Flexible Conduit Materials: What's Inside?

what is flexible electrical conduit made of

Flexible electrical conduit is a protective tube that safeguards electrical wires, cables, and conductors in enclosed areas with tight bends. It is made from durable and pliable materials, such as metal or plastic, that enable it to bend without damaging the wires inside. Flexible metal conduits (FMC) are typically made from coiled ribbed strips of steel or aluminium, while non-metallic conduits are often made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or thermoplastic rubber. These materials offer flexibility, durability, and protection from moisture, corrosion, impact, and chemicals.

Characteristics Values
Material Metal, fiber, or plastic
Metal type Steel, aluminum, or galvanized steel
Plastic type PVC, thermoplastic rubber, or ENT
Shape Hollow tube
Surface Corrugated, ribbed, or smooth
Installation Easy
Protection Moisture, corrosion, impact, chemicals, EMI, radiation, oil, heat, cold, UV rays, concrete, and fire
EMI shielding Natural
Use case Residential, industrial, and commercial applications

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Metal flexible electrical conduit

Flexible electrical conduit is a protective tube that safeguards electrical wiring in enclosed areas with hard turns, such as water heaters or lighting fixtures. It is typically made of a durable and pliable material, such as plastic or metal, that allows it to bend and flex without damaging the wires inside.

Metal flexible conduits are durable and designed to be strong, with high hardness and excellent impact resistance. They are also resistant to corrosion and fire. In addition, metal flexible conduits offer better performance than plastic conduits when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.

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Plastic flexible electrical conduit

Flexible electrical conduit is a protective conduit used for routing and protecting electrical wires, cables, and other types of conductors. It is made of a durable and pliable material that allows it to bend and flex without breaking or damaging the wires inside. Plastic, specifically PVC, is one of the materials used for flexible electrical conduits.

Properties of Plastic Flexible Electrical Conduit

Applications of Plastic Flexible Electrical Conduit

ENT conduits are suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications, including electrical, telephone, cable, HVAC, refrigeration, and landscape lighting. They are also suitable for areas that require protection from liquids, vapors, solids, and other elements, such as air conditioning and heating applications.

Comparison with Metal Flexible Electrical Conduit

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Liquid-tight flexible metal conduit

LFMC conduit is commonly used in outdoor installations, wet operating conditions, or burial underground. It is suitable for areas with irrigation systems, air conditioners, outdoor lighting, or other sources of moisture. LFMC conduit is also approved for use in hazardous locations, such as Class I Div. 2 Hazardous Locations, where exposed wiring may cause danger. The liquid-tight seal helps to protect against moisture and corrosion in these environments.

In terms of sizing, LFMC conduit typically ranges from 3/8" to 4" in diameter. It offers flexibility in installations that require tight bends in confined spaces, where rigid conduit would not fit. LFMC conduit is lightweight and durable, making it easy to install and transport. It is often used in residential, industrial, and commercial applications to protect electrical wiring in enclosed areas with hard turns, such as in water heaters or lighting fixtures.

LFMC conduit provides an effective shield against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and helps to protect electrical wiring systems from exposure, wear, and corrosion. It also enhances safety by shielding people from injury, equipment damage, and electric shock. The UL listing ensures that the conduit meets the required standards for liquid-tight flexible metal conduits.

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Liquidtight flexible non-metallic conduit

LFNC has two varieties: Type A and Type B. Type A LFNC consists of two layers of flexible PVC that sandwich a layer of continuous nylon knit cord. This type of LFNC provides excellent flexibility and is often used in applications where rigid conduit is impractical or difficult to use. Type B LFNC, on the other hand, is a continuous coil of PVC encased inside flexible PVC material. This type of LFNC is known for its durability and resistance to oil, heat, and chemical breakdowns.

LFNC is commonly used in outdoor and underground installations where it is exposed to moisture or water, such as irrigation systems, air conditioners, or outdoor lighting. It is also approved for use in hazardous locations where exposed wiring may cause danger. The UL-listed liquid-tight conduit provides protection against moisture and corrosion, making it suitable for use in Class I Div. 2 Hazardous Locations.

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Flexible metallic tubing

FMC or FMT is typically made by coiling or winding a strip of metal, usually steel or aluminium, into a hollow tube. This construction method gives the tubing its flexibility, allowing it to bend and flex without damaging the wires inside. The metal composition of FMC offers several advantages over non-metallic conduits. Firstly, it provides strength and durability, with high hardness and excellent impact resistance. Secondly, it offers superior protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI), making it ideal for sensitive circuits. Additionally, metallic conduits are resistant to sunlight exposure, ensuring a longer lifespan compared to non-metallic alternatives.

FMC is commonly used in both residential and commercial settings. In residential settings, it is often used for wiring appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, heaters, and air conditioners. In commercial and industrial applications, FMC can be found in buildings, electric motor connections, elevators, escalators, and chair lifts.

Frequently asked questions

Flexible electrical conduit can be made of metal, fiber, or plastic. Metal conduits are made from a helically wound strip of metal, usually galvanized steel or aluminum, and are used to protect sensitive circuits against electromagnetic interference (EMI). Plastic conduits, also known as ENT, are made from PVC and offer excellent insulation, fire resistance, and corrosion resistance.

There are two main types of flexible electrical conduit: liquid-tight and non-liquid-tight. Liquid-tight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) is made of metal, usually steel or aluminum, and has a polymer coating to provide a liquid-tight seal. Liquidtight Flexible Non-Metallic Conduit (LNFC or LFNC) is made from flexible PVC and rigid PVC, offering superior protection against water.

Flexible electrical conduit is lightweight and durable, and its flexibility makes it easy to install in tight or complex spaces. It also protects electrical wiring from moisture, corrosion, impact, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.

Flexible electrical conduit is used in residential, industrial, and commercial applications. It is commonly used for outdoor equipment such as air conditioning units, irrigation systems, and lighting fixtures. It can also be used for indoor wiring in buildings, electric motor connections, elevators, and escalators.

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