Types Of Conduit And Their Uses
Electrical conduits come in a wide range of styles to make it easy to find something that complements the particular installation. It can provide a high level of protection for the wiring in and around the home, such as the laundry, barn, garage, or basement areas. In addition to the different conduits, there is also the option to use a few types of wiring, such as THWN or THHN. The wiring can vary in size, so it is essential to have the type of conduit that is spacious enough to easily accept the chosen type of wire. Any conduit that is used for an outdoor application must be water tight and rated for exterior use.
Here are several of the most useful types of conduits to use in the home:
PVC conduit is a practical choice for the application that needs protection from wet environments. This conduit is easily directed in the right path using a wide range of attachments, such as elbows, couplings, connectors and fittings. But, it is essential to use a proper PVC glue to achieve a hold that is reliable and water tight. Also, this type of conduit isn’t conductive, so it is useful to add a ground wire at the relevant points.
The flexible metal conduit is favored when there are plenty of tight bends in the installation. Some of the close quarter environments for this type of conduit include attic vents, can lights and water heaters.
EMT is a useful choice for concealing within the walls. It is easy to bend and lightweight, but is more likely to get damaged in the event of any contact. The more solid alternatives include rigid or IMC conduit.
The IMC conduit is a popular choice for those planning to work on an outdoor installation. It is galvanized and thick to easily stand up to areas where it could be damaged. This conduit is mostly used for exposed walls in outbuildings, garages or basements.
The most hard-wearing option is the rigid metal conduit. It is practical for the most extreme installations such as service feeder installations and under driveways. This type of conduit must be threaded at each end and is one of the most expensive options in the market.
Overall, it usually benefits to use a rigid type of conduit when possible because this has the ability to give the best and strongest protection against damage. This is especially important for the outside jobs when there is the risk of storm damage, falling branches, or similar issues.
