Electrical conduits are pipes made of metal, plastic, or fiber that are used to protect cables and wires. They're employed in almost every home and business building, especially for wiring that's exposed or installed outside. Because they are primarily a safety feature, the material, size, and fittings should be chosen based on the installation's environment and the sort of wiring it will house.
An electrical conduit is a tube used in a building or structure to protect and provide a channel for electrical wires. Conduit is typically used for concealed and open-wire, as well as areas where it may be damaged. Metal, plastic, or fiber are the most common materials used in EMT electrical conduit fittings. The thickness of the wall of the conduit is used to classify it. Conduit selections will be based on the application, use, and kind of building, among other factors. The National Electrical Code must be followed when installing conduits (NEC).
Types of Conduits
There are virtually as many sorts of conduits as there are wires and cables when it comes to possibilities, and they can be divided into metallic and non-metallic varieties. The following are some of the most prevalent types that fall under these categories:
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)
RMCs, sometimes known as rigid, are one of the most widely used conduits in commercial buildings. They normally feature the thickest and hardest walls, which are usually composed of coated stainless steel or aluminum, and provide great protection against impacts, punctures, and cuts. They are also available with various corrosion-resistant coatings and can be used both indoors and outdoors in most situations, including as equipment grounding conductors. However, they are heavy, difficult to bend, and more expensive, and if you cut them, you will need compression fittings or a rethreaded
Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)
Even though they're not really conduits (they're classified as tubing), these are by far the most regularly used conduits. Because EMTs have a significantly thinner wall than RMCs, they're sometimes referred to as "thin walls," which is why they shouldn't be employed in situations where they're likely to be stressed. These are also available in galvanized steel or with a rust-resistant coating and can be utilized as ground conductors, embedded in concrete, or for direct burial in most indoor and outdoor applications. Fittings for EMTs are both generally accessible and inexpensive, plus they are significantly lightweight and bend easily.
Flexible Metallic Conduit (FMC)
FMCs are spirally coiled metal strips that interlock and are sometimes referred to as 'Greenfield' or 'flex' conduits. They're typically used for the final few feet of wiring when traditional conduit systems are tough to handle and terminate. FMCs are typically used to contain wire for pumps, motors, and manufacturing equipment because of their capacity to absorb vibrations and facilitate mobility. The disadvantage is that they aren't very resistant to impacts and corrosion, and they can't be utilized outdoors, buried, or implanted.
Types of Fittings
All components must be listed and labeled according to Section 110-3 of the NEC, and all listed parts must meet specified construction and performance standards. The material utilized for the fittings, which come in a variety of materials, is not specified in the Code. Availability, design factors, and personal preference will all influence this decision. If you're not sure how the conditions will influence the fittings, you can contact a manufacturer, visit a local distributor, or acquire an engineering recommendation.
Conduit fittings can be listed as follows, based on the function they serve and how they are installed:
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Conduit Bodies
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Coupling
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Drains
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Bushings and locknuts
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Nipples and Hubs
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Reducers and reducing washers
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Straps and clamps