What is Electrical Conduit? Types, Advantages, ...

29, Apr. 2024

 

What is Electrical Conduit? Types, Advantages, ...

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What is Electrical Conduit?

An electrical conduit is a piping system used to carry electrical wiring in domestic, commercial, and industrial use. The purpose of conduits is to protect the enclosed wiring from fires, mechanical damages, and corrosion.

Conduits protect electrical wires as well as any individual who come in close proximity to electrical wires.

These are available in different sizes with accessories such as junctions, clamps, bends, T- shapes, C-shapes, L-shapes, etc.

Types

Electrical conduits are basically divided into two types

  • Metal

  • Non-metal

Electrical Metal conduits

  • Electrical Metal Conduit (EMC)

  • Flexible Metal Conduits (FMC)

  • Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)
  • Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)
  • Liquid-tight Flexible metal conduit (LMC)

There are various types of metal and non-metal conduits are available in the market, we discuss seven types only which are used for residential, commercial, and industrial application purposes.

1. Electrical Metal Conduit (EMC)

Image Courtesy: Alliedeg

EMC is a thin wall conduit that is far the widely used nonflexible conduit.

Except for situations where it will be subject to severe physical damage, it may be and is used in almost all places where rigid conduit may be used.

It may be used in exposed or concealed in or on walls, floors, or ceilings.  It can be embedded in the concrete or buried in the ground.  

Advantages:

  • It is preferable to use rigid conduit as it is much lighter, thus easier to handle.
  • It is easier to cut and ream.
  • Bending to follow various complicated forms is quite easy with the smaller diameters.
  • These are thin wall circular cross-sections, are galvanized outside for corrosion protection, and the inside has a corrosion-resistant organic coating. 

 Applications:

  • Used in residential, commercial, and industrial construction.

2. Flexible Metal conduit (FMC)

Flexible Metal conduit (FMC) is used wherever good flexibility is required due to movement or vibration of equipment, or where bends and offsets would be difficult with rigid conduit.

To meet various physical or chemical requirements, flex is made of galvanized steel, aluminum, brass, or bronze.

Advantages:

The flexible metal conduit cannot be used in wet locations unless conductors are of the lead-covered type or of another type specially approved for the conditions.

Disadvantages:

Flexible metal conduit not intended for general purpose raceway for long-distance.

Applications:

The flexible metal conduit can be used for lighting fixture connections, above suspended ceilings.

3. Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)

Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC): Both ferrous and non-ferrous metals as a rigid metal conduit, in practice, galvanized pipe is generally used-the same type galvanized pipe commonly found in water supply and gas lines. As always the use of pipe smaller than ½” trade size is not allowed.

They are similar in appearance to water pipes and are threaded at both ends.

Advantages:

  • It is much lighter and convenient to handle.
  • It can be used in severe corrosive areas. 

Disadvantages:

when it is cut, all cut ends must be reamed to remove any rough edges, if any rough edges are left, they are likely to tear the insulation when insulated conductors are pulled through.

Applications:

It is used in outdoor applications and provides structural support for electrical cables.

4. Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)

This type of conduit is heavier than Electrical Metal Conduit (EMC) and lighter than Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC). This is a thicker metal conduit making it is a great choice for outdoor applications.  

The conduit pipe has to be supported at no longer than 10 feet of interval. This type of conduit has a straight length of 10 feet, with one coupling and both ends threaded. All rough edges must be smoothened when the conduit is cut.

Advantages:

It can be used on the earth or in corrosive locations.

For more information, please visit non-metallic flexible conduit supplier.

The smooth interior of the pipe makes it easier to pull the cable through the conduit.

 Applications:

  • Used in exposed runs to and from exterior service panels.
  • It can be used as an equipment grounding conductor with its fittings.

5. Liquid Tight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC)

Image Courtesy: Techno Flex

Liquid-tight is another type of spiral flexible metal armor and an outer plastic jacket has been added, that plastic being both liquid-tight and sunlight resistant.

