Beatrice Lang
Electrical conductors are materials that allow electricity to flow through them easily. Metals are common electrical conductors due to their high electron mobility, with silver, copper, and gold being some of the best metal conductors. Other materials, such as graphite, electrolytes, superconductors, semiconductors, and some non-metallic conductors, also have high conductivity. Electrical conduits, on the other hand, are protective coverings for electrical conductors. They are installed by electricians to protect enclosed conductors from impact, moisture, and chemical vapors. Conduits can be made from various materials, including metal, PVC, and fiberglass, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Flexible conduits are also available for specific applications.
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What You'll Learn
Electrical conductors are materials that carry electrical currents
The shape and size of a conductor affect its ability to conduct electricity. A thick piece of material will conduct better than a thin piece of the same size and length. Similarly, a shorter piece of material will conduct better than a longer one, as it has less resistance. Temperature also plays a significant role in the efficacy of conductors. As the temperature increases, atoms and their electrons gain energy, which can improve conductivity. However, extremely low temperatures can induce superconductivity in some materials, making them excellent conductors.
Conduits are electrical tubing used to protect electrical wiring. They are made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and fibre. Metal conduits can also serve as bonding conductors for grounding (earthing). However, the circuit length is limited due to potential increases in electrical resistance. Flexible metallic conduits (FMC) are used in dry areas where it is impractical to install non-flexible conduits. PVC conduits are lightweight and low-cost, but they require an extra bonding conductor to be pulled into each conduit due to their non-conductive properties.
Rigid electrical conduits, such as RTRC conduits made from fibreglass, offer excellent electrical insulation, thermal resistance, and corrosion protection. They are ideal for applications requiring non-conductive and high-strength materials. Electrical rigid metal conduits (ERMC) are designed for the physical protection and routing of wire conductors and can also function as equipment grounding conductors when installed with appropriate fittings.
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Electrical conduit tubing protects electrical wiring
Electrical conduit tubing is a type of electrical tubing used for protection of electrical wiring & made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and fibre. Electrical conduit tubing is designed to provide physical protection and routing of wire conductors, as well as to function as an equipment grounding conductor when used with the appropriate fittings.
There are several types of electrical conduit tubing available, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. For example, Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) is a threaded raceway with a circular cross-section, typically made of steel, stainless steel, or red brass. RMC is designed to protect and route conductors and cables, and it can also serve as a grounding conductor when installed with the proper couplings. Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT), on the other hand, is an unthreaded thin-wall raceway that provides protection and routing for conductors and cables. EMT is commonly made of aluminium or stainless steel and is often used in applications where metallic strength is required to protect conductors.
Another type of electrical conduit tubing is the Rigid Non-Metallic Conduit (RNC), which is a non-metallic, unthreaded, smooth-walled tubing. RNC is available in materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and fiberglass. PVC conduit is known for its lightweight and cost-effectiveness, while also providing resistance to moisture and corrosion. Fiberglass conduit, such as RTRC, offers excellent electrical insulation, thermal resistance, and corrosion protection, making it ideal for applications requiring non-conductive and high-strength materials.
Flexible Metallic Conduit (FMC), also known as greenfield or flex, is a flexible option that is made by coiling a self-interlocked ribbed strip of aluminium or steel. FMC is used in dry areas where flexibility is required, and it can also serve as a grounding conductor when specific provisions are met. Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing (ENT) is another flexible option, with thin walls that are corrugated to provide moisture resistance and flame retardancy. ENT can be easily bent by hand, making it useful for connecting to devices where vibration isolation is necessary.
Overall, electrical conduit tubing plays a crucial role in protecting electrical wiring and ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of electrical systems. By selecting the appropriate type of conduit tubing based on its material, flexibility, and other characteristics, installers can ensure the protection and proper routing of conductors and cables in a variety of applications.
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Metal conduits can be used for grounding
In physics and electrical engineering, a conductor is a substance or material that facilitates the flow of electric charge or current. Materials made of metal are common electrical conductors due to their high electron mobility.
Conduits, on the other hand, are tubes or raceways designed to protect and route conductors and cables. They can be made of various materials, including metal and non-metallic options like PVC and fiberglass. Metal conduits, such as those made of steel, stainless steel, or aluminium, are recognised as equipment grounding conductors (EGCs) by the National Electrical Code. This means that metal conduits can be used for grounding under certain conditions.
For example, Flexible Metallic Conduit (FMC) can be used as an equipment grounding conductor if specific conditions regarding trade size and length are met, depending on the amperage of the circuits within. Similarly, Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) can function as an equipment grounding conductor when used with the proper couplings and fittings. Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT), another type of metal conduit, can also serve as an equipment grounding conductor when installed with appropriate fittings.
