Otis Singleton
Electrical conduit pipes are tubes that protect electrical wiring in buildings or structures. They are made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, fibre, or fired clay. The type of material used depends on the specific performance needs of the application. Metal conduits, for example, are typically made from steel, aluminium, or stainless steel, while non-metallic conduits are usually made from plastic-based materials, with PVC being the most common. Conduit pipes can also be rigid or flexible, depending on the requirements of the installation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types | Rigid, Flexible |
| Materials | Metal, Plastic, Fiber, Fired Clay, Fiberglass, Low Smoke Zero Halogen |
| Metal Types | Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC), Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT), Galvanized Rigid Conduit (GRC), Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC), Aluminum |
| Non-Metal Types | PVC, Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing (ENT), HDPE |
| Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) Materials | Stainless Steel, Coated Steel, Aluminum, Galvanized Steel |
| Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) Materials | Coated Steel, Aluminum |
| Galvanized Rigid Conduit (GRC) Materials | Steel, PVC-Coated Rigid Metal |
| Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) Materials | Steel |
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What You'll Learn
Metallic electrical conduit pipes
Rigid metal conduits (RMC) are thick-walled threaded tubes, usually made of coated steel, stainless steel, or aluminium. They are designed to protect electrical cables and connectors from damage and electromagnetic interference. RMCs are commonly used in industrial and commercial applications and are known for their strength and durability. They are also available in galvanised steel, which offers superior corrosion resistance and protection from electromagnetic interference.
Electrical metallic tubing (EMT), sometimes referred to as thin-wall conduit, is a more economical and lightweight option compared to RMC. EMT is commonly made from coated steel or aluminium and is often used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. It is thinner-walled and more flexible than RMC, allowing it to be bent to shape using a special tool. EMT is also available in various colours for easy system identification.
Both RMC and EMT play a crucial role in protecting electrical installations and ensuring the safe routing of electrical wiring. They offer advantages such as strength, flexibility, and protection from electromagnetic interference, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
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Non-metallic electrical conduit pipes
Electrical conduits are tubes that house electrical wires for a variety of building or structural applications. They are used to protect wires and individuals who may come into close contact with them. While metallic conduits are made of materials like aluminium, steel, or stainless steel, non-metallic electrical conduit pipes are made of plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or HDPE.
Non-metallic conduit is mostly made of PVC conduit, which is popular because of its lightweight nature when compared with steel or metal conduit. PVC conduit is also favoured as it is typically lower in cost. PVC conduit requires PVC fittings, including outlet bodies. Most of the same types of fittings used with metal conduit are used with non-metal conduit. Other benefits of non-metallic conduit are moisture resistance, resistance to corrosive substances, and ease of installation.
Rigid PVC conduit can be watertight since the tubing and fittings are glued together. Therefore, this conduit is excellent for outdoor applications where electrical cables must be buried in the ground. It can also be used in various corrosive environments where code allows it.
Non-metallic conduit can also be made of HDPE, which offers excellent handling in low temperatures. It offers a wide temperature range of -60°F to +250°F, compared to PVC's range of just +40°F to +150°F. This makes HDPE a better choice for year-round installations.
Non-metallic conduit is available in various common trade sizes to accommodate different applications. It is suitable for use in domestic, commercial, and industrial buildings and structures. It can be used for fixture whips, data centres, electric signs and outdoor lighting, HVAC, pools and spas, and locations with exposure to moisture.
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Rigid electrical conduit pipes
Electrical conduits are tube-like structures that encase electrical wiring, protecting them from damage and exposure to environmental factors like moisture and chemicals. They are typically made of plastic or metal and can be rigid or flexible.
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) is a type of rigid electrical conduit that is constructed of heavyweight galvanized steel or aluminum. It has a thick wall designed to protect cables from electromagnetic interference that can harm sensitive equipment. RMC is one of the most heavy-duty types of conduits and is often used in industrial applications. It is also one of the more expensive options due to its strength and durability.
Galvanized Rigid Steel (GRC), a type of RMC, is commonly used in industrial and commercial applications. It has the thickest walls among electrical conduits and offers superior corrosion resistance. GRC is approved for both indoor and outdoor use and can be exposed, concealed, or buried.
Another type of rigid conduit is the Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC), which is slightly lighter than RMC and rated for outdoor exposure. It has thinner walls that can accommodate more wire fill but is more susceptible to kinking. IMC is available in smaller trade sizes and can be more cost-effective than RMC.
In addition to metal conduits, rigid electrical conduits can also be made of plastic, such as Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). PVC conduits are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to install, making them suitable for underground installations where moisture protection is essential. However, they are not recommended for use in direct sunlight due to poor UV stability.
Other materials used for rigid electrical conduits include fiberglass, which offers excellent electrical insulation, thermal resistance, and corrosion protection, and Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit (RTRC), which is lightweight and less costly than steel.
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Flexible electrical conduit pipes
Electrical conduits are tubes that house electrical wires and protect them from damage in exposed areas. They are typically made of plastic or metal and can be rigid or flexible. Flexible electrical conduit pipes are made from a variety of materials, including:
Plastic
Non-metallic tubing is a common material for flexible electrical conduit pipes. This type of tubing is often used inside walls, especially in standard metal-frame or wood walls. It can also be installed inside concrete block structures or covered with concrete. One type of non-metallic tubing is rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) conduit, which is similar to plastic plumbing pipe and can be glued together to create a watertight seal. However, PVC conduit is not recommended for use in direct sunlight due to poor UV stability.
Metal
Flexible metal conduits (FMCs) are made by coiling self-interlocked steel or aluminium strips to form a hollow tube for electrical cables. Metal conduits are often used in applications where protection from electromagnetic interference is required, such as in industrial and commercial buildings.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is another option for flexible electrical conduit pipes. It offers a wide temperature range of -60°F to 250°F, making it suitable for year-round installations.
Other Materials
Other materials used for flexible electrical conduit pipes include liquid-tight non-metallic conduits, which are designed for use in environments where moisture is an issue. Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is another option, made from coated steel or aluminium. EMT is a more economical and thinner-walled option that can be bent to shape using a special tool.
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Galvanized rigid conduit pipes
Electrical conduits are tubes that house electrical wires and protect them from damage in exposed areas. They also protect individuals who may come into close contact with the wires. Electrical conduits can be made of plastic or metal and can be rigid or flexible.
GRC is regarded by electricians for its superior corrosion resistance and protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI). It is also approved for both indoor and outdoor applications and can be exposed, concealed, or buried. The galvanization process involves coating the steel with zinc or a zinc-based coating to provide a galvanic corrosion layer that protects the steel from water or other chemicals.
GRC is commonly used in industrial and commercial buildings and has been an industry standard due to its impressive impact resistance, UV stability, and protection from EMI. However, its heavy weight and poor field handling make it expensive to install and susceptible to corrosion. Its conductivity also makes it prone to fault conditions where the conduit and wire may weld together.
The diameter of GRC pipes typically ranges from 1/2" to 6". When installing RMCs, it is important to ensure that the fittings use the same metal as the conduit to avoid issues with galvanic corrosion.
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Frequently asked questions
Electrical conduit pipes are made of metal, plastic, fiber, or fired clay.
RMCs are typically made of coated steel, stainless steel, or galvanized steel. They can also be made of aluminum, which may have additional coating to resist corrosion.
EMTs are typically made of coated steel or aluminum.
IMCs are made of steel. They are heavier than EMT but lighter than RMC.
Non-metallic conduits are typically made from plastic-based materials, with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) being the most widely used.
