Code Change Summary: New code section addressing the use of Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) exposed to “physical damage”.

According to Section 358.10(A), EMT is permitted for use in concrete, in direct contact with the earth, in dry, damp, and wet locations, and in any hazardous (classified) location as permitted by other articles in the NEC^®.

Section 358.12 does not permit the use of EMT where subject to “severe physical damage” but is silent on “physical damage”.

The NEC^® does not define the terms but leaves it up to the authority having jurisdiction to determine what is considered “physical damage” or “severe physical damage”.

In the 2020 NEC^®, new Section 358.10(E) was added to provide positive language permitting steel and stainless steel EMT where subject only to physical damage.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2020 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.