The electrical conduits are a type of fiber, metal, or plastic sleeve that holds and protects wiring in the home or office space. The installation of the conduit is subject to specific wiring regulations. So, for this reason, it is essential to install the right one to match the needs.

Types of conduits

The placement of the electrical conduit will become a deciding factor on the chosen material. The majority of the conduits are placed on exposed wall surfaces, and the material is either rigid or flexible. The most common materials include liquid-tight/seal-tight, PVC-coated, EMT, PVC, rigid steel and IMC.

There are a variety of factors that are considered in the process of choosing the type of conduit system, such as the material of the sleeve, mechanical stiffness and wall thickness. The particular material is chosen based on the installation costs, its ability to resist corrosion, and its mechanical protection.

Rigid Steel

The thickest and heaviest choice for the electrical conduits is rigid steel which gives significantly more protection compared to the light, flexible versions. Popular materials include aluminum, coated steel and stainless steel. Plus, the different materials are given a special coating to increase the ability to resist corrosion. Rigid steel is useful in a wide range of applications including outside areas such as service feed installations and under driveways.

Intermediate metal

A lighter type of conduit includes those manufactured with intermediate metal and is a practical choice for protecting cables and insulating electrical conductors. This is a useful choice for exposed walls (basements, garages, etc.) and outdoor applications.

Electrical metallic tubing

The electrical metallic tubing is a lightweight material and relatively easy to install on indoor applications. It is typically made of aluminum or steel and a popular choice for industrial and commercial buildings.

PVC

The PVC conduit is the most cost-effective option for installing in industrial, commercial, or utility applications. Even though it is preferred for indoor use, it is still able to give sufficient protection against corrosion, moisture and sunlight. Also, it is an acceptable option for underground applications, but great care needs to be taken throughout the installation process.

Liquid-tight/Seal-tight

The liquid-tight/seal-tight has the ability to offer great mechanical strength and is finished with several types of coatings. It is great for commercial and industrial applications with the ability to accept a maximum rating of 75° C. Plus, this is a flexible type of material that is great for areas that experience a lot of flexing or vibrations.