Various types of electrical conduits are used in residential, commercial, and industrial projects, each having its own set of functions. It solely depends on the conditions because every installation is unique and different from each other, how can one decide to use which conduit? It can be distinguished on the basis of strength, heat exposure, and direction changes. Electrical conduits play a vital role in the safety of a project. With proper preparation, fast installations can be performed which can also last longer.
A basic electrical wiring project including conduits can cost up to $600. Merely, the finances of the project can boost up to $40,000 depending on the scale of the project. These conduits play a pivotal role in a wiring job. Various types include rigid metal, intermediate metal and flexible metal conduits, electrical metallic and non-metallic tubing, liquid tight flexible metal, and rigid PVC conduit. Now, let’s move on to discuss distinct electrical conduit and their uses!
JUMP RIGHT INTO A DETAILED BLOG TO DISCOVER ALL TYPES OF ELECTRICAL CONDUIT AND THEIR USES AND HOW THEY ARE USED FOR DISTINCT DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS!
What is an Electrical Conduit?
It can be best described as a channel to store and insulate electrical wires inside a building or structure. Electrical conduits play an indispensable role in our everyday life from underground subways to ports to airports and skyscrapers. There are various types of electrical conduits available which entirely depend on their uses. The reason to select from various types of conduit can be one of many i.e. protection of electrical wires from impact, moisture, corrosion, and fire depending on the environment in which they will be used. Moreover, electrical conduits need a permit as per the National Electrical Code (NEC) for use in direct enfolding in the concrete used for commercial purposes.
Common Types of Electrical Conduits
Following are the 7 common types of electrical conduits, and all these conduits can be discriminated on their applications.
Metal conduits include:
- Rigid metal conduit
- Flexible metal conduit
- Liquid-tight flexible metal conduit
- Intermediate metal conduit
- Electrical metallic tubing
On the other hand, Non-metal conduits include:
- Rigid PVC conduit
- Electrical non-metallic tubing
Metal Electrical Conduit Types
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) is made from galvanized steel and equipped with threaded fittings. It is known for its durability, whereas it is one of the most expensive options in electrical conduits.
Galvanized Rigid Steel (GRC)
Galvanized Rigid Steel is formed with steel and is conventionally found in industrial and commercial projects. GRC is known for its strength and long-lasting durability, which is why it is used more often in industrial and commercial projects. It can withstand Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and ultraviolet (UV) radiations and can impact resistances. Nevertheless, due to its substantial weight and bad handling experiences, It is quite expensive to install and exposed to corrosion.
Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)
It can be used along with Rigid Metal Conduits (RMC), Intermediate Metal Conduits have slightly less weight as compared to RMC and can be used in outdoor applications. It can be cost-efficient as compared to RMC and IMC is available in threaded and non-threaded options.
Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)
Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) is thin-walled and unthreaded and is made of coated steel. It is usually used instead of GRC in commercial and industrial projects, whereas it can also be used in residential projects. It can not be used in those projects where physical damage can occur. It can not provide the same level of protection as compared to GRC.
Non-Metal Electrical Conduits
Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit (RNC)
Rigid Non-Metallic Conduit (RNC) is a non-threaded, smooth-walled tubing that comes in multiple substitutes i.e. high-density polyethene, PVC and RTRC (fibreglass).
Reinforced thermosetting resin conduit (RTRC) Conduit
RTRC commonly known as fibreglass conduit is made from bending strands of fibreglass over a spindle, suffusing the strands with resins and heating at high temperatures resulting in higher strength and sturdiness. These conduits offer a wide range of corrosion-free options in the market, along with exceptional temperature range and the ability to come back to its original shape. It can be compared with GRC, PVC-coated steel conduits and aluminium electrical conduits.
NOW, YOU WOULD HAVE UNDERSTOOD THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF ELECTRIC CONDUIT TYPES IN OUR DAILY LIVES! IF YOU FIND ANY ISSUES IN FINANCIAL ISSUES, YOU CAN DIRECTLY GET ASSISTANCE FROM OUR EXPERTS!
Final Words!
It can be concluded that when it comes to choosing electrical conduits, National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines, and local codes engineering specifications along installation environment should be considered with an eagle eye. With the help of our guide, you may have understood all types of electrical conduit and their uses. These parameters dictate which type of conduit is to be selected along with financial implications and type of conduit used so that it can be easily accessible in the future. In case of budgetary issues, you can rely on a professional Electrical estimator from a competent company to safeguard your finances!