Electrical Conduit Types and Their Common Applications

Selecting the correct electrical conduit types is necessary for safe wiring. There is always some form of electrical relationship with conduits to protect the electrical wiring, and the conduits are a strong, usable route that protects the wires from physical damage, moisture, and pests. In this guide, we review a variety of electrical conduit materials, including PVC electrical conduit and possible applications. Understanding the available electrical conduit options provides you with the knowledge to install safely and compliantly.

The Iportance of Electrical Conduit

No question, protecting wires is the most important aspect of any electrical installation. Exposed wiring creates both safety hazards (potential electrocution) and potential fire hazards (damaging short circuits and melting). Electrical conduit is the first layer of the electrical system that helps protect wires and wire conductors. A conduit is simply a tube used to protect and route electrical wiring in a building or structure. The conduit, in this application, provides a secure enclosure for conductors, keeps them organized, and supports the electrical conductors/kits in a safe and code-conforming manner. Understanding the various types of electrical conduit and applications of these products is the first step in making a proper selection and installation of electrical conduit, elbows, and other fittings.

Common Electrical Conduit Types

There are numerous types of electrical conduit, and do not feel bad if you cannot land on just one. Each conduit type has an environment and application or field of use. When choosing the conduit piping for your electrical wiring project, you most likely will consider a few of the characteristics, such as location, environmental exposure, and protection required.

Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)

RMC is a heavy-gauge galvanized steel-to-aluminum pipe. It has great protection against impact and corrosion. RMC is typically used outdoors and placed in industrial and hazardous areas. Extremely robust.

Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)

IMC is a conduit with thinner walls than RMC that offers similar protection. It is also lighter and easier to work with than RMC, which is why it is frequently used very successfully when it is necessary to have the protection of RME but with easier handling. IMC is also often galvanized.

Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC)

FMC (called “Greenfield”) is a spiral wound metal conduit that provides some flexibility in getting wires around obstacles. It is allowed in dry locations and where there is vibration and/or movement. It is not watertight without a specialized jacket.

Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC)

LFMC is an FMC with a plastic sheath. This creates a watertight enclosure that is acceptable to use in wet or outdoor spaces. It is often used to cover outdoor equipment or machinery to protect it from liquids.

The Flexibility of PVC Electrical Conduit

Of all of the types of electrical conduit, PVC electric conduit has a few unique benefits above all other options. Unlike metallic conduits, it is non-metallic, rigid, and lightweight. Nepro Pipes is a major supplier of a full range of high-quality PVC solutions, including PVC electrical conduit.

Major Advantages of PVC Electrical Conduit

PVC electrical conduit has tangible advantages in both short and long-term uses. Many electricians and builders prefer it as no other material will create better long-lasting protection while being simple to use.

Corrosion Resistance

Unlike metal conduits, PVC electrical conduit won’t rust or corrode. It is well suited for wet & corrosive or underground environments. Its integrity will remain intact for years.

Ease of Installation

PVC electrical conduit can be installed more easily and faster than metal. Being offered in a lightweight version and cuts and fittings can be momentarily joined with adhesives and PVC electrical conduit fittings, which allows you to significantly reduce labor hours and ultimately labor cost.

Cost-Effectiveness

The base costs of PVC electrical conduit types are usually lower than the costs of metallic conduits, making it a great option for projects that need to be affordable without losing sight of safety or quality.

Non-Conductive Property

PVC does not conduct electricity, which means if the wires were to become damaged within the conduit, there is one more layer of safety – that the PVC won’t conduct any electricity! This is critical, especially to mitigate shock hazards.

Electrical Conduit Pipe Sizes and Specifications

When it comes to safe and compliant electrical conduit installation, electrical conduit pipe sizes should be chosen correctly. These size specifications will determine the quantity of wire(s) that will fit in the conduit pipe and the level of protection that can be achieved. Compliance with electrical PVC conduit specifications can affect the complete integrity of the system.

