7 Types of Electrical Conduit

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BY JUAN RODRIGUEZ

Updated August 08, 2019

The term electrical conduit refers to durable tubing or other types of enclosure used to protect and
provide a route for individual electrical wiring conductors. Conduit is typically required where wiring is
exposed or where it might be subject to damage. A conduit can be made of metal or plastic and may
be rigid or flexible. All conduit is installed with compatible fittings (couplings, elbows, connectors) and
electrical boxes, usually made of the same or similar material. Conduit must be installed in accordance
with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and all applicable local code rules.

There are seven different types of conduit used commonly in residential and light commercial wiring.

Rigid Metal Conduit—RMC and IMC

Rigid metal conduit, or RMC, is heavy-duty galvanized steel tubing that is installed with threaded fittings.
It is typically used outdoors to provide protection from damage and can also provide structural support
for electrical cables, panels, and other equipment. RMC is sold in 10- and 20-foot lengths and has
threads on both ends.

Intermediate metal conduit, or IMC, is a thinner, lighter-weight version of rigid metal conduit and is
approved for use in all of the same applications as RMC. Because IMC is lighter and easier to work
with than RMC, it is more common in new construction.

Electrical Metallic Tubing—EMT

Another example of a rigid electrical conduit is EMT (electrical metal tubing), which is most commonly
made of galvanized steel but can also be aluminum. EMT is also called "thin-wall" conduit because it
is thin and lightweight, especially compared to RMC. EMT is rigid but can be bent with a simple tool
called a conduit bender.

EMT is installed with couplings and fittings that are secured with setscrew or compression-type
fasteners. The tubing itself is not threaded like RMC and IMC. Common sizes of EMT include 1/2-inch,
3/4-inch, and 1-inch. It is commonly used for exposed indoor wiring runs in residential and light
commercial construction. If installed outdoors in exposed locations, it must be assembled with special
watertight fittings.
Electrical Non-Metallic Tubing—ENT

Electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT) is flexible corrugated plastic tubing that is moisture-resistant
and flame-retardant. It is easy to bend and installs with snap-lock or glued plastic fittings. Unlike EMT,
non-metallic tubing cannot installed in exposed locations, so it is commonly used inside walls. In
addition to installation in standard wood- or metal-frame walls, ENT can be installed inside concrete
block structures and can be covered with concrete. Due to the blue color of one common brand of this
conduit, ENT is nicknamed smurf tube, after the Smurfs cartoon characters.

Flexible Metal Conduit—FMC and LFMC

Flexible metal conduit (FMC) is also called "Greenfield," after the name of its inventor. It has a spiral
construction that makes it flexible so it can snake through walls and other structures. Standard FMC is
used in dry indoor locations, often for short runs between a wall box and a motor or fixed appliance,
such as a garbage disposer.

Liquid-tight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) is a special type of flexible metal conduit that has a plastic
coating and is used with sealed fittings to make it watertight. It is commonly used with outdoor
equipment, such as air conditioner units.

Rigid PVC Conduit

Rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is similar to plastic plumbing pipe and is installed with plastic fittings that
are glued in place. It can be bent after being heated in a portable heater box. Because the conduit
tubing and fittings are glued together, the conduit assemblies can be watertight, making PVC suitable
for direct burial in the ground for many applications. It is also allowed in corrosive environments.

Electrical Conduits & Fittings

Electrical Conduits & Fittings
Electrical conduits are metal, plastic or fiber pipes designed to protect electrical cables and wires.
They’re used in just about every residential and commercial establishment, especially for wiring that is
either exposed, or fitted outdoors. Since they are essentially a safety feature, you should select the
material, size and fittings based on the environment of the installation and the type of wiring it’ll be
housing.

