Electrical Metal Conduit (EMT) is a lightweight, cost-effective option for enclosing electrical wires. It is made of steel or aluminum and often galvanized to resist corrosion. EMT is popular for indoor and outdoor use, easy installation, and controlling the flow of electricity. However, it may not be suitable for all applications, such as when a large number of cables are used or in residential homes.
Electrical Metal Conduit (EMT) is lightweight conduit used to enclose electrical wires within a structure. While many other piping materials are available, this type is one of the more common choices by contractors because it is more cost-effective than comparable materials. Steel and aluminum are the two main choices used to make the pipe, and in many cases, it is also galvanized with a zinc coating so that it remains resistant to corrosion. Unlike many other options within electrical tubes, the EMT does not intertwine; instead, the ends are mounted on clamps.
This pipe is among the most popular choices for both indoor and outdoor use because it is the lightest steel jacket on the market. Because it’s constructed of a high-grade metal, it controls the flow of electricity through the paths it creates, and many regions actually specify that EMT must be used to meet building standards. Nonmetallic pipes are also much more vulnerable to moisture, which is dangerous in the presence of free-flowing electricity. Exposure to chemical fumes or protection from accidental blunt force impact are also reasons this tube is used; even light metallic plating is better than nothing.
Another reason contractors use metal electrical tubing over many of the other available materials is for ease of installation. Construction workers often have to work in a very confined space to install electrical pipes, and some of the more cumbersome alternatives are much more difficult to manage. Within crawl spaces or attics, this product can be installed quickly and efficiently and the threaded clamps interlock for a secure connection. Because EMT is also somewhat flexible, it can be deployed in other areas that would otherwise be impossible. A further advantage is that as it is often galvanized, it is also suitable for outdoor installation.
Metallic electrical pipes also have their share of drawbacks and are not recommended for every possible application. When a large number of cables are used, for example, a contractor may prefer to use rigid metal conduit (RMC) or galvanized metal conduit (GMC) to provide superior protection. Areas that require more twists and turns may be better suited with flexible metal tubing (FMT) or flexible metal conduit (FMC), as they can be manipulated to almost any angle, while remaining stable. Residential homes are also not often wired with this form of tubing; it is mainly used inside commercial buildings.
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