3 Types of Electrical Conduit Fittings
There are 3 types of electrical conduit fittings that are common to all types of electrical conduits, regardless of the material used. An electrical conduit is a type of tubing that is used to house electrical wires. Electrical conduits are found in industrial and commercial buildings as well as in residential homes. The type of electrical conduits that are used depend on the type of structure that is being built and where the conduit will be housed. Conduits that are built into the ground typically are non-corrosive and designed to withstand extremes in the temperature. Electrical conduits found in homes, if required, are typically made from a plastic or PVC material.
The types of electrical conduit fittings include box connectors, couplings and grounding bushings. Each of these types of electrical conduit fittings are discussed briefly in the article below.
Box Connector Fittings for Electrical Conduits
Box connectors are a type of fitting found on electrical conduits. Box connectors are used to join electrical connections for the conduit, to either a junction box or other type of connector. This type of fitting is placed inside a "knockout or recessed area within the conduit and attached using screws to tighten it into position. The purpose of this type of fitting is to provide a continued source of connectivity throughout.
Coupling Fittings for Electrical Conduits
Couplings are also a type of fitting used with electrical conduits. A coupling is a simple fitting that joins to pieces or sections of the conduit together. It works in the same way that couplings work with hoses, pipes and other types of tubing.
Grounding Bushing Fittings for Electrical Conduits
A grounding bushing is a fitting that consists of grounding element that allows the conduit to share the grounding connection.
The Type of Conduit Fitting Needed
Conduit fittings are used to provide source electricity throughout the connection or connect the tubing in the case of a long electrical conduit installation. The type of fitting that may be used in connection with a particular type of electrical conduit depends on the type of conduit material. For example, aluminum and steel conduits may use the box connectors or grounding bushing fittings to maintain the flow or connectivity of electricity to an outside source. PVC electrical conduits that may be installed in a home or inside may use couplings to connect the different sections of the conduit together.
Maintaining an Airtight Seal for the Electrical Conduit
Electrical conduits that are installed in the ground or may be exposed or near water needs to be kept airtight and water proof. In order to prevent water from seeping into the conduit, gaskets are used to seal the sections of the conduit that are being joined by the fitting. The gaskets used in an electrical conduit are similar to the seal gaskets used in automobiles and other types of machines that have pipes and connectors that need to be joined.