Umair Gaines
Electrical conduits are tubes used to protect electrical wiring in buildings and other structures. They are typically made from metal, plastic, fiber, or fired clay. The type of conduit used depends on the specific application and environment. For example, outdoor conduits need to be resistant to UV light and corrosion, while indoor conduits need to be flame retardant. Different materials offer varying levels of protection, flexibility, and cost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Metal, Plastic, Fiber, or Fired Clay |
| Type | Rigid or Flexible |
| Metal Types | Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC), Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC), Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT), Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC), Aluminum, Stainless Steel |
| Plastic Types | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing (ENT) |
| Fiber Types | Fiber Optics |
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What You'll Learn
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)
RMC is designed to protect wires and connectors in a variety of environments. It is commonly used in commercial and industrial construction and can also be used in outdoor applications and corrosive environments. RMC is made from materials that offer mechanical protection and corrosion resistance, such as coated steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. The tubing wall is thick enough to allow it to be threaded and provide the necessary physical protection.
In addition to galvanized steel, RMC can also be made from stainless steel, red brass, or aluminum. Aluminum RMC may have additional coatings applied to better resist corrosion. RMC is available in various trade sizes and lengths and can be cut, bent, and threaded on the job as needed. It is also available in different colours to differentiate critical systems.
When choosing an electrical conduit, it is important to consider the specific application requirements, such as mechanical protection, corrosion resistance, and cost. RMC is a popular option for many applications due to its strength and protective capabilities. However, it may not be the most cost-effective choice, especially when compared to lighter options like Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) or Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT).
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Galvanized Rigid Steel (GRC)
Electrical conduits are tubes used to protect and route electrical wiring in a building or structure. They are typically made from metal, plastic, fibre, or fired clay.
GRC is constructed from carbon steel pipe with a zinc coating applied through a hot-dip galvanization process. This coating provides a corrosion-resistant layer to the steel, improving its longevity. The interior surface of the conduit is also coated with zinc or an organic material, which ensures a smooth surface for easy wire pulling.
The diameter of GRC typically ranges from 1/2" to 6", and it is approved for both indoor and outdoor use. While GRC provides superior protection for electrical wires, its weight and handling difficulties make it expensive to install. Additionally, its conductivity can lead to fault conditions where the conduit and wire weld together.
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Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)
Electrical conduits are tubes used to protect and route electrical wiring in buildings and structures. They are typically made of metal, plastic, fibre, or fired clay.
IMC provides excellent protection for electrical wiring, shielding against EMI (electromagnetic interference) and reducing exposure to EMF (electromagnetic fields). It also serves as a reliable electrical path to the ground and is recognised as an equipment grounding conductor by the National Electrical Code (NEC).
In terms of installation, IMC is available in trade sizes ranging from 1/2 to 4 and 10' lengths. It can be purchased with either a straight-tapped or integral coupling, and it may be coated for corrosion resistance. IMC is interchangeable with galvanised RMC, sharing the same threads, couplings, fittings, and support requirements.
Overall, Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) offers a lightweight, cost-effective, and versatile option for electrical conduit installations, providing protection and functionality for electrical wiring in various applications.
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Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)
EMT is a lightweight solution that is easy to handle and install. Its bendability makes it a good choice for applications that require a more flexible design. EMT is also less expensive than other conduit options, such as rigid metal conduits (RMC).
EMT is available in trade sizes ranging from 1/2 to 4 and is typically 10 feet long, although 20-foot lengths are also available. It is installed using set-screw or compression-type couplings and connectors, and some manufacturers produce EMT in various colors for easy system identification.
EMT is covered by Article 358 of the US National Electrical Code (NEC), which outlines the sizing requirements for safety. It is important to choose the right conduit material for the specific application, considering factors such as mechanical protection, corrosion resistance, and cost.
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PVC Conduit
Electrical conduits are tubes used to protect and route electrical wiring in a building or structure. They are typically made of metal, plastic, fiber, or fired clay.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) conduit is a type of electrical conduit made from plastic. It is available in varying wall thicknesses and is threaded. PVC is lightweight and commonly used for applications requiring non-metal electrical conduit. It is also used for underground direct bury and directional drilling applications, as well as above-ground projects.
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Frequently asked questions
An electrical conduit is a tube used to protect electrical wiring in a building or structure.
Electrical conduits are available in a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, fiber, and fired clay.
The four types of conduit are rigid metallic conduits, flexible metallic conduits, electrical metallic tubing, and plastic conduits.
Rigid metallic conduits include rigid metal conduit (RMC), galvanized rigid conduit (GRC), and intermediate metal conduit (IMC). RMC is typically made of galvanized steel or aluminum, GRC is made from galvanized steel, and IMC is a steel conduit that is lighter than RMC.
Flexible metallic conduits include flexible metal conduit (FMC) and liquid-tight flexible metal conduit (LFMC). FMC is made of spiral-wound, interlocked steel or aluminum, while LFMC is a variant of FMC with an additional liquid-tight, non-metallic jacket.
