3 Different Sizes of Plastic Electrical Conduits Explained

Plastic electrical conduits come in different sizes. These sizes accommodate the different way in which the conduits may be used when engaged in some electrical wiring job in your home. The standard sizes that plastic electrical conduits can come in and that will be discussed in this article are 1 inch, 1 1/4 inch and 2 inch plastic electrical conduits. The difference in sizes is dictated by how the conduit is used and its purpose. It is important to understand the purpose of these differences in order to know which type of plastic electrical conduit you should use for your electrical wiring project.

What Plastic Electrical Conduits Do

A plastic electrical conduits purpose is to provide protection for the electrical conductors inside. This protection is from the different types of environmental factors that the conduit may face when in use. The plastic electrical conduit serves another purpose in that it makes access to the wiring easier so that a repair or replacement can be done easily and simply.

Standards for Plastic Electrical Conduits

The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides the standards that you need to know and understand for the type of conduit that is needed for the job. The standards are in place to eliminate any variance between manufacturer and provide consistency from an installation standpoint.

How Size is Determined for Plastic Electrical Conduits

The amount of electrical service that will be run through the conduit will determine the size needed. A 1 inch plastic electrical conduit is recommended for a service of 60 amps of electricity running through it. A 100 amp service is run through a conduit with a minimum size of 1 1/4 inches. A 2 inch conduit is required for a 200 amp service. The larger the amount of amps coursing through the conduit, the larger the conduit needed to accommodate the load. These standards are what is published in the NEC.

NEC Standards for Conductors Within a Conduit

The NEC also sets forth the requirements for the amount of wiring that is permitted within the conduit. This determination helps explain why different sizes are needed in order to meet the electrical needs of your home. A smaller conduit of 1 inch will not contain as much wiring or conductors so it is suitable for a smaller amp load such as 60 amps. A larger conduit like 2 inches can accommodate a greater amp load since the conduit is twice the size of the 1 inch conduit. These standard again help make it easier for electricians and other professionals who work with wiring systems.

It is important to understand which conduit is needed and the rationale between the different sizes of plastic electrical conduits. The NEC is a good place to find information on the plastic electrical conduits sizes, relevant to the different types of jobs that you have that require a conduit. Understanding the different sizes will help you choose the correct conduit for your job.