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

02 Jul.,2024

 

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

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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, , 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.
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What Type Of Flexible Conduit Is The Best

Which type of flexible conduit is best?

Which type of flexible conduit is best?

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Conduits provide an inherent mechanical barrier for vulnerable electrical cables, wiring, and fibre optics. Without an effective form of cable management, they will be exposed to external elements and are at serious risk of wear and tear.

Flexible, rigid, metallic, non-metallic, split, solid &#; they are all types of conduit that come with their own unique features and benefits for specific installations.

As a specialist supplier of metallic and plastic conduit systems, we&#;re confident that you&#;ll find the products you need to protect and contain electrical cables here at Flex-It.

But the question is &#; which is best for your application?

Here we look at the different types of flexible conduits, including their pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision.

Metallic vs. non-metallic flexible conduits

Flexible conduits can be made from composite metal or plastic.

Both types are designed to provide the same level of protection as rigid conduits and are typically used in installations where flexibility is required for connections.

They come in handy where electrical cables may be subjected to shock and vibration, and provide easy routing of cables around obstructions.

Pros of metallic conduits

Flexible metal conduits (FMC) have a spiral construction that makes them easier to snake through walls and other structures.

They are super simple to install and can be twisted and turned without the need for any additional hardware or specialist tools. Ideal for areas where rigid conduits prove difficult to install.

Suitable for dry indoor locations, flexible metal conduits protect electrical wiring in commercial and industrial buildings and are a brilliant choice for vibrating machines, i.e. heating and cooling units.

Liquid-tight metallic conduits (LFMC) &#; a special type of FMC &#; have a waterproof plastic coating which makes them perfect for outdoor use.

For more information, please visit liquid tight non-metallic flexible conduit china.

Cons of metallic conduits

A flexible metal conduit is designed for use where flexibility is required due to movement or vibration, or where bends and offsets make the installation process tricky. It&#;s not intended for use in wet locations unless conductors are specially approved for the conditions.

Besides short runs, for wiring outdoor air conditioning equipment and wiring under kitchen sinks, the use of LFMC in residence is pretty limited.

Metal conduits, particularly steel braided, are more expensive than other types of conduit systems.

Pros of non-metallic conduits

Non-metallic conduits are typically less expensive than other options and are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PA6, or polypropylene.

PVC is a high-strength thermoplastic that&#;s extremely durable, resistant to weathering and chemicals, and doesn&#;t conduct electricity. It protects cables against punctures, cuts, and other damages, preventing electrical accidents further down the line.

PA6 is a specially modified polyamide that has countless advantages over steel braided conduit, including:

  • ease of cutting and installation
  • reduced installation time and costs
  • no sharp edges, ensuring safer handling
  • a high degree of mechanical protection
  • suitable for static and dynamic applications

Polypropylene flexible conduits are non-corrosive and offer an economical solution for cable assemblies, underfloor wiring, and general cable tidying.

Available split or solid, these corrugated conduits are lightweight and easy to install. They can withstand any toxic materials that pass through the cables, making them perfect for harsh environments. The split variety also makes it easy for you to insert and replace cables should they become damaged.

Cons of non-metallic conduits

One of the most notable disadvantages of PVC conduits, when compared to metallic flexible conduits, is their physical weakness.

PVC can break when exposed to physical stress, and it needs additional support when installed in longer cable runs to prevent sagging.

Though non-metallic conduits are an economical choice &#; and used to run cables below the ground or in an area exposed to dust and water &#; metal conduits are best suited to applications in the basement or garage. These can offer protection from rats, mice, and other impacts.

Which will you choose?

Unsure which flexible conduits are best for you? Need an expert opinion? Fear not, the team here at Flex-It is always on hand to assist and will be more than happy to guide and advise you.

Of course, the type of conduit you need will depend on the installation and environment where cables will be routed. However, we will take into consideration your specific requirements and budget before recommending a suitable size and type.

If you would like to learn more about the flexible conduits we stock, don&#;t hesitate to get in touch. Either call 812 195 or , and we&#;ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Which type of flexible conduit is best? FAQs

Which type of conduit is best for my project?

The type of conduit you need largely depends on the environment your cables will be routed through.

Let&#;s say, for example, that you need a flexible conduit system for a wastewater treatment facility.

A non-metallic plastic conduit &#; like our PVC spiral reinforced conduits &#; will be ideal in this situation.

It won&#;t corrode when it comes into contact with water and will provide the same level of protection for your cables as any of our metallic conduits would.

If you need something a little stronger for a more extreme environment, then a metallic conduit is probably your best bet.

Not sure which conduit is best for your project? The Flex-It team is here to help! Get in touch with us today for further technical advice.

How much do flexible conduits cost?

The price you&#;ll pay for flexible conduits depends, of course, on which conduits you need &#; including the type, size, and quantity your project requires.

Here at Flex-It, we&#;re proud to be able to offer some of the most competitive prices around, but this isn&#;t to say that we make any compromises on the quality of our products.

If you have any queries regarding any of our products or pricing, don&#;t hesitate to contact our specialists.

Give us a call today, or send us a message via to and we&#;ll get back to you as soon as we can. We&#;re always more than happy to assist you!

How do I purchase flexible conduits from Flex-It?

Purchasing our conduits is easy! Jot down the product number(s) and either give us a call on 812 195 or hit the &#;enquire now&#; button to the right of your screen.

It&#;s important to note that we can&#;t be responsible for ensuring the accuracy of your order specification, and therefore can&#;t accept liability for goods that are incorrectly ordered &#; so make sure that you&#;ve provided us with the correct product codes. <p.All orders placed before 2:30 pm Mon-Fri will dispatched the same day (subject to availability, of course), with your conduits delivered directly to your doorstep the next working day!

If you have any queries or concerns regarding your order, don&#;t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team and we&#;ll do everything we can to help.

Why choose Flex-It?

Here at Flex-It, we&#;re one of the UK&#;s leading suppliers of flexible conduit and cable management systems.

As an independent family-run business established in , we&#;re immensely proud of the reputation we&#;ve built for ourselves. We have worked with many high-profile businesses over the years, including Showcase Cinemas, McDonald&#;s, and The National Portrait Gallery.

Why not join them in becoming one of our many satisfied customers? No matter the type of conduit you&#;re after, whether it be metallic or non-metallic, we&#;re confident you&#;ll find it with us.

To find out more about our fantastic range of flexible conduits or to place an order, give us a call on 812 195, or send us a message via to for a speedy response..

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