Durable electrical conduits are crucial when you’re installing wiring in your home. The first thing an electrician will decide on is the type of wiring they need to use when doing an electrical project in a residential setting. The next thing they choose is the kind of conduit fittings they will use to enclose them
An electrical conduit fitting refers to a chamber, pipe, or enclosure used to run the wires through. It protects or safeguards electrical wiring conductors that are run through them.
Installation of Electrical Conduits
Using a conduit can prevent the electrical wiring from getting exposed, and from getting damaged from the regular wear and tear. You can find conduit fittings in both plastic and metal form. And they can be flexible or rigid.
When installing them, compatible electrical fittings such as elbows, couplings, and connectors are needed. You also need electrical boxes along with them. Manufacturers make these items with the same material they use to make conduits. After installing these things, the electrical wiring is then run through these tubes using a flexible metal ribbon called fish tape. Some of these fittings come with an openable cover or a plate. Using these “pull points,” electricians can access the wiring when necessary.
Different Types of Electrical Conduits
There are seven electrical conduit fittings that electricians commonly use in a residential setting. Let’s see what they are:
Electrical Metallic Tube (EMT)
EMT conduit fittings are rigid electrical conduits. They have metal tubing that they make out of galvanized steel. Sometimes, you can find EMTs made out of aluminum as well. They are also popularly known as “thin-wall” conduit fittings.These conduits get this name because they are light and thin. While these conduits are pretty rigid, you can bend these tubes using a tool called a conduit bender. You can use these electrical conduits fittings in the interiors of a house. If you plan to use it outdoors, you will have to use watertight fittings.
Electrical Non-Metallic Tube (ENT)
Electrical non-metallic tubes or ENTs are made out of corrugated plastic. This makes electrical non-metallic tubes pretty flexible. They are waterproof tubes that can also resist fire. Their unique protective qualities make them the best choice for indoor and outdoor applications in a residential wiring project
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)
Rigid metal conduits are made out of heavyweight and heavy-duty galvanized steel. You have to use threaded fittings to install them. Since they are tough, you can install these conduit fittings outdoors. They sell RMC in 10 and 20 feet lengths. These conduits have threads on both ends.
Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)
IMC or intermediate metal conduits are the thinner and lighter version of RMCs. Since they are approved, you can use them in similar applications instead of RMCs. Also, since they are lightweight, many people prefer to use them in construction projects these days.
Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC)
Flexible metal conduits come with a spiraling metal body which allows it to snake through the walls with ease. Since they can bend easily, electricians prefer to use them indoors. They thread them through the walls. They are great for connecting lighting, attic vents, and furnaces.
Liquid-tight Flexible Metal Conduit (LMFC)
Liquid-tight flexible metal conduits or FMCs have a coating of waterproof plastic sheathing. Since they are waterproof, you can use them in wet areas. You may use them to connect wiring to water heaters or air conditioners.
Rigid PVC Conduit
Rigid PVC refers to rigid polyvinyl chloride. These types of conduits are plastic tubing and look like thinner versions of the PVC plumbing pipes. You can bend and heat these conduits to change the direction with ease.
Electricians use electrical PVC fittings to glue PVC in place. They become watertight since you will glue together both fittings and conduit tubing. They are apt in both outdoor and indoor applications.
Installing the best electrical conduit fittings will help in enhancing safety and preventing damages.
Author Bio: Jeson Pitt works with the marketing department of D&F Liquidators and regularly writes to share his knowledge while enlightening people about electrical products and solving their electrical dilemmas. He’s got the industry insights that you can count on along with years of experience in the field.
