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Types of Electrical Conduits

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Conduit Safety Tips

 

  • Before digging a trench for an electrical line, always call utility companies to make sure there are no electrical, water, sewer or gas lines buried in your path.
  • If you are burying a UF cable, leave some slack and don’t pull it tight. Pulling the cable tight may result in damage or even a break because of the pressure of the soil against the cable.

    •  



    Thin-Wall Conduit

     

  • Also known as EMT (electric metallic tubing).
  • Steel pipe used to carry house wiring in places where it is exposed.
  • Comes in inside diameters of 1/2” to 4”. 1/2” is most common.
  • Do not use underground.

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    Heavy-Wall Conduit

     

  • Also known as rigid conduit.
  • Comes in the same sizes as EMT but has thicker walls.
  • Has threaded ends for connections.
  • Use for carrying wire outdoors and underground.

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    Plastic Conduit

     

  • Easy to use.
  • Use inside and outside.
  • Best for burying underground as it will not corrode with water.

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    Greenfield Conduit

     

  • Also known as flex conduit.
  • A hollow spiral metal jacket that resembles BX cable.
  • Use for installing wiring in the home

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    Conduit Connectors

     

  • Used to connect lengths of conduit.
  • Can make straight or bent connections.
  • Conduit can also be bent to a 90º curve using a conduit bender

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    LB Fitting

     

  • Connects at a 90º angle.
  • Has thick gaskets to make it impervious to moisture.
  • Generally, an LB fitting is placed outside at the point where the conduit leaves the house.
  • This fitting should not be used to make wire connections

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    Conduit Fasteners

     

  • Use to fasten conduit to a wall or other framing member.
  • Staples can be used to fasten conduit or bare cable.
  • Straps are another type. They can be either one-hole or two-hole.
  • Generally, staples are best used inside the house, straps are best used outside.

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    Wire Channels

     

  • Also known as raceway.
  • Metal or plastic channels used to house wiring installed on the surface, instead of behind walls.

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    Courtesy of NRHA.org
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