Electrical Conduit & Conduit Fittings
In simple terms, an electrical conduit is a plastic or metal pipe used to run electrical wires. Conduits are generally used in locations (such as wall surfaces) where exposed electrical wire cables need to be protected. Conduits manufactured from plastic or metal are rigid but offer greater protection to electrical wires. Flexible conduits, on the other hand, are easier to install and are used in locations where rigid conduits cannot fit in.
Conduit fittings are used to adapt or join those parts that conduct electricity. They come in the form of locknuts, condulets, couplings, bushings or connectors and can be installed indoors or outdoors.
Conduits and conduit fittings are available in a variety of styles and can be used in a basement, laundry area, garage or barn. You can also install the conduit in the walls of your home so that you can pull extra circuits through existing conduits, if you wish to do so at a later stage.
The electrical conduits that are meant to be installed outdoors need to be rated for external use. PVC conduits are generally used in underground or wet areas. These have their special connectors, fittings, elbows and couplings. It is easy to attach them with PVC glue and a cleaner.
Until a few years ago, technicians used specialized tools to curve and shape rigid electric conduits through difficult spaces. While these kinds of conduits are still available, most people prefer to use pre-shaped couplings rather than go through the whole process of bending rigid conduits.
Things to remember:
- You can only use metal boxes with metal conduits. Plastic boxes cannot be used.
- THHN/THWN wiring is installed in an electric conduit. These are color coded and plastic-coated wires that resemble the wires inside Romex.
- The wire size will depend upon the amperage that is required.
- A metal conduit is a substitute for the green grounding wire inside Romex. That’s why you can only use metal boxes with metal conduits.
- Most electricians, however, still prefer to ground the system by running the green grounding wire inside the metal electrical conduit.
