What Are the Different Metal Conduits?

Flexible Metal Conduits Can Be Installed In Most Of The Same Places In Murrieta!

What Are the Different Metal ConduitsMetal conduits is an excellent mechanical protection of cables and electrical wires. The earthing on metal conduits is to prevent electrocution. flexible metal conduits are available in many different options ranging from Extra Flexible to extra slinky styles.

Flexible metal conduits are made from steel or aluminum by coiling a self-interlock ribbed strip of the metal. Most metal conduits are made of galvanized steel, but some types also can be found in aluminum. These metal conduits are widely used for protection and routing of electrical wiring.Another use of such flexible metal conduits is as a protective sheath for wire controls such as the so-called push-pull or Bowden wire controls.

Electrical Conduit Types

Electrical conduit is a raceway or piping system that protects wires and cables from impact, moisture, and vapors. It is a path for either power or communication (low voltage) electrical wiring. It is usually tubular and made of metal (galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum) or non-metallic materials (plastics) and is either rigid or flexible. Special types of conduit are required for wet areas and hazardous areas.

In the United States, conduit installation falls under the tasks performed by licensed. NFPA 70, also known as the National Electric Code (NEC), provides information on the safe and proper way to install conduit and associated cabling.

The advantages of all types of conduit are that they:

  • Protect electrical wires from damage due to abuse or accident
  • Can allow for cables to be easily pulled to inaccessible areas in the future (i.e. inside finished walls)
  • Allow wiring changes to be made simpler and safer
  • Can be made waterproof or submersible
  • Can be sealed to provide protection from fire and explosion hazards. Read more here.

The gauge or thickness of the electrical wires contained in the rigid metal conduits is substantial, requiring substantial force to be applied in order to manipulate the wires contained in the conduit.

Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)

Steel RMC has the thickest-wall of the steel raceways. It is available with either a straight-tapped or integral coupling. Galvanized Steel RMC may have a primary coating of zinc on the exterior and interior of the conduit; a combination of zinc and nonmetallic coating are also permitted. Supplementary coatings can be applied for additional corrosion protection.

Electrical Code Compliance

The National Electrical Code® Article 344 covers rigid metal conduit, which includes galvanized and stainless steel, aluminum and red brass. Steel RMC is permitted in all atmospheric conditions and occupancies. The listing label for this product will be identified with one of the following: “Electrical Rigid Metal Conduit” or “ERMC-S”.

RMC Trade Sizes

RMC is available in trade sizes 1/2 through 6, and 10′ and 20′ lengths. RMC is threaded on both ends, with a coupling applied to one and a color-coded thread protector on the other. The industry-established color-coded thread protectors aid in product and trade size recognition. Thread protectors for trade sizes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are color coded blue; trade sizes 1/2, 1 1/2, 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 are black; and trade sizes 3/4 and 1 1/4 are red. See more here.

Preferably, each of the metal conduits is a sleeve with external threads formed on an outer periphery thereof, and a set of convexities or concavities is axially distributed on an inner periphery thereof.

When to Use Flexible Metal Conduits

When to use flexible metal conduits vs. a rigid conduit can be determined by analyzing your wiring situation and see what type of conduit will work best. Flexible metal conduit can typically be found in sizes of 1/2 to 3/4 inches, although it ranges in size from 3/8 to 4 inches in diameter. It is primarily used in places where a rigid conduit would be difficult to install as the flexible conduit will bend to fit.

Although flexible conduit is easier to work with than rigid conduit, it offers less protection for the conductors it carries. Bending a rigid conduit can be an arduous task so it is often preferable to opt for the flexible variety. Being a metal conduit, it has an advantage over PVC conduit (which can not bend) as it may also serve as the grounding path although some local codes may require that you also run a green grounding wire. Check full article here.

Metal Conduits Can Either Come In Flexible Or Rigid Form

Flexible metal conduits are primarily used in dry applications although FMC is available with a UV resistant polymer that makes it water tight. Metal conduits are made primarily from galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Flexible metal conduits can be installed in most of the same places that rigid conduits are installed.

By using advanced and sophisticated machinery, these metal conduits are precisely engineered in compliance with the industry set standards. All type of metal conduits are available in customer requested sizes. Our listed metal conduits are also called electrical metallic tubing, or galvanized steel conduits, call us here: (951) 805-1262.

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