Otis Singleton
Electrical conduits are protective tubes or channels that encase electrical wires and cables, shielding them from environmental hazards and physical damage. They are typically made from plastic, metal, or specialized coatings, and are used in both indoor and outdoor settings. The type of conduit used depends on the specific environmental conditions it needs to withstand, such as moisture, UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and potential physical impacts. For outdoor use, it is essential to select a conduit that can withstand the elements, such as rain, snow, sunlight, and temperature changes, to maintain the safety and functionality of the electrical system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types | Metallic, Non-metallic |
| Metallic Types | Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC), Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC), Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT), Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC) |
| Non-metallic Types | Rigid PVC, Thermosetting Resin, Liquid-tight Non-metallic, Electrical Non-metallic Tubing (ENT) |
| Materials | Metal (Steel, Aluminum, Galvanized Steel, Stainless Steel), Plastic (PVC), Fiberglass, Specialized Coatings |
| Use Cases | Outdoor, Indoor, Exposed Locations, Crawlspaces, Attics, Basements, Garages, Commercial, Residential |
| Properties | Rigid, Flexible, Liquid-tight, Corrosion-resistant, Waterproof, Flame-retardant, Moisture-resistant, Bendable, Lightweight, Durable |
| Considerations | Location, Material, Installation Process, Cost, Safety, Compliance, Environmental Conditions |
| Guidelines | National Electrical Code (NEC), Local Building Codes, Safety Code Requirements, Electrical Codes and Regulations |
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Metallic vs non-metallic
Electrical conduits are tubes that house electrical wires for various building or structural applications. They are typically made of metal or plastic and can be rigid or flexible.
Metallic Conduit
Metallic conduits are typically made of galvanized steel, aluminum, stainless steel, bronze, or brass. They are strong, durable, and ideal for applications requiring mechanical protection for wiring. Metallic conduits can be rigid or flexible. Rigid metallic conduits are often used in commercial applications and offer solid protection against nicks, cuts, and punctures to wiring. They are also ideal for withstanding heavy loads and underground environments. Flexible metallic conduits are made by coiling self-interlocked steel or aluminum strips to form a hollow tube for electrical cables. They allow for bends and twists without using extra hardware and are common in installations where you want to avoid passing vibrations from equipment.
Non-Metallic Conduit
Non-metallic conduits are typically made of plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide, polypropylene, or polyurethane. They are a good choice for residential wiring and are often used in tight spaces like HVAC systems. Non-metallic conduits are also less expensive than metallic ones and are more readily available. They are also easier to install due to their lighter weight. However, they are not suitable for high or low-temperature extremes and are not permitted in hazardous areas.
Both metallic and non-metallic conduits have their advantages and are suitable for different applications. Metallic conduits are ideal for commercial and industrial applications where durability and protection against mechanical damage are required. Non-metallic conduits are more suitable for residential use, tight spaces, and areas where cost is a concern.
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Rigid vs flexible
Electrical conduits are tubes that protect electrical wires in buildings. They are typically made of metal or plastic and can be rigid or flexible.
Rigid Conduit Systems
Rigid conduits are typically used outdoors to provide solid protection from damage caused by the elements or mechanical impacts. They can also be used to provide structural support for electrical cables, panels, and other equipment. They are commonly used in industrial environments where corrosive factors such as salinity and chemical agents are prevalent. Rigid conduits are also used in hazardous environments, such as oil and gas facilities, chemical plants, and mining extraction, where they provide protection from fire and explosion hazards. They are usually made of heavy-duty galvanized steel tubing or aluminium.
Flexible Conduit Systems
Flexible conduits are typically used in installations where flexibility is required to make connections and where the installation may be subjected to shock and vibration. They are also used in dry areas where installing a non-flexible conduit would be impractical, but metallic strength is still needed. Flexible conduits can be made from coiled self-interlocked steel or aluminium strips, or from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
The main difference between rigid and flexible conduit systems is how they are applied in various applications and installations. Rigid conduits are better for providing structural support and protecting against mechanical impacts, whereas flexible conduits are better for installations that require more flexibility and need to withstand shock and vibration.
