Electrical conduit protects wiring from damage and reduces fire risk. Rigid conduit includes steel or plastic pipes, while flexible conduit is easy to bend. Couplings and fittings join lengths of conduit. Conduit protects wiring from pests and moisture, but can be difficult to install and expensive.
Electrical conduit is a type of tube or pipe used to protect electrical wiring. These conduits can be run like standard plumbing pipes through the walls or ceilings of a structure, and wire is then pulled through the conduits using ropes or special tools. Many building codes require contractors to use electrical conduit when building or renovating a home, although the type and design of conduit can vary by location. Generally, electrical conduit helps protect wires from damage and reduces the risk of fire within a building.
Builders can choose from a variety of duct types based on local codes and project needs. Rigid conduit includes a tube-like material that is difficult to bend, but offers a high level of protection for the wires inside. Steel or plastic pipes are some of the more popular options, with stainless steel being used to reduce damage in corrosive or moisture-prone environments. Cabling that needs to be buried often requires special clay conduits that can withstand harsh conditions for a long time.
Flexible conduit serves as an alternative to traditional rigid electrical conduit. Known as greenfield or flex cable, this conduit is easy to bend around obstacles within the wall or ceiling cavity. It consists of steel, aluminum or copper pipes that bend in a similar way to the links of a chain. While this type of electrical conduit is convenient, it is generally much smaller than rigid conduit and capable of carrying fewer wires.
Lengths of electrical conduits can be joined together using special couplings or fittings. Bent elbows are used to join duct at an angle or along the joint between the wall and ceiling. Short lengths of conduit known as nipples can be used to extend a length of conduit to reach a junction box or device.
One benefit of using electrical conduit is the high level of protection it provides to electrical wiring. The wires are protected from moisture, chemicals and even pests that can chew through the wiring and cause a shortage. Conduit also makes it easy to add or remove wires later, with minimal damage to surrounding finishes.
Buyers should also be aware of the potential limitations and drawbacks of using electrical conduit rather than simply running bare wires. Rigid ducting can be difficult to bend, making it difficult and time-consuming to install these ducts in some areas. Electrical conduit can also add to the cost of a project and is generally considered too expensive in many residential settings. Finally, the conduit can interfere with the wire’s natural ability to dissipate heat. This makes it critical for installers to carefully use the duct according to local codes and industry standards to minimize the risk of overheating or fire.
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