Types of Conduits
When it comes to options, there are almost as many types of conduits as there are wires and cables,
and they can be broadly classified into metallic and nonmetallic variants. Here are some of the most
common types under these categories:
 Metallic Conduits

 Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) – RMCs, or ‘rigids’ are one of the most commonly used conduits in
commercial establishments. They usually have the toughest and thickest walls made from coated
stainless steel or aluminum, so they offer excellent protection against impacts, punctures and cuts.
Additionally, they are available with different coatings to prevent corrosion and can be used indoors and
outdoors in most conditions, even as equipment grounding conductors. However, they are heavy, difficult
to bend, more expensive and you will need to use compression fittings or a rethreader if you cut them.
 Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) – These are by far the most commonly used conduits, even though
they’re not technically conduits at all (they’re actually classified as tubings). EMTs are usually called
‘thinwalls’, since they have a much thinner wall than RMCs, which is why they should not be used in
places where they’re likely to encounter stresses. These are also available in galvanized steel or with a
rust-resistant coating, and can be used in most indoor and outdoor applications, as ground conductors,
embedded in concrete and for direct burial too. They are much lighter and bend easily, and fittings for
EMTs are both readily available and inexpensive.
 Flexible Metallic Conduit (FMC) – Commonly known as ‘Greenfield’ or ‘flex’ conduits, FMCs are made
from spirally wound metal strips that interlock. They’re most often used for the last few feet of wiring,
where conventional conduit systems are difficult to maneuver and terminate. Another great advantage of
FMCs is their ability to absorb vibrations and allow movement, so they’re often used to house wiring for
pumps, motors and manufacturing equipment. The downside is that they don’t offer much protection
against impacts and corrosion, cannot be used outdoors, buried or embedded.
 Liquid tight Flexible Metallic Conduit (LFMC) – Also called ‘liquidtight’ and ‘sealtight’, they are
manufactured the same way FMCs are, except LFMCs have an overall non-metallic outer covering that
is waterproof and resistant to cracking from sunlight exposure. The additional protection from the covering
overcomes most of the limitations of FMCs, so they can be used outdoors and in wet conditions, provided
water is not allowed to enter from joints and end connectors. While they can be also installed with direct
burial, they are still vulnerable to physical damage and should not be exposed to stresses, or encased in
concrete.
 Aluminum Conduits – These are a type of rigid conduit and are also common in commercial and
industrial applications. Since aluminum resists corrosion extremely well, aluminum conduits are preferred
in locations where they would be exposed to large amounts of water, or corrosive substances. They are,
however, particularly vulnerable to concrete, since the metal reacts to it, but can be treated with specific
coatings if they need to be embedded in concrete.

Non-Metallic Conduits

 Polyvinyl Chloride Conduits (PVC) – PVC conduits are available in both Schedule 40 and 80, which
are basically ratios of the thickness of the wall to its outer diameter. Both have the same outer diameter,
which means a Schedule 40 conduit will have a thinner wall, so it is not permitted for installations where
the conduit will be exposed to physical stresses. Most commonly, the sections have one belled end and
can be joined together, or to fittings using solvent welding. PVC conduits are rated for almost any
application, especially since they are flame retardant, resistant to sunlight and very affordable. However,
they cannot be used in hazardous locations, as ground conductors or in locations where they are exposed
to ambient temperatures over 50°C.
 Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit (LFNC-B) – Like the flexible metallic conduits, LFNC-B
conduits are also generally used in short sections towards the end of a conduit. They have a seamless,
smooth inner wall surface with integral reinforcement and the exterior is waterproof, resistant to sunlight
and dust. Since they can be buried, encased in concrete and used in wet locations, LFNC-B conduits are
an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor applications, both exposed and concealed. There are a few
drawbacks though, one of which is they are not suitable for housing conductors carrying over 600 volts.
Additionally, they are susceptible to physical damage and a separate equipment grounding conductor
will need to be installed if needed.
 Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing (ENT) – Though there is no code requiring it, ENTs are usually light blue
in color. They are pliable corrugated raceways made from non-metallic material that is resistant to
chemicals, moisture and flames. Certain fittings are designed specifically to be used with ENTs, but
regular PVC fittings can also be used with solvent welding. They are easy to install, without the need for
any special equipment, though the environments they are rated for are limited. ENTs can only be used
indoors, in areas where they will not be exposed to physical damage, hazardous conditions, temperatures
over 50°C and the conductors do not carry over 600 volts.
To ensure the conduit system meets the requirements of regulatory authorities, safety standards
and local building codes, you need to take into account the conditions at the installation location,
as well as the method of installation. Some installations may also require different types of
conduits to be used in the same system.

