Short answer: Each raceway type has its own article, and the articles follow a similar numbering pattern. Rigid metal conduit is Article 344, rigid PVC conduit is Article 352, and electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is Article 358. RMC is fastened within 3 feet of each termination and supported at intervals of not more than 10 feet (NEC 344.30), with no more than 360 degrees of bends between pull points (NEC 344.24(B)). PVC is not used where the ambient is over 50°C unless listed for it (NEC 352.12(D)), and the length change of a PVC run with temperature is figured from Table 352.44. Learn the numbering pattern once and the matching section in the other two articles is easier to find.
PSI lists raceways in the Wiring Methods and Materials subject area of the Texas Journeyman exam: 10 scored NEC Knowledge questions and 2 scored Calculations questions. PSI does not say how many cover these three raceway types alone. The Texas Journeyman Practice Pack has 1,000 original questions and 10 timed mock exams in the real two-part format, with step-by-step solutions for every calculation. Try free practice questions without signing up. Get the full pack for US$39 with one payment.
Tsai Electro is an independent learning site. Not affiliated with TDLR, PSI or NFPA. We explain the ideas in our own words and do not reproduce NEC text. Check every rule and table value in your own 2026 NEC, and follow your supervisor and the local inspector.
Same layout, three articles
The raceway articles in Chapter 3 share a numbering pattern, so the same ending often points to the same topic:
| Topic | Sections that match |
|---|---|
| Bends | 344.24 and 352.24 |
| Securing and supporting | 344.30 and 358.30 |
| Couplings and connectors | 344.42 and 358.42 |
If you know where a rule sits in Article 344, try the same ending in 352 or 358 first, then confirm the topic heading in your own NEC. The pattern holds for many sections, but not all.
RMC, Article 344
- Fastening. Within 3 feet of each outlet box, junction box, cabinet or other termination (NEC 344.30(A)(1)).
- Supports. At intervals of not more than 10 feet (NEC 344.30(B)(1)). Longer spans are allowed only under Table 344.30(B), with threaded couplings and the other conditions listed there.
- Bends. No more than 360 degrees in total between pull points (NEC 344.24(B)). A run with a 90, a 45 and a 30 has used 165 degrees, so 195 degrees remain: room for two more 90-degree bends.
- Running threads. Not used at couplings (NEC 344.42(B)).
PVC, Article 352
- Heat. Not used where the ambient temperature is over 50°C (122°F), unless listed for higher temperatures (NEC 352.12(D)).
- Field bends. Made only with bending equipment identified for the purpose (NEC 352.24(A)).
- Expansion. PVC grows and shrinks with temperature far more than steel. Table 352.44 gives the length change for a temperature change.
Worked example: PVC expansion. A 200-foot straight run of PVC outdoors sees an 80°F temperature change. Table 352.44 shows 4.06 inches per 100 feet for a 100°F change, so for 80°F it shows 3.24 inches per 100 feet.
- Length change per 100 feet: 3.24 in.
- For 200 feet: 3.24 × 2 = 6.48 in.
- The total movement to allow for is 6.48 inches. Between securely mounted points, the expansion fittings together must have enough travel for that movement. Choose the number, location and setting of the fittings by their listing and the manufacturer’s instructions.
EMT, Article 358
- Minimum size. Trade size 1/2, with an exception for trade size 3/8 where it encloses motor leads as the motor rules allow (NEC 358.20(A)).
- Reaming. Cut ends are finished to remove rough edges (NEC 358.28(A)).
- Securing and supporting. Fastened near each termination and supported at set intervals (NEC 358.30(A)). Compare the distances with the RMC rule in your NEC.
- Couplings and connectors. Made up tight (NEC 358.42).
Check yourself
- A run of RMC has three 90-degree bends. How many more degrees are allowed before a pull point? 90 degrees.
- PVC will be installed in a space where the ambient reaches 60°C. Can standard PVC be used? No. The limit is 50°C unless the PVC is listed otherwise.
- A 100-foot PVC run sees a 100°F change. What length change do you plan for? 4.06 inches.
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Find the raceway articles faster on exam day
NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2026 Edition (softcover). Mark the bends, supports and couplings sections in Articles 344, 352 and 358 in the same colors, so the layout jumps out when you flip between them. The Texas exam is open book. PSI allows a soft-bound NEC with highlighting, underlining and notes made in advance. Loose-leaf, spiral-bound and ring-bound copies are not allowed, and only permanent index tabs made or supplied by the NEC publisher are permitted; homemade and third-party tabs are not.
FAQ
How often must rigid metal conduit be supported?
Within 3 feet of each termination and at intervals of not more than 10 feet, with longer spans only under Table 344.30(B).
How many bends are allowed between pull points?
Not more than 360 degrees in total.
When does PVC need an expansion fitting?
352.44 calls for expansion fittings when the expected length change between securely mounted points reaches a threshold set in that section. Figure the change from Table 352.44, for example 4.06 inches per 100 feet for a 100°F temperature change, then compare it with the threshold in your 2026 NEC.
What is the smallest EMT size?
Trade size 1/2, except trade size 3/8 where it encloses motor leads as the motor rules allow.
Are raceways on the Texas Journeyman exam?
PSI lists raceways in Wiring Methods and Materials: 10 scored NEC Knowledge questions and 2 scored Calculations questions.
Sources checked October 2026
- PSI Candidate Information Bulletin, Texas electrician examinations (updated September 15, 2026): https://test-takers.psiexams.com/api/content/bulletin/1682
- NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2026 Edition, Articles 344, 352 and 358, and Table 352.44
