Beatrice Lang
Electrical conduits are essential for wiring and are used to house and protect electrical wires within a building or structure. They are commonly used in exposed locations such as exterior wall surfaces, crawl spaces, attics, basements, and the outdoors. There are several types of electrical conduits available, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. The type of conduit used depends on various factors such as the installation environment, strength required, heat, moisture, and cost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To house and protect electrical wires within a building or structure |
| Types | Metallic, Non-metallic, Rigid, Flexible |
| Rigid Types | Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC), Galvanized Rigid Conduit (GRC), Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) |
| Flexible Types | Electrical Non-metallic Tubing (ENT), Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT), Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC), Liquid-Tight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC) |
| Other Considerations | Weight, Corrosion Resistance, Cable Fault Resistance, Fire Resistance, Cost, Availability |
| Applications | Data centers, utilities, underground transit systems, bridges, industrial, commercial, and residential buildings |
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What You'll Learn
Rigid vs flexible
Electrical conduit is a raceway used to house and protect electrical wires within a building or structure. Conduits can be either rigid or flexible, and the choice between the two depends on the conditions of the installation environment.
Rigid conduits are typically used in outdoor settings to provide solid protection from damage caused by the elements or mechanical impacts. They can also provide structural support for electrical cables, panels, and other equipment. They are constructed from heavy-duty galvanized steel tubing installed with threaded fittings, which can also serve as a grounding material. Rigid conduits are often coated with PVC to increase protection in corrosive environments. They are also used in hazardous environments to protect from fire and explosion hazards. Rigid conduits have thick walls, making them one of the most heavy-duty types of conduit. However, they are also one of the more costly options.
Flexible conduits, on the other hand, are used in installations where there is a need for flexibility to make connections and where the installation may be subjected to shock and vibration. They are made from interlocked metal bands, providing good protection and the ability to bend and fit in tight spaces. Flexible conduits are also easier to weave through or around obstacles. Liquid-tight flexible metallic conduits (LFMC) are designed to be used in wet environments, with a watertight PVC jacket that makes them more rigid than standard flexible metallic conduits (FMC). Flexible conduits are generally lighter and more cost-efficient than rigid conduits.
Both rigid and flexible conduit systems carry ingress ratings that meet various standards, ensuring protection from dust, liquid, rain, and temporary submersions. Rigid conduits have very high-temperature ratings, while flexible conduits now offer dedicated high-temperature solutions as well.
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Metallic vs non-metallic
Electrical conduit is a raceway used to house and protect electrical wires within a building or structure. It is an integral part of modern construction, used in data centres, utilities, underground transit systems, and bridges. Conduits can be metallic or non-metallic, with various types falling under each category.
Metallic Conduit
Metallic conduits are made of metal, usually aluminium or steel, and sometimes stainless steel, bronze, or brass. They are strong, durable, and ideal for applications requiring mechanical protection for wiring. Metallic conduits are also fireproof and can transport electric power safely to the source. They are perfect for withstanding harsh conditions like extreme heat and cold, making them ideal for industrial applications like protecting wiring on railway lines. Metallic conduits are easy to machine or fabricate, making them suitable for custom sizes or shapes. They are also recyclable, offering a more sustainable option. However, they are more expensive than non-metallic conduits and are subject to corrosion.
Non-Metallic Conduit
Non-metallic conduits are made of plastic, such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), HDPE, polyamide, polypropylene, or polyurethane. They are excellent for installing in tight spaces and are commonly used inside walls or concrete blocks. Non-metallic conduits are less expensive, lighter, and easier to install than metallic conduits. They are also more readily available and can be more flexible. Non-metallic conduits can withstand wear and corrosion better than metallic conduits, but they are not rated for high or low-temperature extremes. They cannot be used in hazardous areas where the ambient temperature exceeds 50°C (122°F) or in plenum environments due to their flammability.
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$61.23
Galvanized rigid conduit
Electrical conduit is a raceway used to house and protect electrical wires within a building or structure. It is an integral part of modern construction, from data centres to underground subways. There are several types of electrical conduit, which can be metallic or non-metallic, rigid or flexible, and they offer varying degrees of protection.