Conduit Fittings
Conduit fittings are available in a huge variety of sizes, shapes and materials, and they’re
normally used for connecting runs of conduit together, and for connecting conduit ends to boxes,
enclosures or electrical devices. Fittings are needed to connect conduits to boxes or enclosures
of different sizes and when the direction of most metallic conduits has to be changed. There are
also straps and clamps, which are used to provide additional support to conduits and to keep
them secured. You may need to use special types of fittings if a conduit run is likely to be exposed
to moisture, vapors, or hazardous conditions.

Types of Fittings
Section 110-3 of the NEC requires all the components to be listed and labelled, so all listed parts
meet certain construction and performance requirements. However, the Code does not specify
the material used for the fittings, of which there are several. This will be determined by
availability, design considerations or personal preference. If you’re unsure about how the
conditions will affect the fittings, you can contact a manufacturer with details of your application,
consult a local distributor, or get an engineering recommendation.
Conduit fittings can be listed as follows, based on the function they serve and how they are
installed:

o Conduit Bodies – These are tubular units with openings at each end for admitting conduits, and
providing access to the wires. There are quite a few designs and you’ll find conduit bodies that
connect two conduits in a straight line, create 90° bends and join two different types or sizes of
conduit. Even the access point for the wires can either be exposed, or have a cover with screws.
Since conduit bodies can perform such a wide range of functions, and some are also intended to
be used as pull-boxes, they are marked with the purposes they are rated to serve, as well as the
internal volume.
o Bends – To save time, equipment and labor costs, you can tackle changes in the direction of a
conduit with pre-fabricated bends. Commonly called ‘factory bends’ or ‘elbows’, they are available
in a variety of lengths and curvatures, and according to NEC requirements, you can bend certain
tubings by hand, using a mechanical bender, or a hydraulic bender for larger ones. However, an
installation may require a lot of bends, and bending conduits on location might damage them or
reduce the internal diameter. Even with the use of factory bends, the NEC does restrict the
number of bends you can have between pull boxes to a maximum of 360°, including offsets at the
box or enclosure.
o Coupling – Conduit couplings are essential for almost any coupling system, for securely linking
together lengths of conduit and attaching site-fabricated bends. Even though PVC conduits with
a belled side can be linked without couplings, they would still be needed for sections where the
conduit has been cut to size. Couplings are available in a variety of sizes and some of them, like
rigid conduit couplings, are threaded on the inside. However, when the conduit is passing through
a wall or making some other transition, consider using a conduit body instead. Even for the first
sections of conduit entering or leaving the box or enclosure, use pullboxes or bodies so the
conductors can easily be retracted if the enclosure needs to be removed.
o Drains – In areas where the temperature varies significantly, or the conduit runs from a warm
area to a cooler one, moisture in the air starts condensing. To prevent drips and water-logging in
the conduit runs, install drains at the lowest points of each run that might be affected, or at
 locations where water might get trapped and accumulate. For embedded and buried conduits,
