An integral part of the electrical wiring and design of your home is the choice of the right kind of electrical conduit. Electrical conduits protect your home’s wiring from damage and hence it’s of utmost importance. These days, in most modern homes, the most commonly used type of wiring is the non-metallic cable form. This type of wiring includes an enclosing of two or more separate wires in a protective plastic sheathing.
By definition, electrical conduits are durable enclosures or tubes wherein electrical wires are enclosed to ensure protection from any form of damage. These are often called raceways or wireways. Adequate protection from electrocution is provided for homes and buildings by the usage of electrical conduits. Conduit manufacturers in Kerala or other parts of the world play a crucial role in delivering high-quality electrical conduits.Â
Let’s discuss further the different types of conduits that are available in the market today so that you can make a better choice of wiring for your home’s safety.
Different Types of Electrical Conduits and their Uses
Following is the list of the most commonly used types of electrical conduits in commercial and residential buildings.
- Electrical Metallic Tubing
- Rigid Metal Conduit
- Intermediate Metal Conduit
- Flexible Metal Conduit
- Liquid-tight Flexible Metal
- Electrical Non-Metallic Tubing
- Rigid PVC Conduit
Electrical Metallic Tubing – Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) is an example of an unbending type of electrical conduit. The material used for producing this type of conduit is Galvanized steel or Aluminium. In comparison with Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC), EMT is lighter and thinner.
EMT is bendable using a tube bender tool and is strong. This type of conduit is also called a thin-wall conduit. EMT can be installed with the help of couplings and fittings that are protected completely through setscrew or compression-type fasteners. These types of conduits are frequently used in the indoor wiring of residences and commercial buildings.
If EMTs are to be used outdoors in exposed areas, they should be connected through special watertight fittings. Similar to conduit types like RMC and IMC, EMT is not threaded.
Rigid Metal Conduit – Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) is very expensive. The cost of RMC is higher because they provide high strength and power. RMC is made with heavyweight Galvanized Steel and installed with the help of threaded fittings.Â
This type of conduit mainly finds its application in outdoor spaces. They are used to provide safety from damage and structural support to panels, cables & different equipment, outdoors. RMC is available in 10 to 20 feet lengths with threads on each side of them.
Intermediate Metal Conduit – Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) is a thinner and lightweight version of RMC. It is used in the same applications as that of RMC. It is frequently used in new constructions, as they are lighter and easier to work with as compared to RMC. The use of IMC can be very cost-effective. IMC is rated for protecting conductors, insulating electrical cables, and outside exposure.
Flexible Metal Conduit – Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC) is very flexible and can be easily bent throughout different walls and structures. FMC is available in spiral constructions. FMC finds applications in indoor locations that are dried out and also in fixed appliances like a garbage disposer, etc.Â
FMC is mainly used as electrical wiring in commercial and industrial buildings. FMC is commonly employed in water heaters, light installations, attic vents, etc.
Liquid-tight Flexible Metal – Liquid-tight Flexible Metal (LFMC) is a special type of flexible metal conduit. LFMC comes with a plastic coating and is equipped with sealed fittings to make it waterproof. Due to this, LFMCs are mainly employed in locations where dampness is a cause of concern.Â
LMFCs are frequently used with outdoor types of equipment like AC units, etc. It is advised to use this type of conduit in combination with liquid-tight fittings.
Electrical Non-Metallic Tubing – Electrical Non – Metallic Tubing (ENT) is a thin-walled corrugated thin-walled type of plastic conduit that is flame retardant, moisture resistant, and flexible. ENT is very easy to bend and is installed with the help of snap-lock fittings and glued plastic. Unlike electrical metallic tubing (EMT), this type of conduit cannot be used in areas where it is exposed.Â
ENTs can be used inside walls without issues. ENTs also find applications in electrical metallic tubing used in concrete block constructions, concrete roofing, and also in normal metal frames. ENT is easy to use because it can be turned around the wall without welding or cutting.
PVC Conduit – Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) conduits are related to plastic pumping pipes. This type of conduit can be easily installed with the help of plastic fittings and glue. When heated within a heater, it can be simply bent. PVC conduits are mostly used in underground and corrosive environments.
