Chapter 10 Raceway Systems 143 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 10.1.2 Reaming Conduit Cutting EMT and other types of conduit cre- ates a rough edge that must be removed to pre- vent damage to the wire’s insulation. If any of the burr is left on the interior of the tubing, it can damage the insulation when you are pull- ing wires. Removing the burr is a process called reaming, and the standard tool for reaming is a conduit reamer. This can be a hand tool simi- lar to a screwdriver, or it can be an attachment for a power drill. A conduit reamer has a round, roughly conical head with three different diam- eters, for reaming 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″ EMT. The Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 10-2. To cut EMT, secure it in a vise or hold it firmly over a brace or block and use a hacksaw, reciprocating saw, or pipe cutter to make the cut. Electrical Metallic Tubing: Type EMT — Article 358 Locations Allowed Dry Wet Maximum Mounting Distance 3′ 10′ head has a replaceable blade that hooks over the conduit to deburr the inside and outside at the same time. You can also use a fl at and a round metal fi le to remove burrs. See Figure 10-4. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 10-3. A pipe cutter can be used to cut conduit but often is not a preferred tool because of the large, sharp burr it creates. Cutting Conduit with a Pipe Cutter Step 1. Tighten the pipe cutter until it is snug. Step 2. Rotate the pipe cutter around the conduit. Step 3. Repeat the first two steps until the conduit breaks. SAFETY NOTE Eye Protection Cutting, reaming, threading, or filing metal tub- ing and conduit means there are a lot of metal shavings flying around. Getting one in your eye is not only painful, it can cut your eye and lead to permanent damage due to scarring, infection, or ulceration. Always wear safety glasses when working with metal materials. Getting into the habit of wearing them at all times on the jobsite ensures that your eyes will always be protected.