installing a run within the encased part may be difficult. You can create a low-point or a dip just
before the conduit goes underground and install a drain there.
o Bushings and Locknuts – Bushings create a smooth entry point to conduits without any sharp
edges, protecting the conductors from damage during wire pulls. They are also extremely
important when the conduit system enters an enclosure or bus box. A bushing is installed on the
inside of the box opening and threaded into the conduit end, separating the conductors from the
edges of both the opening and the conduit end. Locknuts are threaded on the inside, with teeth
on one surface or both, which grip the surface. They installed on both sides of the opening to
ensure that both the conduit and bushing are held firmly in place. If the locknut has teeth on only
one side, that side should face the box.
o Unions – Conduits often run along areas where space is constrained and couplings are difficult
to install. Apart from that, sections might at some point get damaged, which is where unions are
very useful. They have two separate heads and a locking mechanism which can connect two
pieces of conduit together, even if they can’t be physically turned. Unions are available in different
configurations with male and female heads, or a combination of both. The heads can be fit on
each individual conduit end and secured together, usually with a surface nut that slips over the
two parts and locks them together.
o Nipples and Hubs – Nipples can save time and money when a conduit is needed between
enclosures that are placed closed to each other, or for short runs where field-threading the ends
of a conduit is difficult. Like prefabricated bends, nipples are threaded on both ends and can be
installed quickly and easily. As per the NEC, a nipple cannot exceed 24 inches in length, beyond
which it is considered a raceway and can only be used for three current carrying conductors. Hubs
are used to connect conduits to bus boxes or enclosures that don’t have a factory-threaded entry.
o Reducers and Reducing Washers – A reducer is a special kind of combination coupling that
allows you to connect raceways of one trade size to larger or smaller ones. Although it’s generally
better to use a pull box, reducers are handy for areas that have limited space. Reducing washers,
or threaded reducers, are similar to hubs, except both the inner and outer surfaces are threaded.
They are used to connect conduits to enclosure or box openings that have a larger diameter, with
locknuts on both sides to fasten them in place.
o Straps and Clamps – Long runs of conduit and tubing require additional support to keep them
from sagging or breaking under their own weight. Straps are used to mount the conduit to ceilings
or walls using a screws or bolts. To fasten conduit runs to fixed structures, like beams, hangers
or unistrut channels, the conduit is supported using clamps. For most installations, the NEC
specifies the maximum length of unsupported RMC and EMT running in a straight line as 10 feet,
and within three or five feet of a box. For liquidtight flexible conduits, this reduces to every 4.5 feet
of conduit length and within 12 inches of a box or enclosure.
 What are Electrical Conduits? |
Types, Advantages & Disadvantages
Nowadays, building construction is growing to an extraordinary level, as more and more
people are getting inclination towards luxury, aesthetics and design of their dream home.
Luxury & aesthetics of the house depends upon many factors and ‘Electrical lighting
system’ plays a major role in it. The electrical lighting system comprises various electrical
& electronic devices such as lighting, telephone, heating and ventilationsystems and
various other electrical gadgets.

