Electrical conduits

Electrical conduits are tubes or channels used to protect and route electrical wiring in a building or structure. They provide physical protection for the wires and help ensure safety and compliance with electrical codes. 

The main types of electrical conduits:

1. Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC):

Rigid Metal Conduit
  • - Made of heavy-duty metal, typically galvanized steel or aluminum.
  • - Provides excellent protection against physical damage and is often used in outdoor or industrial applications.
  • - Requires threaded fittings for connections.

2. Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC):

Intermediate Metal Conduit
  • - Lighter and thinner than RMC but still offers good protection.
  • - Made of steel and can be used in similar applications as RMC.
  • - Easier to handle and install due to its lighter weight.

3. Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT):

Electrical Metallic Tubing
  • - Also known as "thin-wall" conduit, made of lightweight metal (usually steel or aluminum).
  • - Not as strong as RMC or IMC but is easier to install and bend.
  • - Commonly used in commercial and residential applications where protection from physical damage is needed but not as critical.

4. PVC Conduit (Polyvinyl Chloride):

PVC Conduit (Polyvinyl Chloride)
  • - Made of plastic, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion.
  • - Suitable for underground installations and areas where moisture is a concern.
  • - Available in rigid and flexible forms, and connections are made using solvent cement.

5. Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC):

Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC)
  • - Made of spirally wound metal, allowing it to be flexible and bendable.
  • - Used in applications where flexibility is needed, such as connecting equipment that may move or vibrate.
  • - Provides some protection against physical damage but is not as robust as rigid conduits.

6. Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit (LFNC):

Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit (LFNC)
  • - Made of flexible plastic and designed to be watertight.
  • - Used in wet or damp locations, such as outdoor installations or areas exposed to moisture.
  • - Provides flexibility and protection against water ingress.

7. Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit (RNC):

Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit (RNC)
  • - Made of materials like PVC or fiberglass, providing a lightweight and corrosion-resistant option.
  • - Used in various applications, including underground and exposed installations.
  • - Offers good protection against moisture and chemicals.

8. Raceways:

Raceways

Raceways
  • - While not a conduit in the traditional sense, raceways are channels that can house multiple wires and cables.
  • - They can be made of metal or plastic and are often used in commercial settings for organizing and protecting wiring.
Each type of conduit has its specific applications, advantages, and limitations, so the choice of conduit depends on factors such as the environment, the level of protection required, and local electrical codes.