Wiktor Wise
In electrical terms, a nipple is a short piece of pipe that connects two fittings. It is typically made of aluminium or steel and is used to protect electrical wiring from moisture and pressure. Nipples are a subset of the term raceways and are usually no longer than 24 inches. They are often used in conjunction with electrical conduit pipes, which are tubes that route and protect electrical wiring. The use of nipples in electrical work is a highly debated topic among professionals, with some arguing for their removal from terminology and others discussing the rules and calculations surrounding their use.
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Electrical conduit nipples
An electrical conduit is a tube that routes and protects electrical wiring in a building or machine. Electrical conduit nipples fit on each end of a male pipe, maintaining the form of the wiring within. Conduit nipples are typically made of aluminium or steel, owing to the longevity and strength of these materials.
There are four types of electrical conduits: rigid metal conduits (RMC), galvanized rigid conduits (GRC), intermediate metal conduits (IMC), and electrical metallic tubing (EMT). Rigid metal conduits are tubes with thick walls made of stainless steel or aluminium. Galvanized rigid conduits are made of galvanized steel tubing with thick walls. Intermediate metal conduits are made of heavy steel tubing, and electrical metallic tubing is made of thinner steel walls. Electrical metallic tubing is the most commonly used conduit type. While EMT is not threaded, the nipples fitted to it can be.
Conduit nipples can be used to join lengths of rigid metal conduit. They are available in various materials and sizes, with custom options also available for specific requirements. For instance, nipples longer than 12 inches or with special threading requirements can be custom-made.
Conduit nipples are an important component of electrical conduit systems, facilitating connections and maintaining the integrity of wiring installations.
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$8.45
Nipple length
In electrical terms, a nipple is a subset of the general term "raceways". It is a type of electrical conduit, which is a tube that routes and protects electrical wiring. Nipples fit on each end of a male pipe, maintaining the form of the wiring within. They are typically made of aluminium or steel due to the longevity and strength of these materials.
There are differing opinions on the exact definition of a nipple. Some sources state that a nipple is simply a raceway of a certain length, and that bends or shape do not matter. However, others argue that the bushing should not be considered when measuring the length, and that a nipple is a fitting rather than a raceway.
The length of a nipple is an important factor. Nipples with a maximum length of 600mm (24 inches) are permitted to be filled to 60% of their total cross-sectional area. This length is also significant because nipples of 24 inches or less are considered to be unsupported. This means that they do not require additional supports, unlike longer raceways which generally need support within 3 feet of terminations.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) does not provide a definition for "nipple". However, it is worth noting that some electricians have suggested replacing the term "nipple" with "raceway of a certain length" to provide clarity.
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Types of conduits
An electrical conduit is a tube that houses and protects electrical wiring within a building or structure. It is an integral part of modern construction, used in everything from data centres to underground transit systems.
Conduits can be metallic or non-metallic, with various types available in each category. Some of the key considerations for choosing an electrical conduit type include weight, corrosion resistance, cable fault resistance, fire resistance, cost, and availability.
- Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC): RMC is constructed of either aluminum or galvanized steel and has a thick wall. It is one of the most heavy-duty types of conduits, used in many industrial applications. While it is costly, it offers superior strength and protection.
- Galvanized Rigid Conduit (GRC): With the thickest walls of all electrical conduits, GRC is the heaviest type. It offers excellent corrosion resistance and protects wiring from electromagnetic interference (EMI).
- Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC): IMC is a type of rigid conduit rated for outdoor exposure. It offers similar protection to RMC but at a more economical price point.
- Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT): EMT is a more economical and thinner-walled option than other conduits. It is made from coated steel or aluminum and can be bent to shape using a special tool to fit around obstructions. EMT is commonly used in commercial and industrial settings due to its high resistance to corrosion.
- Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC): FMC is bendable and easy for workers to manipulate, making it ideal for tight areas. It is made from interlocked metal bands, which offer good protection. However, FMC is susceptible to moisture if not properly prepared, and installers should be cautious of the sharp edges of the bands.
- Liquid-Tight Flexible Metal Conduit: This type of conduit combines the flexibility of FMC with a watertight PVC jacket, making it suitable for wet environments.
- Electrical Non-Metallic Tubing (ENT): ENT is thin-walled and corrugated, offering extreme flexibility. It is flame retardant but not fire-rated and is commonly used inside walls or within concrete blocks. ENT is less expensive than metallic tubing but still capable of protecting wires and cables from abrasions.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Conduit: PVC is the most popular type of non-metallic conduit. It is lightweight and has several advantages, including being low cost, easy to work with, and offering good protection against abrasion and light damage. However, it is not recommended for use in areas with direct sunlight exposure as it can break down over time.
- Fiberglass Conduit: Fiberglass conduit is an option where corrosion is a threat, including in wastewater treatment facilities, chemical plants, and power plants. It offers a low coefficient of friction, lack of burn-through, and fault resistance.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Conduit: HDPE conduit is a general-purpose conduit used in residential, commercial, and industrial projects. It is durable, abrasion-resistant, impact-resistant, chemical-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and flexible. However, it struggles in high-heat situations and where direct sunlight is an issue.
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Nipple wrench
In electrical terms, a nipple is a fitting for electrical conduits, which are tubes that route and protect electrical wiring. They are typically made of aluminium or steel.
A nipple wrench, on the other hand, is a tool used to install and remove nipples (not electrical ones) on muzzleloaders and revolvers. The Muzzle-Loaders Deluxe Nipple Wrench, for example, has a slotted wrench design that fits around the breech plug and nipple. It is made of hardened steel and includes an end cap that houses a universal nipple pick for cleaning the inside of the nipple.
Other nipple wrenches include the Traditions Universal In-Line Nipple Wrench, which fits standard #11 nipples, and the CVA Rifle & Pistol Nipple Wrench, which works on most sidelock muzzleloaders. There is also the Muzzleloader Deluxe Black Powder Nipple Wrench, which is suitable for a variety of muzzleloading rifles and single-shot pistols.
It is important to note that some nipple wrenches may not fit certain types of revolvers or nipples, so it is essential to check compatibility before purchasing.
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Hex nipple
In plumbing and piping, a nipple is a fitting that consists of a short piece of pipe, usually with a male pipe thread at each end, for connecting two other fittings. One type of nipple is a hex nipple.
A hex nipple has a hexagonal section in the centre for a wrench to grasp. It is threaded with male threads on both ends and is used as a connector between pipes with female threads at the end. The hex ridges around the hex nipple allow it to be held in place using a wrench or another gripping tool. This makes it convenient to tighten as needed.
In the context of electrical work, hex nipples can be used with electrical conduit pipes. An electrical conduit is a tube that routes and protects electrical wiring. The nipples fit on each end of a male pipe while maintaining the form of the wiring within. Electrical conduits protect electrical wiring from moisture and pressure, and the metal allows the wiring to remain safe and in the same form.
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Frequently asked questions
In electrical terms, a nipple is a short section of conduit between fittings, between fittings and enclosures, or between enclosures. Nipples are usually provided with a male pipe thread at each end for connecting two other fittings. They are used to protect electrical wiring from moisture and pressure.
Electrical conduit nipples are typically made of aluminum or steel due to the long lifespan and strength of the materials.
The maximum length of an electrical conduit nipple is usually 600 mm or 24 inches. Some sources state that anything over this length is considered a section of pipe rather than a nipple.
