NEC Chapter 9 Table 1 (40% Max Rule)EMT (Metallic Tubing) • THHN / THWN-2 Copper

How Many #2 AWG Wires Fit in 1-1/2" EMT (Metallic Tubing)?

Per the National Electrical Code (NEC Chapter 9 Table 1 and Table 4/5), a 1-1/2" EMT (Metallic Tubing) has a total cross-sectional area of 2.036 sq in and a 40% usable area of 0.814 sq in. Sizing against #2 AWG THHN (0.1158 sq in per conductor):

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Max Wires (3+)

40% NEC Limit

Actual Fill %

39.8%

Of Total ID Area

Usable 40% Area

0.814"²

Table 4 Usable

Ampacity Derating

70%

NEC 310.15(C)(1)

Complete 1-1/2" EMT (Metallic Tubing) Fill Capacity Schedule

Maximum allowable conductors across all standard AWG sizes (40% fill rule)

Wire Gauge (THHN)	Single Wire Area (Table 5)	Max Wires Allowed (40%)	Actual Fill %	NEC Compliance Status
#14 AWG	0.0097 sq in	83 Wires	39.5%	✓ Code Compliant
#12 AWG	0.0133 sq in	61 Wires	39.8%	✓ Code Compliant
#10 AWG	0.0211 sq in	38 Wires	39.4%	✓ Code Compliant
#8 AWG	0.0366 sq in	22 Wires	39.5%	✓ Code Compliant
#6 AWG	0.0507 sq in	16 Wires	39.8%	✓ Code Compliant
#4 AWG	0.0824 sq in	9 Wires	36.4%	✓ Code Compliant
#3 AWG	0.0973 sq in	8 Wires	38.2%	✓ Code Compliant
#2 AWG (Current Selection)	0.1158 sq in	7 Wires	39.8%	✓ Code Compliant
#1 AWG	0.1562 sq in	5 Wires	38.4%	✓ Code Compliant
1/0 AWG	0.1855 sq in	4 Wires	36.4%	✓ Code Compliant
2/0 AWG	0.2223 sq in	3 Wires	32.8%	✓ Code Compliant
3/0 AWG	0.2679 sq in	3 Wires	39.5%	✓ Code Compliant
4/0 AWG	0.3237 sq in	2 Wires	31.8%	✓ Code Compliant

NEC 310.15(C)(1) Ampacity Adjustment & Conductor Bundling Rules

When you install more than 3 current-carrying conductors in a single conduit raceway, mutual heating restricts natural convection. You must multiply the allowable ampacity from Table 310.16 by the following statutory derating factor:

4 to 6 Conductors

80% Rating

7 to 9 Conductors

70% Rating

10 to 20 Conductors

50% Rating

21 to 30 Conductors

45% Rating

Frequently Asked Questions: 1-1/2" EMT (Metallic Tubing)

What is the maximum number of #2 AWG THHN wires permitted in 1-1/2" EMT (Metallic Tubing)?

Under the National Electrical Code (NEC Chapter 9 Table 1), the maximum conduit fill for 3 or more conductors is 40%. In 1-1/2" EMT (Metallic Tubing) (usable area 0.814 sq in), you can legally pull up to 7 conductors of #2 AWG THHN (each wire area 0.1158 sq in), resulting in an actual fill of 39.8%.

Why does the NEC limit conduit fill to 40% for 3 or more wires?

The 40% fill limit prevents excessive physical pulling tension (which stretches and strips copper conductors) and ensures sufficient convective air space inside the raceway to dissipate Joule heat ($I^2R$), preventing insulation thermal breakdown.

What ampacity derating applies when pulling 7 conductors?

Per NEC Table 310.15(C)(1), when you have more than 3 current-carrying conductors in a single raceway, you must derate the conductor ampacity. For 7 conductors, the derating adjustment factor is 70% of the 90°C rating in Table 310.16.

What is the 1-wire and 2-wire limit for this conduit?

If pulling only 1 conductor (e.g. a large grounding electrode conductor or single service phase), the NEC permits 53% fill, allowing up to 9 wire(s). For 2 conductors, the NEC limits fill to 31% to prevent jamming, permitting up to 5 wire(s).