My understanding is that feeder wires need to be in conduit for the whole run, but running schedule 40 through my basement joists seems awful and maybe impossible. I’m wondering if I can use a more flexible conduit from the main panel in my basement, then switch to schedule 40 where it leaves my basement and goes underground to the garage.
Additional info: Aiming to add a 100A sub panel from a 200A main. The run through my basement is maybe 50’ and about 20’ underground to the garage. Based on threads here I think I’ll need #1 aluminum THWN feeder wires. Would be thrilled to get any other advice. Planning to use the garage mostly as a workshop.
Best Answer
Use 1½" ENT for the run in the basement
While running rigid conduit thru existing joists is indeed a pain one's better off avoiding, fortunately for you, there is an easy alternative. Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing (ENT/"smurf tube") is listed to mate with same-sized PVC conduit bell-ends and fittings, so you can use ENT of the appropriate size for the run through the basement, then transition to rigid PVC where you exit the basement. You simply have to be careful to obey the 360° limit on accumulated bending between pull points.