"
and they will usually help you.
trade nicknames
EMT is thin wall metal conduit
FMC is Flexible Metal Conduit. (BX/MC looking stuff but the trade size
of conduit).
"Carflex" is the gray PVC flex conduit. (LNFC)
"Smurf" is (Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing ENT) and usually blue, hence
the name with a corrugated surface.
It is very unlikely home owners deal with IMC or RMC, (threaded
galvanized conduit that looks like old time water or gas pipe)

We are supplying EMT which needs to be 3/4" Trade Size. We are running it to a custom night light back box provision (Per spec the box only has one 1/2" KO). Trying to find a connector as we do not have access to the electrical box to punch it ourselves. and thank you I will look into some other electrical supply shops for assistance. Thanks again!

I suppose if you have no luck you could put a 1/2" chase nipple in the
box, put a 1/2-3/4" reducing bushing on that and use a 3/4 " threaded
coupler to screw your EMT connector in but I know that connector was
made at some time because I have one.

In alt.home.repair, on Mon, 24 Jun 2019 15:14:58 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

On Monday, June 24, 2019 at 2:51:30 PM UTC-7, wrote:
On Mon, 24 Jun 2019 13:50:24 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

On Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 12:38:04 AM UTC-8, wrote:
On Sat, 22 Feb 2014 01:46:34 +0000 (UTC), HerHusband
wrote:

I just bought a new heater for my garage, but all the electrical knockouts
are sized for 1/2" conduit. I need a hole for 3/4" conduit to accomodate
the size of my power cable.

My first thought was to use a knockout punch, but good golly those things
are expensive. I don't want to spend $60 for a one time task like this. I'm
also curious if a punch would work for enlarging an existing hole?

Another option is a step-drill, but those are almost as expensive at the
home centers. I'm also a little worried about metal shavings falling inside
the heater, or overshooting the size I need and making the hole too big.

I haven't had time to check, but I wonder if anyone rents the knockout
punches?

Thanks,

Anthony

They do sell conduit fittings that slip over 3/4" conduit, yet the end
that goes in the box is 1/2". I'd try one of them first. You'll
probably have to go to an electrical supply store, unless you have a
large hardware store nearby, like an ACE Hardware super store. While
you probably do need 3/4" conduit for thicker wires, there is a good
chance they will slip thru that last half inch where that fitting is.
I've used them, and they work well.

Your other option is slow, but a round file will do the trick, and you
probably got one of them. I've used that method on the old
electronics, like the old tube type tv set chassis. Back in my
younger days, I built or repaired that stuff, and I had to make holes
for tube sockets, or other parts, which were often an oddball size.
Those old chassis were probably the same or thicker metal. It takes
awhile, but it works.

I realize this is 5 years old, but would you happen to have a link to where I can find this conduit fitting that slips over a 3/4" conduit and connects to a 1/2" KO? Thank you for your help.
-Cameron Ross

What kind of conduit? EMT, FMC, Carflex (plastic)?
The OP was talking about a "cable".

I would try Home Depot, they have a pretty good selection. If not a
real electrical supply can help you out. Just be sure you know what
you want because these guys get pretty impatient with home owners.
Say something like "I need a FNC connector with a 1/2 inch KO entry"
and they will usually help you.
trade nicknames
EMT is thin wall metal conduit
FMC is Flexible Metal Conduit. (BX/MC looking stuff but the trade size
of conduit).
"Carflex" is the gray PVC flex conduit. (LNFC)
"Smurf" is (Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing ENT) and usually blue, hence
the name with a corrugated surface.
It is very unlikely home owners deal with IMC or RMC, (threaded
galvanized conduit that looks like old time water or gas pipe)

We are supplying EMT which needs to be 3/4" Trade Size. We are running it to a custom night light back box provision (Per spec the box only has one 1/2" KO). Trying to find a connector as we do not have access to the electrical box to punch it ourselves.

You must mean you don't have access to the back of it??? Even that, how
do you plan to connect the conduit if you don't have access?

and thank you I will look into some other electrical supply shops for assistance. Thanks again!

I have a reamer that would probably do what you want, but when I
couldn't find it and I looked for one for sale, I coudlnt' find one.
I find that sort of amazing.

I don't remember where I bought it, but maybe a yard sale. I'm sure I
didn't pay more than $10 for something I might never use, and didn't use
for 20 years.

It's short and stubby, with a yellowing uneven clear vinyl cover on the
handle.

I used it recently to put more cigarrette ligters in my car, because the
hole saws were either too small or too big, so I went with too small and
reamed the hole bigger. Aluminum is harder than plastic, but not that
much.

I have this one too. This one is easy to find.
https://www.zoro.com/general-reamer-...Av4DE ALw_wcB

Lots of reamers but no big ones on the first page
https://www.amazon.com/Hand-Reamers/...node=256298011

https://www.amazon.com/s?rh=n%3A1631...256298011_pg_2


https://www.amazon.com/Champion-SA80...strial&sr=1-47
this goes up to 1 3/8" but unfortuantely it's $120.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EOD2H3Q...il_aax_0?psc=1
Only $49 for 11/16. For some reason 3/4 is $69 Other sizes are
priced in between. Designed for portable pneumatic drills but I'm sure
could be used by hand.

I didn't know mine was so valuable. I'll have to add a line to my will.

On Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 11:01:26 PM UTC-7, micky wrote:
In alt.home.repair, on Mon, 24 Jun 2019 15:14:58 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

On Monday, June 24, 2019 at 2:51:30 PM UTC-7, wrote:
On Mon, 24 Jun 2019 13:50:24 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

On Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 12:38:04 AM UTC-8, wrote:
On Sat, 22 Feb 2014 01:46:34 +0000 (UTC), HerHusband
wrote:

I just bought a new heater for my garage, but all the electrical knockouts
are sized for 1/2" conduit. I need a hole for 3/4" conduit to accomodate
the size of my power cable.

My first thought was to use a knockout punch, but good golly those things
are expensive. I don't want to spend $60 for a one time task like this. I'm
also curious if a punch would work for enlarging an existing hole?

Another option is a step-drill, but those are almost as expensive at the
home centers. I'm also a little worried about metal shavings falling inside
the heater, or overshooting the size I need and making the hole too big.

I haven't had time to check, but I wonder if anyone rents the knockout
punches?

Thanks,

Anthony

They do sell conduit fittings that slip over 3/4" conduit, yet the end
that goes in the box is 1/2". I'd try one of them first. You'll
probably have to go to an electrical supply store, unless you have a
large hardware store nearby, like an ACE Hardware super store. While
you probably do need 3/4" conduit for thicker wires, there is a good
chance they will slip thru that last half inch where that fitting is.
I've used them, and they work well.

Your other option is slow, but a round file will do the trick, and you
probably got one of them. I've used that method on the old
electronics, like the old tube type tv set chassis. Back in my
younger days, I built or repaired that stuff, and I had to make holes
for tube sockets, or other parts, which were often an oddball size.
Those old chassis were probably the same or thicker metal. It takes
awhile, but it works.

I realize this is 5 years old, but would you happen to have a link to where I can find this conduit fitting that slips over a 3/4" conduit and connects to a 1/2" KO? Thank you for your help.
-Cameron Ross

What kind of conduit? EMT, FMC, Carflex (plastic)?
The OP was talking about a "cable".

I would try Home Depot, they have a pretty good selection. If not a
real electrical supply can help you out. Just be sure you know what
you want because these guys get pretty impatient with home owners.
Say something like "I need a FNC connector with a 1/2 inch KO entry"
and they will usually help you.
trade nicknames
EMT is thin wall metal conduit
FMC is Flexible Metal Conduit. (BX/MC looking stuff but the trade size
of conduit).
"Carflex" is the gray PVC flex conduit. (LNFC)
"Smurf" is (Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing ENT) and usually blue, hence
the name with a corrugated surface.
It is very unlikely home owners deal with IMC or RMC, (threaded
galvanized conduit that looks like old time water or gas pipe)

We are supplying EMT which needs to be 3/4" Trade Size. We are running it to a custom night light back box provision (Per spec the box only has one 1/2" KO). Trying to find a connector as we do not have access to the electrical box to punch it ourselves.

You must mean you don't have access to the back of it??? Even that, how
do you plan to connect the conduit if you don't have access?

and thank you I will look into some other electrical supply shops for assistance. Thanks again!

I have a reamer that would probably do what you want, but when I
couldn't find it and I looked for one for sale, I coudlnt' find one.
I find that sort of amazing.

I don't remember where I bought it, but maybe a yard sale. I'm sure I
didn't pay more than $10 for something I might never use, and didn't use
for 20 years.

It's short and stubby, with a yellowing uneven clear vinyl cover on the
handle.

I used it recently to put more cigarrette ligters in my car, because the
hole saws were either too small or too big, so I went with too small and
reamed the hole bigger. Aluminum is harder than plastic, but not that
much.

I have this one too. This one is easy to find.
https://www.zoro.com/general-reamer-...Av4DE ALw_wcB

Lots of reamers but no big ones on the first page
https://www.amazon.com/Hand-Reamers/...node=256298011

https://www.amazon.com/s?rh=n%3A1631...256298011_pg_2


https://www.amazon.com/Champion-SA80...strial&sr=1-47
this goes up to 1 3/8" but unfortuantely it's $120.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EOD2H3Q...il_aax_0?psc=1
Only $49 for 11/16. For some reason 3/4 is $69 Other sizes are
priced in between. Designed for portable pneumatic drills but I'm sure
could be used by hand.

I didn't know mine was so valuable. I'll have to add a line to my will.

Thanks for the assistance everyone!

Using the 4x4 with 1/2"x3/4" conduit is a good idea except I think we would have a code violation if that box is then not accessible within the wall.
That reamer would be good if we could modify it ourselves, night light box is die cast steel.

I am not sure if we can get the reduction bushing and coupler to work as our stock EMT Conduit is thin wall non threaded.

I appreciate the advice and links and have reached out to the contractor installing the Night Light and have informed them they need to use a box with 3/4" KO's as with further investigation it looks like the specs gotten from Tedicco on the backbox for the night light has that as an option. We would be out of code if we tried making shortcuts otherwise. Thanks again have learned a lot from the very in-depth information. Great group and Apologies for jumping on this group thread without a proper invitation.
Cheers!
-Cameron

On Thu, 27 Jun 2019 13:36:19 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

I am not sure if we can get the reduction bushing and coupler to work as our stock EMT Conduit is thin wall non threaded.

You would screw a 3/4" EMT connector into the 3/4" coupler use a
bushing to get it down to 1/2" and then use a 1/2"chase nipple to get
into the box..