Liquid-tight carries no marking for wire size, insulation, or voltage rating because wires must be pulled as needed.

The difference between flexible metal conduit (FMC) and Liquid-tight flexible metal conduit is that PVC coated on LFMC.

Its use in residences is quite limited. It is generally used in short runs for wiring outdoor air conditioning equipment or for wiring disposals under kitchen sinks. 

The sizes of liquid tight metal conduit must be electrical trade sizes ½ inch to 4 inches, inclusive.

Advantages:

  • Provides good protection from entry of water, Oil, dust, etc.  

Applications:

It is used in short runs for wiring outdoor air conditioning equipment or for wiring disposals under kitchen sinks. Its use in residence is quite limited.

Non-Metal Conduits

For use above ground, this conduit must be flame retardant, tough, and resistant to heat, sunlight, and low-temperature effects.

1. Non-metallic conduit (NMC)

Image Courtesy: usesi

Non-metallic conduit is common both in rigid and flexible conduits. They are usually made of PVC.

Available in various colors such as Blue, Yellow, Red in the market.

Advantages:

  • Easy to install.
  • Lightweight, hand bendable.
  • Resistant to corrosion and good protection from moisture ingress.

Applications:

  • Available in long lengths, convenient for laying cables such as Ethernet, Fiber optic.

2. Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (Rigid PVC)

This is the most popular type of non-metallic conduit has several advantages.

PVC conduits are used for electrical wires that may be required to run under the ground or in an open environment that is exposed to air, dust, and water.

Advantages:

  • Lightweight.
  • Typically less expensive than other options,
  • Versatile and easy to install available in a variety of wall thicknesses.

Disadvantages:

PVC conduit is not recommended for use in areas of direct sun exposure. Sunlight can break down the material over time. 

Applications:

  • It may be used in wet locations and has good resistance to many highly corrosive chemicals.
  • It is absolutely waterproof, thus ideal for wet areas in industrial and commercial structures.

Source: Electrical Estimating Methods by Wayne J DelPico.

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What are Electrical Conduits? | Types, Advantages & ...


Nowadays, building construction is growing to an extraordinary level, as more and more people are getting inclination towards luxury, aesthetics and design of their dream home. Luxury & aesthetics of the house depends upon many factors and ‘Electrical lighting system’ plays a major role in it. The electrical lighting system comprises various electrical & electronic devices such as lighting, telephone, heating and ventilation systems and various other electrical gadgets.
During the early years of the last century, all cabling used to be provided on the surface of walls and below slabs. However, in the contemporary scenario, all the cabling is hidden underneath the plaster and this technique called ‘council wiring’. To council the wiring, electrical conduits are installed before the finishing of the wall and after the masonry work is done.

This article’s information is restricted to various types of conduit and materials used to make those conduits.

What is an Electrical Conduit?

An electrical conduit is a tube used to protect and provide a path for electrical wiring in a building or structure.Conduit is generally provided for concealed and opened wiring or where it might be subject to damage. An electrical conduit is usually made up of metal, plastic or fiber. Conduits are classified on the basis of the thickness of the wall. Choices of the conduit will depend on their application, use, type of building etc. All conduits must be installed according to the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Types of Conduit

There are two main different types of conduits commonly used in residential and light commercial wiring system.
01. Metallic Conduit
02. Non-Metallic Conduit

01. Metallic Conduit

Metallic conduit is a very simple conduit. They are made from metal material. There are different types of metallic conduit that include:

  • Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)
  • Intermediate metal conduit (IMC)
  • Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC)
  • Electrical Metal tubing (EMC)

(a) Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)

Rigid metal conduit (RMC) is a thick- heavy walled threaded tubing which frequently made of coated steel, galvanized steel, or aluminum. Rigid metal conduit is usually provided reliable protection from outdoors damage, and it can also provide structural support for electrical cables, panels, and other equipment.