However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of metal conduits in providing adequate grounding depends on proper installation. While metal conduits can provide a grounding path, the presence of plastic or non-metallic sections within the conduit can disrupt this path. Additionally, the length of the conduit run and the presence of proper overcurrent protection are factors that determine the safe operation of the grounding system.
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Flexible conduits are used for vibration isolation
An electrical conductor is a material that carries or conducts electrical currents well. Materials made of metal are common electrical conductors due to their delocalized sea of electrons, which allows for the transfer of momentum. The most effective electrical conductors include metals, electrolytes, superconductors, semiconductors, plasmas, and some nonmetallic conductors such as graphite and conductive polymers. The best electrical conductor under standard conditions is the metallic element silver.
An electrical conduit, on the other hand, is a pathway or tube that protects and routes electrical wiring. There are various types of conduits, including flexible metallic conduits (FMC) and non-metallic conduits. Flexible conduits are used for vibration isolation in applications where there is constant movement or bending, such as connecting to motors or other vibrating machinery.
Flexible conduits are particularly useful for vibration isolation as they can absorb and dampen vibrations, preventing them from being transmitted to the connected equipment. This helps to reduce wear and tear on the equipment and can also improve the overall performance of the system. By using flexible conduits, maintenance costs can be lowered, and the lifespan of the equipment can be extended.
In addition, flexible conduits can provide strain relief and compensate for misalignment during installation or operation. They are often used in dynamic applications where there is movement or vibration present, such as in robotics or machinery with moving parts. The flexibility of the conduit allows for easy routing and installation, making it a practical choice for applications requiring vibration isolation.
Furthermore, flexible conduits can be made from materials that have vibration-damping properties, further enhancing their effectiveness in isolating vibrations. For example, the PA12 and PA12-D conduits offered by AerosUSA are highly flexible and suitable for applications with constant vibration and movement. Similarly, the Crayflex® UL Flexible Air Duct Vibration Isolation Connector is designed to isolate vibrations in ductwork systems.
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Rigid conduits are made from materials like PVC, RMC, and RTRC
An electrical conductor is a material that allows the flow of electric charge or current. Metals are the most common electrical conductors due to their delocalized electrons, which enable momentum transfer. Other conductors include electrolytes, superconductors, semiconductors, plasmas, and some nonmetallic conductors like graphite and conductive polymers.
Electrical conduits, on the other hand, are tubes or pipes designed to protect and route conductors and cables. They are available in various materials, including metal and non-metal variants, each with unique advantages and suited to specific environments and project requirements.
Rigid conduits are a type of electrical conduit that offers durability and strength. They are made from materials like PVC, RMC, and RTRC, each with distinct characteristics:
Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) conduit is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant plastic material. It is ideal for environments requiring moisture protection, such as underground installations. PVC conduit is crafted from polyvinyl chloride, which offers exceptional resistance to moisture, chemicals, and environmental factors. It is also cost-effective and easy to install.
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) is a threaded raceway with a circular cross-section, typically made from galvanized steel. RMC provides superior protection against physical impact and corrosion. It is the heaviest among rigid conduits and offers the highest level of mechanical protection. RMC can also serve as an equipment grounding conductor when used with proper couplings and fittings.
Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit (RTRC) is made from fiberglass, offering excellent electrical insulation, thermal resistance, and corrosion protection. RTRC is lightweight yet rigid and is ideal for applications requiring non-conductive and high-strength materials. It is created by tension-winding fiberglass strands over a rotating mandrel, impregnating them with resin, and curing them under high temperatures.
These rigid conduits, made from PVC, RMC, and RTRC, are essential components in modern electrical systems, providing safety, efficiency, and compliance across a range of installations.
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Frequently asked questions
An electrical conductor is a material that allows the flow of electric current. Metals are common electrical conductors due to their delocalized sea of electrons, which allows for momentum transfer. Other electrical conductors include electrolytes, superconductors, semiconductors, plasmas, and non-metallic conductors like graphite.
An electrical conduit is a rigid or flexible tubing that houses and protects electrical wires within a building or structure. Conduits can be made of metal or non-metallic materials, providing varying degrees of protection from impact, corrosion, gases, and electromagnetic interference. Metal conduits, for example, can shield circuits from electromagnetic interference.
There are several types of electrical conduits, including Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC), Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC), Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT), and flexible metal conduit. The choice of conduit depends on factors such as cost, weight, corrosion resistance, and the level of protection required.
Electrical conduits serve multiple purposes. They protect electrical wires from physical damage, provide a safe ground path for electricity, and prevent contact between wires and flammable or conductive materials. Conduits also ensure an armored route for electrical wiring and cable connections, enhancing safety and preventing electrical hazards such as fires.
