Electrical Conduit Types

Electrical affairs are not exactly easy to handle. But with a bit of a mathematical bent of mind and a rough idea about how circuits, it can be easily dealt with. If you are trained in it, there is no question of you not knowing about it! Talking about an electrical circuit, the wiring of the circuit is an inevitable part of it. To protect this wiring, there is a system in place. This is called an electrical conduit.

Simply put, an electrical conduit is a piping system for protecting and routing electrical wiring. Protection is most crucial in areas where the wires are exposed. They are made from different materials―fiber, fired clay, plastic, or metal. The usage, form, and the details of the conduit fittings and installation are mentioned specifically in the US National Electric Code. In some cases, the term 'conduit' is commonly used to refer to a system comprising electrical conductors.

As mentioned earlier, there are a number of materials which are used to make electrical conduits.

Galvanized rigid conduit (GRC) is a conduit made from galvanized steel tubing. The tubing wall is just thick to allow for it to be threaded. These are most commonly used in commercial and industrial construction.

Another type is the electrical metallic tubing (EMT), which is typically made from coated steel, though aluminum is also sometimes used. Also referred to as thin-wall conduit, it is used as an alternative to a galvanized rigid conduit (GRC), the reason being that it is not as costly as GRC and is lighter. EMT can be used along with threaded fittings which clamp to it even if it cannot be threaded. EMT is widely used in commercial and industrial buildings rather than residential estates.

Electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT) is yet another type. It is a thin-walled corrugated tubing. It is made of a moisture-resistant and flame-retardant material. It is possible to bend ENT by hand, and it is often flexible even though the fittings sometimes aren't. Due to its corrugated shape, it cannot be threaded, even if the fittings can.

Flexible metallic conduit (FMC) is a type with a self-interlocked ribbed strip of either steel or aluminum. This is made in such a way that it forms a hollow tube through which the wire is then passed. It is primarily used in dry areas.

Liquid-tight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) is a kind which is covered by a waterproof plastic coating. A metallic flexible conduit, its interiors are akin to the FMC.

A thick threaded tubing, rigid metallic conduit (RMC) is typically made from coated or stainless steel or aluminum. Unlike this, rigid nonmetallic conduit (RNC) refers to a non-metallic, non-threaded tubing.

Liquid-tight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit (LFNC) is an umbrella term for a number of types of fireproof, non-metallic tubing. The interiors of this conduit may be corrugated or smooth.

Well, these were some of the basic types of electrical conduit. Their sizes vary as per the requirement and the expanse of the wiring.