https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2015/09/20/12/18/electric-948208_1280.jpg
Not many of us stop to think about how we have electricity in our homes, at work, and everywhere else we go. The key player behind the scenes is called a conduit and it is one of the most vital electrical components in any electrical project.
By checking out this site, you can quickly find whatever electrical conduit you need for your next job. If you have an electrical DIY project you want to tackle, start by knowing the different conduit types and which one might be the best fit.
Galvanized Rigid Steel (GRC)
This type of conduit works for both outdoor and indoor applications and is part of the metal electrical conduit family. You would typically find this in commercial or industrial jobs since it has been an industry standard for a while. Very impact resistant and protects against electromagnetic interference quite well, too.
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)
Uses really durable galvanized steel and can only be installed with thread fittings. Because of the enhanced strength, RMC is also pretty expensive because of both the materials and the labor involved to install it. The aluminum used in RMC conduits helps stand up to corrosion far better than some of the other conduit types out there.
Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)
Can be used instead of GRC for industrial and commercial applications but it’s more commonplace in residences. Generally made of coated steel but it can also be made of aluminum. Versatile enough that it’s rated for concrete use, but it’s forbidden to install EMT where there is a chance that physical damage can occur. Not as durable as GRC but it bends much more easily and has a wide range of trade sizes.
Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)
IMC is a bit lighter than RMC even though they are both approved for the same applications. Jobs that have tighter budgets would be wiser to go with IMC over RMC, which comes in both the threaded and unthreaded varieties. IMC has thinner walls, but kinking is a common problem. A major problem with IMC is that it only goes up to 4 inches, making it a lot smaller than some of the other conduits out there.
RTRC Conduit
Basically known as fiberglass conduit. Corrosion resistance varies greatly but it has a great temperature range, UV stability, and a low burn-through. Retains its original shape very well even after impact. Best of all, the support distances work well with PVC-coated steel, aluminum electrical conduit, and GRC.
Rigid Non-metallic Conduit (RNC)
This kind of conduit has smoother walls and is unthreaded. What’s great about RNC is that it comes in multiple substrates like PVC, RTRC, and high-density polyethylene. What each one is capable of depends on what substrate type you choose, but RNC is generally approved for use underground and can even be used in direct burial jobs.
Electrical Non-metallic Tubing (ENT)
Corrugated and thin-walled, this conduit isn’t fire rated but does have flame-retardant qualities. Shouldn’t be used in exposed areas, typically goes within concrete blocks or behind walls. Very flexible and has size ranges going up to 2 inches. May be the most flexible conduit type you will find, especially among the non-metallic options.
PVC Conduit
PVC is light and very popular for applications where a non-metallic conduit is required. PVC conduit should be exposed to sunlight because the UV stability is pretty bad. The field bends and heats well but has to be mounted to account for things like contraction and expansion, not to mention it could deform if the environment is too hot.
