There is no definitive answer to whether plastic or metal conduit is better. It depends on which one is more suitable for your specific needs, as they each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
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Advantages and disadvantages of metal conduit:
Metal conduit is often the preferred and more traditional choice for homeowners in their electrical systems. It has a long lifespan and is generally the most durable option. Metal conduits are typically made of copper, brass, cast iron, or steel. The main advantage of metal conduit is its higher hardness and longer theoretical lifespan. However, metal conduit is heavier, resulting in higher transportation and installation costs, and it can be prone to rusting, leading to increased maintenance expenses. Manufacturers have come up with solutions to address the rusting issue, such as surface coatings or the use of liquidtight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) that has a plastic coating, usually made of PVC. However, these solutions increase the weight and diameter of the metal conduit.
Advantages and disadvantages of plastic conduit:
The main advantage of plastic conduit is its lightweight nature and resistance to rust, overcoming the drawbacks of metal conduit. The reduced weight translates to cost savings in transportation and installation, and it is easier to cut, connect, and bend. With advancements in technology, plastic conduit has also improved in terms of heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and other properties, making it suitable for most residential and commercial building needs. The main drawback of plastic conduit is that it is not as hard as metal conduit, so it may be prone to damage in certain extreme situations. Additionally, plastic conduit may not have the same heat resistance and UV resistance as metal conduit, potentially leading to accelerated aging and the risk of breakage if used in such environments over a long period.
Therefore, based on the above comparison, it is evident that plastic and metal conduits have their own advantages and disadvantages, and they complement each other. Choosing the appropriate material based on your specific needs or project requirements is the wise choice.
What Is A Flexible Electrical Conduit?
A flexible electrical conduit is a tube that provides protection to wire and cable while still allowing some degree of flexibility.
The protection it offers is mostly mechanical, though some types of conduit can also protect from water, corrosion, and other types of environmental impact. Sometimes, a cable tray may be used as an alternative to a cable conduit. Flexible electrical conduit is made of plastic, fiber, or metal. Common metals are aluminum and steel, while common plastic is PVC.
Keep reading to learn more about different types of flexible conduit, their applications, and the way they differ from rigid electrical conduits.
A flexible metal conduit (FMC) is a standard type of flexible conduit. Its main characteristic is its flexibility. The conduit can be used in sealed and exposed conditions. This type of flex raceway is not recommended for the outdoors and wet conditions. This type of conduit is extensively described in
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Article 348
of NEC. It is suitable for dry locations.
Liquidtight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) is a watertight outdoor electrical conduit because of its plastic sealed coverage that protects from water. The cable can be used for outdoor applications and direct burial.
Non-metallic flexible conduit consists of PVC. It is inexpensive and suitable for outdoor applications such as the backyard. Flexible electrical pvc conduit is equally fine to be placed indoors in walls and ceilings. Non-metallic conduit can be liquid-tight. In this case, it is called LFNC and is suitable for direct burial.
Building construction: flexible conduit is used during the construction of commercial and industrial buildings. The use in residential buildings is also a possibility, albeit a rarer one.
Runs of wires indoors, such as between the wall box and an appliance.
Outdoor equipment: spa, pools, garden equipment, etc. The conduit has to be liquid-tight for such applications.
Flexible electrical conduit can be used to connect junction boxes to electric appliances, route critical circuits, and connect lighting fixtures.
Two most popular types of cable conduit are flexible and rigid conduit.
A rigid conduit is a solid metallic conduit that offers no flexibility, but gives good protection. Flexible conduit, on the other hand, can be bent and twisted as many times as required for an application.
Rigid conduit has several subtypes:
EMT, or electrical metallic tubing, is the lightest of them all.
IMC, or intermediate conduit, has a thick galvanized wall for outside applications
GRC, or Galvanized rigid conduit, is the thickest conduit for most demanding industrial conditions.
Rigid conduits are mainly used in industrial applications and for straightforward cable runs that do not require much twisting and turning, like from the house to the basement. Compared to flexible electric conduits, they are not as easy to modify. However, rigid conduits are more durable, which makes them suitable for harsher industrial conditions.
Here are some of the common types of flexible conduit available at NNC:
Extra Flexible Steel Conduit Non-UL Galvanized
- flexible steel conduit for non-UL applications.
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