Umair Gaines
Electrical conduit is a metal or plastic pipe that protects electrical wiring. It is used to prevent fires caused by electrical wiring and for aesthetic reasons. Conduit pipes can be used indoors or outdoors and are made from a variety of materials, including PVC plastic, galvanized steel, aluminium, copper, or stainless steel. Electrical conduits can be rigid or flexible, and they vary in terms of thickness, weight, and resistance to corrosion. They are designed to prevent contact between electrical wires and flammable or conductive materials, ensuring a safe ground path for electricity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Rigid or flexible tubing that protects electrical wiring |
| Types | Metal and non-metal; seven common types |
| Materials | PVC, polyethylene, polystyrene plastics, galvanized steel, stainless steel, coated steel, aluminum, copper |
| Use cases | Indoor, outdoor, exposed locations, unfinished areas, surface-mounted installations, underground installations |
| Benefits | Protection from fire and explosion hazards, lightweight, low cost, easy installation, corrosion resistance, electromagnetic interference shielding, aesthetic appeal |
| Installation | Glued or welded connections, slip-on solvent-welded connections, screwed connectors, compression-type fasteners, set screws, grounding bushings |
| Safety | Meets or exceeds safety requirements, prevents contact between electrical wires and flammable materials, ensures safe ground path |
| Maintenance | Easy to upgrade electrical system by pulling new wires through existing conduit |
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What You'll Learn
Electrical conduit protects electrical wiring
Conduit can be rigid or flexible, and made from metal or plastic. Metal conduits can be made from stainless steel, coated steel, aluminium, copper, or galvanized steel. Metal conduits can protect sensitive circuits from electromagnetic interference, and they can also prevent the emission of such interference from enclosed power cables. Rigid metal conduits (RMCs) have thick walls to protect cables from electromagnetic interference, and they are excellent for protecting against impacts and severe damage.
Plastic conduits can be made from PVC, polyethylene, polystyrene, or polyvinyl chloride. Plastic conduits are lightweight, reducing installation labour costs, and they resist corrosion. They are also usually lower in cost than metal conduits. Liquid-tight flexible metal conduits (LFMCs) are a type of flexible metal conduit with sealed fittings and a plastic coating to make them watertight and corrosion-resistant. They can be used in wet areas, unlike flexible metal conduits (FMCs), which are only suitable for dry locations.
Conduit pipes are used to protect homes and businesses from electric fires, and they can also be used for aesthetic reasons. Conduits can also be used to safely run different wires through the same pipe, which is important when dealing with large, heavy equipment such as electric motors, generators, and other exposed wiring. Large diameter electrical conduits provide options for future upgrades, as new wires can be pulled through existing conduits to upgrade an electrical system.
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Conduit materials vary by use case
Electrical conduits are tubes that house electrical wires and protect them from corrosive substances, fire, and interference. They also ensure a safe ground path for electricity and protect individuals who may come into close contact with the wires. Conduit materials vary depending on the use case.
Metal Conduit
Metal conduits can be made of stainless steel, coated steel, or aluminum. They are typically used to protect sensitive circuits from electromagnetic interference and to prevent the emission of such interference from enclosed power cables. Metal conduits are also used for grounding conductors. They are typically used in industrial and commercial buildings. Metal conduits are also useful in installations where vibrations from equipment need to be avoided.
Non-Metal Conduit
Non-metal conduits are typically made of PVC, polyethylene, polystyrene plastics, or fiberglass. They are lightweight, reduce installation labor costs, and are resistant to corrosion. PVC conduit, in particular, is lower in cost and weight compared to other forms of conduit. However, it is not recommended for use in areas with direct sunlight exposure as the material can break down over time. Non-metallic tubing (ENT) is a flexible, plastic, corrugated tubing that is flame-retardant and moisture-resistant.
Liquid-Tight Conduit
Liquid-tight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) is a special type of flexible metal conduit with sealed fittings and a plastic coating to make it watertight and corrosion-resistant. It is commonly used for outdoor equipment such as air conditioner units. Liquid-tight non-metallic conduit is designed for use in environments where moisture is an issue.
Rigid Conduit
Rigid metal conduit (RMC) has thick walls and is constructed of either aluminum or galvanized steel. It is one of the most heavy-duty types of conduit used in industrial applications. RMC is typically used to protect against impacts and severe damage. Galvanized rigid conduit (GRC) is a type of RMC with superior corrosion resistance and is suitable for outdoor or indoor applications.
Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)
IMC is a type of rigid conduit that is thinner and lighter than RMC. It is rated for outdoor exposure and is used to protect insulated electrical cables and conductors. It is a more economical option for projects with budget constraints.
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Conduit systems can be made waterproof
Electrical conduits are tubes that protect electrical wiring. They can be rigid or flexible and are made from materials such as metal or PVC.
