How to Attach a Cable Conduit to a Wall
Installing electrical lines on the outside of walls between junction boxes requires cable conduit. Conduit is a thin-walled metal pipe through which the wires run to keep them hidden from view and safe by not being exposed. The best way to attach a cable conduit to a wall is to use conduit straps. Conduit straps resemble a half-circle with a long flange. The half-circle part of the strap fits over the outside of the conduit with the flange flat against the wall. Conduit straps are available at electrical supply stores and home improvement centers.
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Place the length of conduit where you want to mount it on the wall. If attaching to an electrical junction box, ensure that the conduit lines up with the connector on the side of the box.
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Ask a friend to hold the conduit against the wall. Place a 4-foot level across the top of the conduit. Position the conduit as necessary so that it is level. Place a conduit strap over the conduit with the mounting hole of the strap against the wall below the strap, 1 foot from the end of the conduit. Mark the mounting hole onto the wall with a pencil.
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Move the strap 1 foot from the opposite end and mark the mounting hole. Place the strap in the center of the conduit between the first two mounting holes and mark the third hole onto the wall with a pencil.
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Drill pilot holes into the concrete or brick with a masonry bit slightly smaller than the concrete fastening screws, if mounting the conduit to concrete. Drill holes with a standard drill bit the same diameter as the plastic anchor, if mounting the conduit to drywall.
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Attach the conduit to the electrical junction box. The junction box has a a connector on the side. Slide the end of the conduit into the connector and tighten the set screws on the outside of the connector with a nut driver to secure the conduit.
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Insert the plastic anchors into the pilot holes, if mounting into drywall. Tap the anchors with a hammer until the anchor is flush with the wall. Place the conduit strap over the conduit with the mounting hole flange over the anchor, or over the hole in the wall if mounting to concrete.
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Screw a pan-head screw through the conduit strap and anchor with a nut driver, if mounting to drywall. Install a concrete screw through the strap and into the pilot hole with a cordless screwdriver and socket, if installing into concrete. Screw the fastener in slowly until the bottom of the screw head makes contact with the strap. Do not over-tighten the screw.
References
Writer Bio
Kenneth Crawford is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience. His work has appeared in both print and online publications, including "The American Chronicle." Crawford holds an associate degree in business administration from Commonwealth College.
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