Common Electrical Conduit Sizes

Conduits come in several standard sizes. Electrical conduit pipe sizes are referenced using commonly termed nominal trade sizes. Common sizes range from 1/2 inch to 4 inches or larger. The number of wires and the gauge will affect the size and type of conduit used.

Electrical PVC Conduit Specifications

Before purchasing electrical PVC conduit, specifications are important components. Specifications define the wall thickness, temperature ratings, and compliance with industry standards. Nepro’s PVC conduit sizes meet strict performance and safety standards. The specifications are meaningful in providing reliable protection for electrical wire conduit types.

Specific applications of conduit

Besides the obvious applications of conduit, some instances require specific conduit scenarios. An understanding of these specialized applications will ensure that your supply is best protected.

Installing Underground Electrical Conduit

The installation of electrical conduit underground calls for specific materials to resist both pressure from the soil and moisture. We need a heavy-duty electrical conduit pipe for burial. PVC electrical conduit has become a common option for underground use because it is very corrosion-resistant and sturdy. Make sure to backfill well and depth appropriate for the electrical wire conduit types.

Electrical Conduit Fittings and Their Significance

Electrical conduit fittings connect sections of conduit and attach conduit to electrical boxes. It is important to have a good electrical conduit. PVC electrical conduit fittings are designed for PVC conduits with a good fit, a weatherproof fit. For electrical conduit fittings, there are three types: elbows, couplings, and connectors.

HDPE vs PVC Electrical Conduit

When deciding between HDPE vs PVC electrical conduit, it is important to look at some project requirements. It is generally well known that PVC electrical conduit is rigid and is a quite popular type of material used for electrical conduit; however, the HDPE conduit is flexible, heck, even the masters at the plastic pipe institute give their blessing on using HDPE conduit for electrical runs. If you consider the fact that HDPE conduit is resistant to weather, even when cold, and excellent for cracking and breaking because of earthquake and seismic factors, then your choice to use HDPE conduit makes perfect sense. Both are nonmetallic, and out of the two, HDPE conduit is more flexible and will give you good chemical resistance and corrosion resistance. And all types of PVC pipe referred to as an electrical conduit are rigid plastic PVC (uPVC).

Conclusion

Choosing the proper types of electrical conduit is at the heart of safe, long-lasting, and code-compliant electrical systems. There are a host of heavy-duty metal options and versatile PVC electrical conduit available to choose from, all with their unique benefits for particular projects. Knowing electrical conduit pipe applications, using the right electrical conduit installation methods, and the fittings, electrical conduit components for your desired result, makes the project endure and perform. Whether you’re ordering pipes at Nepro, PVC electrical conduit is an excellent quality, reliable, low-voltage conduit that meets standard specifications and always offers protection for your wiring. Once you make your choice in conduit, it is relatively easy to provide an installation with the safety and performance you have installed in the conduit for the life of the installation.

FAQ 

• What is the fill ratio based on for wires in conduit?

In general, the limits concerning fill ratios are specified by electrical codes so as not to create overload or overheating. The fill ratio is based on the total cross-sectional area of all wires compared to the total internal area of the conduit.

• What are the differences between rigid conduits compared to flexible conduits?

Rigid conduit provides the most strength and protection. Flexible conduit has the advantage of bending around obstructions and providing vibration damping, but does not provide as much physical protection.

• Can conduit be painted or coated for visual effect?

Yes, various kinds of conduit can be painted or coated for visual effect, especially rigid metal and PVC conduit. Verify that the coating is not only compatible with the conduit material, but also will it impede the heat-dissipating ability of the conduit.

• When cutting or bending various electrical conduits, what are the safety protocols?

As always, wear the appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection). Train and use the correct tools for the material to limit sharp edges. Use a deburring tool on the cut end of the metal. When bending, make sure the object is secured to limit any movement, which could result in injury.

• Are there specific tools used for each material for electrical conduit installation?

Yes, for metal conduits, you will need a pipe cutter or hacksaw, and usually a bender. For PVC conduit, you will need a PVC cutter or saw, and often a heat gun for bending. You will also need a special reamer for deburring metal.