(b) Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)

Intermediate metal conduit or IMC is a thinner and light-weight version of rigid metal conduit (RMC). IMC is a rigid steel electrical conduit which is designed for outdoor exposure and strong connection. It is designed to protect insulated electrical conductors and cables. IMC is approved for use in all applications as compared to a rigid metal conduit (RMC). Nowadays IMC used more commonly in new construction because Intermediate metal conduit (IMC) is lighter and easier than RMC.

(c) Flexible Metal Conduit and Liquid-Tight Council Wiring(FMC and LFMC)

  • Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC):

Flexible metal conduit (FMC) is commonly referred to as “Greenfield”. It has a spiral construction that makes it easy to snake through the walls and other structures. The flexible metal conduit bends and twists easily without the use of any additional Electrical hardware or elbow joints, threading etc. FMC is very easy to install. Flexible metal conduit (FMC) is useful in those places where the rigid conduit is very difficult to install. Standard FMC is used in dry indoor locations. Flexible metal conduit is a good choice for vibrating equipment such as heating and air conditioning units.

  • Liquid-Tight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC)

Liquid-tight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) is a special type of flexible metal conduit (FMC).  LFMC is a flexible metallic conduit which is covered by the waterproof plastic coating. LFMC is extra flexible which is generally used in outdoor equipment, such as air conditioner units. It provides mechanical and moisture protection for conductors. The interior of LFMC is similar to the FMC.

(d) Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)

Electrical metallic tubing or EMT is another example of a rigid electrical conduit, which is usually made of galvanized steel or aluminum. Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is also known as a “thin wall” because it is thin and light in weight, as compared to a rigid metal conduit (RMC). EMT is also very easy to install. The common sizes of EMT include 1/2-inch (12.7 mm), 3/4-inch (19.05mm), and 1-inch (25.4mm).

02. Non-Metallic Conduit

Non-metallic conduit(NMC)is also common both in rigid and flexible type. Non metallic conduit is usually made from PVC conduit.For metal conduits as well as non-metal conduits same types of fittings are mostly used.Moisture resistance, resistance to corrosive substances, and ease of installation are the benefits of non-metallic conduit.

(a) Rigid PVC Conduit

Non-metallic conduit (NMC) is also common both in rigid and flexible type. Non-metallic conduit is usually made from PVC conduit. For metal conduits as well as non-metallic conduits same kinds of fittings are mostly used. Moisture resistance, resistance to corrosive substances, and ease of installation are the benefits of non-metallic conduit.

Advantages of Concealed Electrical Conduit Wiring System

The use of concealed Conduit leads to many benefits. The primary purpose of the electric conduit is safety. Following are the advantages of conduits.

  • Electrical conduit is a safe wiring system
  • One of the most significant benefits of electrical conduit installation is to protect the enclosed conductors from impact, moisture and chemical vapours
  • There is no risk of shock in a home with concealed electrical wiring system.
  • Aesthetic view of concealed electrical wiring is always attractive
  • There is no risk of wear and tear
  • Renovation of concealed electrical wiring is an easy task

Disadvantages of Concealed Electrical Conduit Wiring System

  • The electrical concealed Conduit wiring system is expensive as compared to surface Conduit wiring
  • Installation of concealed wiring is not easy
  • Once electrical conduits are developed, then it is challenging to identify defects and repair of those wiring.
  • If once the location of switches is fixtures then it is difficult to change the position of switches.

Now a day it is very important to have an electrical conduit in your home. Electrical conduit is very useful in protecting wires when it passes through the ground. The electrical concealed conduit wiring system is very safe. There are various advantages of electrical conduit wiring system as compared to a few disadvantages. So, it is always beneficial to have this system in the house.
Also Read: 

Image Courtesy: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3,Image 4, Image 5, Image 6,  Image 7

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