An industrial electrician is running a 480 V, 3-phase, 60 A circuit to a motor. The chosen conductor is 6 AWG copper, and the wiring method is EMT. The conduit run includes 20 m (65 ft) of straight run and two 90-degree bends. What is the minimum internal radius of the bends for 6 AWG conductors in EMT, according to Annex C of the CEC?

Question: An industrial electrician is running a 480 V, 3-phase, 60 A circuit to a motor. The chosen conductor is 6 AWG copper, and the wiring method is EMT. The conduit run includes 20 m (65 ft) of straight run and two 90-degree bends. What is the minimum internal radius of the bends for 6 AWG conductors in EMT, according to Annex C of the CEC?

Answer options:

• 76 mm (3 in.) ✅ 102 mm (4 in.)
• 127 mm (5 in.)
• 152 mm (6 in.)

Correct answer: 102 mm (4 in.)

Explanation: According to Annex C, Table C4 for EMT, the minimum radius of the bend for conductors larger than No. 10 AWG is 6 times the internal diameter of the conduit. For 6 AWG conductors, the smallest EMT usually accepted is 21 mm (3/4 inch). Consulting a conduit manufacturer's data or code-specific tables for minimum bend radii for EMT for 6 AWG conductors, the standard minimum bend radius is 102 mm (4 inches). This ensures wires can be pulled without damage. (Note: CEC Table 20 also refers to minimum bending radii for conductors, but Annex C is for raceway bends).