Metal conduit is a type of electrical conduit that is made of metal, such as steel or aluminum. Metal conduit is stronger and more durable than other types of conduit, such as PVC or plastic conduit. It is also more resistant to fire and other hazards.
Metal conduit is a popular choice for a variety of applications, including:
- Commercial buildings
- Industrial facilities
- Outdoor installations
- Hazardous locations
Advantages of Using Metal Conduit
Metal conduit offers a number of advantages over other types of conduit, including:
- Durability: Metal conduit is stronger and more durable than other types of conduit. It is resistant to impact, crushing, and corrosion.
- Fire resistance: Metal conduit is fire resistant. It can withstand high temperatures and flames without melting or burning.
- EMI shielding: Metal conduit can provide EMI shielding, which helps to protect electrical cables from electromagnetic interference.
- Grounding: Metal conduit can be used to ground electrical circuits, which helps to protect people and equipment from electrical shock.
Popularity of Metal Conduit
Metal conduit is a popular choice for a variety of applications because of its durability, fire resistance, EMI shielding, and grounding capabilities. Metal conduit is also relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective choice for many applications.
Applications for Metal Conduit
Metal conduit is used in a variety of applications, including:
- Commercial buildings: Metal conduit is used in commercial buildings to protect electrical cables from damage and to provide EMI shielding.
- Industrial facilities: Metal conduit is used in industrial facilities to protect electrical cables from harsh environments and to provide EMI shielding.
- Outdoor installations: Metal conduit is used in outdoor installations to protect electrical cables from the elements and from damage caused by animals or people.
- Hazardous locations: Metal conduit is used in hazardous locations, such as chemical plants and petrochemical refineries, to protect electrical cables from fire and explosions.
Types of Metal Conduit
There are a variety of different types of metal conduit available, including:
- Rigid metal conduit: Rigid metal conduit is the most common type of metal conduit. It is made of heavy-duty metal and is resistant to impact, crushing, and corrosion.
- Flexible metal conduit: Flexible metal conduit is made of a thin metal tube that is encased in a flexible metal sheath. Flexible metal conduit is less durable than rigid metal conduit, but it is easier to bend and install.
- Liquidtight metal conduit: Liquidtight metal conduit is made of a metal tube that is encased in a liquidtight sheath. Liquidtight metal conduit is resistant to water, oil, and other liquids.
Choosing the Right Metal Conduit
When choosing metal conduit, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Type of application: The type of application will determine the type of metal conduit that is needed. For example, rigid metal conduit is the best choice for applications where durability is important, while flexible metal conduit is the best choice for applications where flexibility is important.
- Environment: The environment where the metal conduit will be installed will also determine the type of metal conduit that is needed. For example, liquidtight metal conduit is the best choice for applications where the metal conduit will be exposed to water or other liquids.
- Budget: The budget is also a factor to consider when choosing metal conduit. Rigid metal conduit is the most expensive type of metal conduit, while flexible metal conduit is the least expensive type of metal conduit.
Installing Metal Conduit
Metal conduit can be installed using a variety of methods, including:
- Threading: Metal conduit can be threaded using a pipe threader. Threaded metal conduit is then connected using couplings.
- Compression fittings: Metal conduit can also be connected using compression fittings. Compression fittings are easier to install than threaded fittings, but they are not as durable.
- Set screw fittings: Set screw fittings can also be used to connect metal conduit. Set screw fittings are more durable than compression fittings, but they are more difficult to install.
Conclusion
Metal conduit is a versatile and durable type of electrical conduit that is used in a variety of applications. Metal conduit offers a number of advantages over other types of conduit, including durability, fire resistance, EMI shielding, and grounding capabilities. Metal conduit is also relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective choice for many applications.
When choosing metal conduit, it is important to consider the type of application, the environment, and the budget. Metal conduit can be installed using a variety of methods, including threading, compression fittings, and set screw fittings.