In terms of fittings, rigid conduits require more types of fittings to help change direction, such as elbows, sweep bends, and T-junctions. Flexible conduits, on the other hand, can bend and curve naturally and therefore need fewer fittings.
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Galvanized steel
Galvanized rigid electrical metallic tubing (EMT) conduit is a popular choice for exterior electrical conduit material. It is commonly made with galvanized steel or aluminium. EMT is lighter, thinner, stronger, and more flexible than rigid metal conduits, and can be bent with a special conduit bender tool to accommodate a variety of electrical applications.
Galvanized EMT is typically installed using fittings and couplings protected by compression-type fasteners or setscrews, and it is not threaded. It is often used for indoor wiring in commercial and residential buildings, but can also be used outdoors with watertight industrial fittings.
Maxxima offers a 3/4" x 25' galvanized steel flexible electrical conduit that is UL Listed and backed by the company for one year. It is constructed with a helix wound design, making it strong and highly functional. This conduit can be used for bends and twists without the use of extra hardware and allows for turns at corners without elbow joints.
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PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) conduit is the most popular type of non-metallic conduit and is commonly used for outdoor residential applications. It is strong, watertight, non-corrosive, and lightweight. It is also suitable for exposed outdoor use, allowing cables and wires to be run without cutting into walls.
However, one disadvantage of PVC conduit is that it is not recommended for use in areas with direct sunlight exposure. Sunlight can break down the material over time, reducing its durability. Therefore, when using PVC conduit, it is important to consider the location and potential exposure to sunlight.
When installing PVC conduit, it is recommended to run a ground wire. This ensures that the electrical wiring is properly grounded and helps to maintain the efficiency of the power supply. PVC conduit is available in a range of sizes and can be purchased from home improvement stores or online retailers.
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Environmental factors
Moisture and Water Infiltration
Moisture and water infiltration are significant environmental factors that can impact the choice of exterior electrical conduit material. Water can enter electrical conduit systems through various means, including heavy rainfall, underground installations, leaks, poor drainage, or condensation buildup. Condensation can occur when the temperature inside the conduit differs from the surrounding environment, leading to water accumulation and potential corrosion. Therefore, it is essential to select a material that can withstand moisture and protect the electrical wiring from water damage. Materials like Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) are known for their excellent water resistance and are commonly used in wet and outdoor environments.
Temperature Fluctuations
Outdoor environments experience temperature fluctuations that can cause materials to expand and contract. It is essential to choose a conduit material that can handle these temperature variations without compromising its integrity. Seals used in the conduit system must be flexible and durable enough to accommodate these changes and prevent water infiltration.
UV Exposure
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight exposure can degrade certain materials, especially plastics like PVC. This degradation can result in brittleness and cracks, making the conduit susceptible to water infiltration. If sunlight exposure is expected, PVC conduit may not be suitable, as it can break down over time.
Physical Impacts and Mechanical Damage
Exterior electrical conduits may be subject to physical impacts or mechanical damage from humans, animals, or conductive materials. It is essential to choose a material that can withstand potential physical impacts and provide sufficient protection to the electrical wiring. Rigid metal conduits, for example, offer solid protection against nicks, cuts, and punctures to wiring.
Chemical Exposure
In some industrial settings, electrical conduits may be exposed to chemicals or pollutants. PVC conduits are highly resistant to a range of chemicals, making them a suitable choice for environments where water may be contaminated with chemicals.
When selecting an exterior electrical conduit material, it is essential to carefully consider the specific environmental conditions and choose a material that offers the necessary protection, durability, and compliance with safety regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Exterior electrical conduits are typically made from plastic, such as PVC, or metal, such as steel or aluminium. Metal conduits are rigid and offer solid protection, whereas PVC is flexible, watertight, non-corrosive, and lightweight.
PVC is a good choice for exterior electrical conduits as it is strong, watertight, non-corrosive, and lightweight. It is also cost-effective and easy to install. However, it is not suitable for areas exposed to extreme temperatures or heavy impacts.
Metal conduits are typically used in commercial applications and offer solid protection. They are also a smart choice for straight runs of wire or cable and protect against nicks, cuts, and punctures to wiring.