The strength and durability of GRC come at a cost, as it is one of the more expensive options. It is available in a range of sizes and colours, with trade sizes from 1/2 to 6 and lengths of 10'. The price per foot varies depending on the size, ranging from $3.80 to $68.29.
GRC provides outstanding protection for electrical wiring and, in specific installations, it can also serve as a grounding material. It is a strong and durable option for electrical conduit, offering the highest level of protection for electrical wiring due to its thick walls and corrosion resistance.
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Electrical metallic tubing
Electrical conduit is a type of housing used to protect electrical wires within a building or structure. Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is a type of electrical conduit that is made from coated steel or aluminium. EMT is a more economical and thinner-walled option compared to other conduits. It is also flexible and can be bent with a special conduit bender tool to accommodate various electrical applications.
EMT is well-suited for commercial and residential low-voltage installations, including wiring and controls. It is also commonly used in standard applications such as in commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and data centres. EMT offers corrosion protection through a hot-dip galvanization process. Its bendability means that workers can use hand tools to manoeuvre it into tight spaces.
One drawback of EMT is that workers need fittings and couplings, such as compression fittings and set screws, to connect pieces together. Additionally, EMT does not offer much impact resistance, so it is better suited for aerial or vertical applications attached to a structure.
When installing EMT, it is important to measure the installation area to determine the angle and length of the conduit needed. The deduct length, or take-up, which is the amount of extra length lost in the bend, should also be calculated. This length will depend on the conduit's diameter, but many conduit benders have guide marks to assist with this calculation. After determining the correct deduct length, mark where the bend should be and make any necessary cuts. Use a conduit reamer or a similar tool to remove any burrs at the end of the conduit.
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Electrical non-metallic tubing
One of the key advantages of ENT is its extreme flexibility. It can be field bent by hand without requiring any special tools or the application of heat. ENT is available in PVC in trade sizes up to 2 inches. Its support spacing is limited to 3 feet and within 3 feet of terminations.
As with all electrical conduits, the size and type of ENT are key aspects to consider when choosing which conduit to use for a project. However, there are many other characteristics to take into account, such as the ability to allow for cables to be easily pulled to areas that may be inaccessible in the future and the ability to be unaffected by any pulling lubricants with limited or no burn-through.
When selecting an electrical conduit, it is also important to consider the installation environment. Environments that are wet, highly corrosive, or hazardous often require specialty conduits. ENT is not suitable for use in areas with direct sunlight exposure, as sunlight can break down the material over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Electrical conduits are an essential part of modern construction, used to house and protect electrical wires. They can be metallic or non-metallic, rigid or flexible, and are chosen based on the specific requirements of the installation environment.
Rigid metallic conduits include:
- Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC): Thick-walled tubing made of stainless steel, coated steel, or aluminum. It offers excellent protection against impacts and severe damage.
- Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC): A more economical option with a galvanized wall, suitable for outdoor exposure.
- Galvanized Rigid Conduit (GRC): The thickest and heaviest option, offering the most protection.
Flexible metallic conduits include:
- Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT): Thin-walled, bendable, and made from galvanized steel or aluminum. It is more economical and offers corrosion protection.
- Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC): Made from interlocked metal bands, offering good protection and flexibility in tight spaces.
- Liquid-Tight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC): A special type with sealed fittings and a plastic coating, making it watertight and corrosion-resistant for use in wet areas.
Non-metallic conduits include:
- Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing (ENT): Thin-walled, corrugated, flame-retardant, and commonly made from PVC. It is used indoors, inside walls, floors, or concrete blocks.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Conduit: The most popular non-metallic conduit, known for its durability, flexibility, and low cost. However, it is not recommended for areas with direct sunlight exposure.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Conduit: A versatile option used for housing cables, pushing water and gas, or marine applications. It is impact-resistant, flexible, and smooth, making cable pulling easier.
