Electrical Conduit

An electrical conduit is a tube used for carrying electrical wire for power or communications. These are lengths of solid tubing used for housing, protecting, and covering electrical wiring and cables in power distribution systems.

Types of Electrical Conduit
There are different types of electrical conduits manufactured in the global market depending on their end application. The different types are:
• PVC conduit: PVC conduits are a popular type of electrical conduit used for above ground and underground applications. These conduits are made of high quality PVC and are flexible in nature. The pipes have high electrical strength, impact resistance, tensile strength. These conduits are available in different sizes with diameters ranging from 1/2" to 6". More
• Rigid Steel conduit: This heavy duty pipe has threaded ends. The size can be determined by the inside diameter measurement. The conduit is available in different sizes including 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2, 3, 3 1/2, 4, 5, and 6.
• Electrical metallic tubing (EMT): These conduits are relatively easy to bend, cut and form. This light-gauge pipe is also known as a thin wall conduit. These conduits are available from ½ inch to 4 inch diameter.
• Non-metallic conduit or PVC conduit: These conduits are circular in shape and generally corrugated. These conduits are used in under ground installations. These conduits are popular because they provide high strength, have a low absorption rate, watertight joints, and have low installation costs.
• Galvanized rigid conduit (GRC): These metallic conduits are coated with zinc for increasing resistance to corrosion and abrasion.
• Intermediate metal conduit (IMC): These have circular raceways that are rigid and also have thinner walls as compared to rigid metal conduits.
Materials of Construction
Electrical conduits are made of a variety of materials depending on the end use. These are :
• Stainless steel
• Lighter steel
• PVC or plastic
• Aluminum
• Nylon
• Polyester
• Polyethylene
Electrical Conduit Size
Electrical conduits for electrical use range from 3/8" to 6" in size. They vary in terms of shape and function also.

Electrical Conduit and fittings Selection Guide
There are certain important parameters that a buyer must consider while selecting electrical conduits and fittings. These are:
• Size analysis
• Schedules analysis
• Fitting ends analysis
• Features analysis


Cutting and shortening PVC

When laying PVC conduit, and in some remodel jobs, it sometimes becomes necessary to cut the conduit in a tight place, too tight to use a handsaw or hacksaw. One thing that works extremely well is to use a "cable saw," available and camping and outdoors stores. It is used by campers to cut down limbs for firewood, etc. It is basically a cable attached to two handles. But who carries such a tool at the jobsite? An excellent alternative is a piece of nylon mason's line, that is normally used for layout of footings, etc. It works by heating the PVC up by friction. Simply pull it back in forth until you cut through.

Another situation comes when it is necessary to shorten a piece of PVC with the wires still in it. (perhaps it is a long run, wires are immovable etc) Take a piece of emt, ridgid, or IMC that is big enough for the wires but fits inside the PVC and slide it inside the PVC far enough that it protects the wires as you cut the PVC. (CAREFULLY)