Conduit is a very good thing in our homes. When you will learnt about them, you will appreciate the working and processing. An electric conduit is a tube or duct used to protect and route electrical wiring in a building or structure. The conduit can be made of various materials, including metal, plastic, or fiber, and is either rigid or flexible. A rigid conduit is typically used for installations requiring a high degree of protection or for areas with a risk of damage to the conduit.
A flexible conduit is often used when there is a need for greater flexibility or when the conduit will be exposed to vibration or movement. Electric conduits are available in various sizes and types to suit applications and electrical requirements. And what are the many types of electrical conduit and fittings? In this installment of Training the Apprentice, we’ll help you ask those questions.
Electrical conduit: what is it?
Generally, a conduit is a route or passageway used in various situations. Roadways can be used as traffic conduits, ditches as water conduits, and websites as informational conduits.
When we discuss electrical conduits, we’re referring to the physical routes used to run wiring throughout a structure. They guide & protect the wire.
Throughout your career, you’ll encounter various types of conduits. The National Electrical Code and some other local and state building codes will provide specific details on how and when to use each.
What is the Function of an Electrical Conduit?
The electrical conduit provides enough protection against lightning for homes and buildings. Conduits generally allow multiple wires to run current via another pipe safely. When manually running a line for electricity or renovating a home, you should use an electrical conduit.
Electrical metal conduit (EMC) is used in projects for business, industry, and homes. On top of suspended ceilings and for connecting lighting fixtures, flexible metal conduit (FMC) is employed. The primary use of a rigid metal conduit (RMC) is to hold electrical cables structurally in outdoor settings.
When using an electrical conduit, we must check the building standards and laws, as there are some guidelines for conduit installation. According to the application, conduits are typically built from various materials, including fiber, metal, plastic, and burned clay. Engineers or engineers install one of those at the electrical equipment project location.
Electrical Conduits Types
Mechanical inertia, pipe, and wall thickness are all factors that determine how a conduit structure is classed. After considering the aspect, the material for corrosion protection and automated protection is chosen.
It is vital to follow some specific wiring requirements in unstable regions where prior permission is required. The varieties of conduit used in residential and industrial lighting are listed below.
Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)
Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) is a typical example of a non-bending conduit, which is often galvanized steel. It could also be built of aluminum. A thin-walled pipe is a famous description for this tube. It is lighter in weight than RMC. It could also be challenging, but it can be readily bent with a tube bender.
EMT is secured with compression-type fasteners or setscrews that protect the fittings and couplings. The tubing isn’t attached like IMC or RMC tubing. It provides common sizes of 1 to 1.5 inches for EMTs.
EMT is often utilized in exposed interior wiring. Because it is frequently encountered in light commercial and residential buildings, it is equally necessary to use specific watertight fittings when putting it together.
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Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)
RMC stands for RMC Heavyweight Galvanized Steel Hard Metal Conduit. If you want to fix them or you want to install them then you should use screw fitting. This is very good for the protection purpose. Because it is simple to use and best for outdoor. Outdoor use is frequent to provide damage or protection. Structural support is also necessary, particularly for electrical installations, cables, and other equipment. Only 10 to 20-foot lengths of RMC are available for purchase. And it has to have threads on both ends.
This conduit is generally one of the most premium electrical wiring choices available. However, it provides increased power and longevity, which is a significant benefit.
IMC stands for Intermediate Metal Conduit. The wall of this conduit is narrower than RMC and thicker than EMT, as its name suggests. Conversely, the conduit’s weight is a barrier between RMC and EMT. These metal conductors can be threaded or threaded rods, and clamp-type connectors could be used with them. Steel IMCs are commonly used and can be coated.
Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC)
This is derived from the inventor’s name. It features a spiral design that allows it to be incredibly flexible. The FMC’s flexibility will enable it to pass through walls and other constructions. Standard FMCs are frequently utilized in dry indoor areas for short periods.
In many situations that require tight encounters and a tricky bend, finding it challenging to divert regular conduit afterward, the FMC is always an excellent solution. Basic flexible conduit systems include light fixtures, attic vents, & water heaters.
LFMC (Liquid-tight Flexible Metal)
LFMC, or liquid-tight flexible metal conduit, is a unique flexible metal conduit. A plastic coating is included in the necessary seal fitting. Water binds the many components that constitute the LFMC. This metallic electrical conduit is often used to connect equipment to the outside air conditioning unit.
ENT (Electrical Non-Metallic Tubing)
ENT is a flexible, thin-walled corrugated conduit. It can be twisted without the use of any additional equipment. But don’t turn it around. Because it can be spun around the barrier, either cutting or welding, it is easier to set up than an RNC.
Special ENT connectors are utilized, which are usually snap-in and not waterproof.
Where the umbilical cord will be exposed to moisture, flexible organic or inorganic condensation (LFNC) is also provided.
Rigid PVC Conduit
Plastic plumbing pipes are similar to rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It’s also fitted with plastic connections, which are bonded together. When the temperature is given to them then it will expand. This heating is done in heater box which is easy to handle. The box will damage after heating. No air can pass through this box. PVC can be buried straight in the ground in various situations. In rusty cases, it is also permitted.
FAQ’s
What other kind of conduit are we looking for?
The most prevalent form of conduit used throughout domestic applications is EMT conduit. The National Electrical Code (NEC) allows EMT in dry and wet environments, however wet situations require special impermeable fittings and connectors.
What’s the distinction between the rigid conduit and EMT conduit?
Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is a type of conduit composed of coated steel or aluminum that is less expensive and has a thinner wall than another conduit. This is different from other materials but it is simple and easy to handle.
