Molly Ayala
Electrical conduits are tubes used to protect and route electrical wiring in buildings or structures. They can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, fiber, or fired clay. Metal conduits can be made from galvanized steel, aluminum, or stainless steel, while plastic conduits can be made from PVC, PP, or PE. Flexible metal conduits are made from coiled, self-interlocked steel or aluminum strips, while rigid metal conduits have thick walls to protect cables from electromagnetic interference. PVC conduits are lightweight and lower in cost compared to steel conduits, but they are not recommended for areas with direct sunlight exposure as the material can break down over time. Other types of electrical conduits include fiberglass conduits, which are strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant, and liquid-tight non-metallic conduits, which are designed for use in environments with high moisture levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Metal, Plastic, Fiber, or Fired Clay |
| Metal Types | Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Galvanized Steel, Bronze Alloy |
| Plastic Types | PVC, PP, PE, Corrugated Plastic |
| Fiber Type | Fiberglass |
| Shape | Rigid or Flexible |
| Rigid Characteristics | High Durability, Protection against Moisture, Tears, and Damage |
| Flexible Characteristics | Bendable, High Adaptability, Spiral-wound Metal Strips |
| Application | Commercial, Residential, Industrial |
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Plastic conduits
One of the most widely recognized and used types of plastic conduit is rigid PVC conduit. It is known for its robustness and durability, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Rigid PVC conduit is highly resistant to corrosion and chemical exposure, ensuring long-term performance even in harsh environments. Its smooth interior surface allows for easy pulling of wires, and it is also flame-retardant, adding an extra layer of safety.
Flexible plastic conduits made from PVC, polyurethane, polypropylene, or polyamide offer superior flexibility, accommodating tight bends and providing protection where liquid-tight conduit may not fit. These materials are waterproof, oil and chemical-resistant, highly resistant to abrasion and wear, and demonstrate exceptional tolerance to extreme temperatures. Polypropylene, in particular, exhibits excellent insulative qualities, making it ideal for protecting electrical wiring.
Another commonly used plastic conduit is Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing (ENT), which is known for its lightweight and flexible nature. ENT is flame-retardant and moisture-resistant, and it can be easily bent and installed using glued plastic fittings or a snap lock. However, it is important to note that ENT is not suitable for external applications and is typically used inside walls.
LSZH conduit (Low Smoke Zero Halogen Conduit) is a newer type of plastic conduit made from plastics such as PP or PE. It offers advantages over PVC conduit, including reduced smoke production and the absence of hydrogen chloride release during burning, which improves safety.
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Metal conduits
Electrical conduits are tubes that protect and route electrical wiring in buildings or structures. They are typically made of metal or plastic, but can also be made of fibre or fired clay. Metal conduits offer solid protection and are available in rigid and flexible forms. Rigid metal conduits (RMCs) are thick-walled tubes that protect electrical cables from electromagnetic interference, which can harm sensitive equipment. RMCs are typically made of stainless steel, coated steel, or aluminium. They may also be galvanized to prevent corrosion from water or other chemicals. Galvanized rigid conduits are the most popular type of RMC and are excellent for applications in industrial and commercial buildings.
PVC-coated aluminium RMCs are suitable for applications where chemical fumes can corrode steel. Bronze alloy RMCs are used in chemical plants, coastal areas, underwater, and oil refineries. PVC-coated rigid steel RMCs resist grease, oils, alkalis, acids, and moisture corrosion. It is important to use the same metal for RMC fittings to avoid issues with galvanic corrosion.
Flexible metal conduits (FMCs) are made by coiling self-interlocked steel or aluminium strips to form a hollow tube for electrical cables. FMCs are bendable and easy for workers to manipulate, making them suitable for tight areas. However, the interlocking bands leave FMCs susceptible to moisture if improperly prepped, and installers should be careful of the bands' sharp edges. FMCs are often used for the last few feet of wiring or other hard-to-reach places.
Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is another type of metal conduit. It is commonly made with galvanized steel or aluminium and has a thinner wall than RMCs. EMT is lighter and more flexible than RMCs and can be bent to shape using a special tool. It is typically used for indoor wiring in commercial and residential buildings.
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Rigid vs flexible conduits
Electrical conduits are tubes that protect electrical wiring in buildings or structures. They are typically made of metal or plastic, but can also be made of fibre or fired clay. Conduits can be rigid or flexible, with the rigid type being the most common.
Rigid conduits are characterised by their sturdy and inflexible structure, providing excellent impact resistance and structural strength. They are made of materials such as galvanised steel, aluminium, stainless steel, fibreglass, PVC-coated metal, and rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Rigid conduits are ideal for applications that require straight runs, such as exposed or concealed installations in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They are also suitable for both above-ground and underground installations.
Flexible conduits, on the other hand, are designed to be pliable and easily bendable, allowing for turns at corners without the use of extra hardware like elbow joints. Flexible conduits are made of materials such as flexible metal conduit (FMC), liquid-tight flexible metal conduit, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) conduit, and flexible PVC. They are well-suited for installations that involve curved or irregular paths, such as wiring in tight spaces, around corners, or areas with vibrating equipment.
Both rigid and flexible conduits must comply with relevant standards and are tested for factors like impact resistance, crush resistance, temperature range, strength, and flexibility. The choice between the two types depends on the specific requirements of the installation, with rigid conduits offering solid protection and flexible conduits providing versatility and ease of installation.
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PVC conduits
Electrical conduits are tubes that protect electrical wiring in buildings or structures. They are usually made of metal, plastic, fibre, or fired clay.
While PVC conduits offer advantages such as light weight and low cost, they are not recommended for areas with direct sunlight exposure as UV rays can break down the material over time.
Compared to Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) conduits, PVC conduits produce a larger amount of smoke and release hydrogen chloride when burning, which can be inhaled by people. Therefore, LSZH conduits may be preferred in certain applications due to their reduced smoke emission and absence of halogen compounds.
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LSZH conduits
One of the key advantages of LSZH conduits is their low smoke emission. Due to their unique material composition and formula, they produce only a small amount of black smoke when burning, reducing visual interference during combustion. This also makes them ideal for indoor applications where smoke can be particularly harmful or hazardous.
Another benefit of LSZH conduits is their lightweight nature. They are 30% to 40% lighter than PVC conduits, maximizing the advantages of plastic products. This weight reduction makes LSZH conduits easier to handle, transport, and install, contributing to overall construction efficiency.
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Frequently asked questions
Electrical conduits can be made of metal, plastic, fiber, or fired clay.
Some examples of metallic conduits include rigid metal conduits (RMCs) and electrical metallic tubing (EMT). RMCs are made of stainless steel, coated steel, or aluminum. EMTs are made of galvanized steel or aluminum.
Some examples of non-metallic conduits include electrical non-metallic tubing (ENT) and LSZH conduit. ENT is made of corrugated plastic, while LSZH conduit is made of plastics such as PP or PE.
Metallic conduits generally offer better protection against impact and moisture compared to non-metallic conduits. They are also less susceptible to sunlight degradation.
Non-metallic conduits are generally more lightweight and flexible, making them easier to handle and install. They are also often more cost-effective than metallic conduits.