During the early years of the last century, all cabling used to be provided on the surface of
walls and below slabs. However, in the contemporary scenario, all the cabling is hidden
underneath the plaster and this technique called ‘council wiring’. To council the wiring,
electrical conduits are installed before the finishing of the wall and after the masonry work
is done.

Also Read: Types of Masonry that can be used for Construction of your Dream Home
This article’s information is restricted to various types of conduit and materials used to
make those conduits.
What is an Electrical Conduit?
 An electrical conduit is a tube used to protect and provide a path for electrical wiring in a
building or structure.Conduit is generally provided for concealed and opened wiring or
where it might be subject to damage. An electrical conduit is usually made up of metal,
plastic or fiber. Conduits are classified on the basis of the thickness of the wall. Choices of
the conduit will depend on their application, use, type of building etc. All conduits must be
installed according to the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Types of Conduit
There are two main different types of conduits commonly used in residential and light
commercial wiring system.

01. Metallic Conduit

02. Non-Metallic Conduit

01. Metallic Conduit

Metallic conduit is a very simple conduit. They are made from metal material. There are
different types of metallic conduit that include:

 Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)

 Intermediate metal conduit (IMC)
 Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC)
 Electrical Metal tubing (EMC)
(a) Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)
Rigid metal conduit (RMC) is a thick- heavy walled threaded tubing which frequently made
of coated steel, galvanized steel, or aluminum. Rigid metal conduit is usually provided
reliable protection from outdoors damage, and it can also provide structural support for
electrical cables, panels, and other equipment.
 (b) Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)
Intermediate metal conduit or IMC is a thinner and light-weight version of rigid metal
conduit (RMC). IMC is a rigid steel electrical conduit which is designed for outdoor
exposure and strong connection. It is designed to protect insulated electrical conductors
and cables. IMC is approved for use in all applications as compared to a rigid metal
conduit (RMC). Nowadays IMC used more commonly in new construction because
Intermediate metal conduit (IMC) is lighter and easier than RMC.
 (c) Flexible Metal Conduit and Liquid-Tight Council Wiring(FMC and
LFMC)

 Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC):

Flexible metal conduit (FMC) is commonly referred to as “Greenfield”. It has a spiral
construction that makes it easy to snake through the walls and other structures. The
flexible metal conduit bends and twists easily without the use of any additional Electrical
hardware or elbow joints, threading etc. FMC is very easy to install. Flexible metal conduit
 (FMC) is useful in those places where the rigid conduit is very difficult to install. Standard
FMC is used in dry indoor locations. Flexible metal conduit is a good choice for vibrating
equipment such as heating and air conditioning units.

 Liquid-Tight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC)

Liquid-tight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) is a special type of flexible metal conduit
(FMC). LFMC is a flexible metallic conduit which is covered by the waterproof plastic
coating. LFMC is extra flexible which is generally used in outdoor equipment, such as air
conditioner units. It provides mechanical and moisture protection for conductors. The
interior of LFMC is similar to the FMC.
(d) Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)
Electrical metallic tubing or EMT is another example of a rigid electrical conduit, which is
usually made of galvanized steel or aluminum. Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is also
known as a “thin wall” because it is thin and light in weight, as compared to a rigid metal
conduit (RMC). EMT is also very easy to install. The common sizes of EMT include 1/2-
inch (12.7 mm), 3/4-inch (19.05mm), and 1-inch (25.4mm).

02. Non-Metallic Conduit

Non-metallic conduit(NMC)is also common both in rigid and flexible type. Non metallic
conduit is usually made from PVC conduit.For metal conduits as well as non-metal
conduits same types of fittings are mostly used.Moisture resistance, resistance to
corrosive substances, and ease of installation are the benefits of non-metallic conduit.
 (a) Rigid PVC Conduit

Non-metallic conduit (NMC) is also common both in rigid and flexible type. Non-metallic
conduit is usually made from PVC conduit. For metal conduits as well as non-metallic
conduits same kinds of fittings are mostly used. Moisture resistance, resistance to
corrosive substances, and ease of installation are the benefits of non-metallic conduit

Also Read: What are Pros & Cons of PVC over Wooden Cabinets for Your Kitchen?
Advantages of Concealed Electrical Conduit Wiring
System
The use of concealed Conduit leads to many benefits. The primary purpose of the electric
conduit is safety. Following are the advantages of conduits.

Also Read: 17 Electrical Safety Tips to Make Your Home Accident a Shock-free!
 Electrical conduit is a safe wiring system
 One of the most significant benefits of electrical conduit installation is to protect the
enclosed conductors from impact, moisture and chemical vapours
 There is no risk of shock in a home with concealed electrical wiring system.
 Aesthetic view of concealed electrical wiring is always attractive
 There is no risk of wear and tear
 Renovation of concealed electrical wiring is an easy task
Disadvantages of Concealed Electrical Conduit
Wiring System
 The electrical concealed Conduit wiring system is expensive as compared to surface
Conduit wiring
 Installation of concealed wiring is not easy
 Once electrical conduits are developed, then it is challenging to identify defects and repair
of those wiring.
 If once the location of switches is fixtures then it is difficult to change the position of
switches.
Now a day it is very important to have an electrical conduit in your home. Electrical conduit
is very useful in protecting wires when it passes through the ground. The electrical
concealed conduit wiring system is very safe. There are various advantages of electrical
conduit wiring system as compared to a few disadvantages. So, it is always beneficial to
have this system in the house.