- Use watertight connectors, gaskets, and seals: These components ensure that all joints and connection points are fully sealed, preventing water ingress. Gaskets are commonly made of rubber or silicone.
- Apply thread sealant: For conduits with threaded connections, such as RMC and IMC, applying a thread sealant or tape is crucial to creating a waterproof seal. This helps prevent leaks and maintains a secure connection.
- Choose the right conduit material: Different conduit materials offer varying levels of water resistance. For example, PVC conduit is known for its resistance to moisture. Rigid PVC conduit can be made watertight by gluing the tubing and fittings together, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
- Seal the conduit ends: To prevent condensation and water ingress, seal both ends of the conduit with a material that does not leak air, such as silicone bathtub sealant.
- Burial considerations: When burying conduits underground, consider the environmental factors that can affect water infiltration. In areas with freezing ground, conduits must be placed below the frost depth to prevent water from freezing and rupturing the conduit.
- Fiberglass conduits: Fiberglass is highly water-resistant and lightweight. It ensures that the conduit remains structurally intact even when exposed to prolonged moisture.
- Liquid-tight flexible metal conduit (LFMC): LFMC is a type of flexible metal conduit with sealed fittings and a plastic coating, making it watertight and corrosion-resistant. It is commonly used for outdoor equipment such as air conditioner units.
By implementing these strategies, conduit systems can be effectively waterproofed, ensuring the protection and longevity of electrical wiring in various environments.
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Conduit protects against fire and electrocution
Electrical conduit is a metal or plastic pipe that protects electrical wiring. It is used to prevent contact between electrical wires and flammable or conductive materials. Conduit pipes are designed to protect homes and businesses from electrical fires and electrocution.
Conduit pipes can be made from PVC plastic, galvanised steel, aluminium, copper, or stainless steel. They are available in both rigid and flexible forms and can be installed indoors or outdoors. Conduit pipes are used in exposed locations, such as along the exterior surface of a wall, as well as in unfinished areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics. They are also used in surface-mounted installations outdoors.
Conduit pipes protect against fire and electrocution in several ways. Firstly, they prevent contact between electrical wires and flammable or conductive materials. This helps to prevent electrical fires and ensures a safe ground path for electricity. Conduit pipes can also be made waterproof or submersible, preventing water damage to electrical wiring, which could lead to a fire or electrocution.
Additionally, metal conduit can be used to shield sensitive circuits from electromagnetic interference, which can harm electrical equipment and cause fires. Proper sealing fittings can also be used to prevent the flow of flammable gases and vapours, providing protection from fire and explosion hazards in areas handling volatile substances.
Furthermore, conduit pipes can be used to safely run wires and cable through the interior of a building. This helps to prevent tripping hazards and exposure to live wires, reducing the risk of electrocution. Conduit pipes also allow for the safe upgrading of electrical systems by pulling new wires through the existing conduit.
Overall, conduit pipes provide a critical layer of protection against fire and electrocution, ensuring the safety of homes and businesses.
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Conduit can be used indoors and outdoors
Indoor Conduit
Indoor conduit can be rigid or flexible, but it is not usually liquid-tight, so water may degrade the wiring. Rigid metal conduit (RMC) and intermediate metal conduit (IMC) are heavy-duty conduits made of galvanized steel that are used for structural piping that houses the wiring for a building's connection to utility service lines. Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is a type of conduit commonly made with galvanized steel or aluminium. It is lighter, thinner, stronger, and bendable when used with a tube bender tool. EMT is typically used for indoor wiring for commercial and residential buildings.
Outdoor Conduit
Liquid-tight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) is a type of flexible metal conduit with sealed fittings and a plastic coating to make it watertight and corrosion-resistant. It is commonly used for outdoor equipment such as air conditioner units. Rigid PVC conduit is also watertight as the tubing and fittings are glued together, making it suitable for outdoor applications where electrical cables must be buried in the ground.
Indoor and Outdoor Conduit
Some types of conduit are approved for both indoor and outdoor use. For example, electrical non-metallic tubing (ENT) is a flexible, plastic, corrugated tubing that is flame-retardant and moisture-resistant. It is designed for use inside residential walls or concrete block structures, but it should not be installed outdoors or anywhere exposed to the elements. However, some utility companies recommend the burial of electrical power lines inside plastic or plastic-jacketed conduit to avoid intrusion from tree roots.
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Frequently asked questions
An electrical conduit is a pipe designed to conduct electricity.
Electrical conduits protect electrical wiring from flammable or conductive materials and prevent fires caused by electrical wiring. They also protect against electromagnetic interference.
Electrical conduits can be used indoors or outdoors, in residential or commercial buildings. They are used in exposed locations and unfinished areas like basements, crawl spaces, and attics.
Electrical conduits can be made from PVC plastic, galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, or stainless steel.
When choosing an electrical conduit, consider the function of the trunking, ease of installation and disassembly, fire resistance, insulation performance, flexibility, and moisture and acid-base resistance.
