How to Install Electrical Steel Conduits

If you are looking for an electrical conductive system, then you should consider installing a set of electrical steel conduits. Steel conduits are heavy-duty or light-duty metal pipes which resemble a metal pipe used for carrying water. A rigid steel conduit is perhaps the best protection against damage due to its strength and impact resistance, while an electrical steel conduit is around 40 percent less thick, and can be easily bent. Electrical steel conduits can be installed in a range of sizes, so if you are considering fitting your own conduits to get more electrical power, then follow a few simple steps to help you size and fit your pipes without too much difficulty.

Step 1 - Sizing the Conduits

Electrical steel conduits are available in a variety of sizes, all of them described according to their inside measurement. This ranges from 1/2 inch to 4 inches across, and comes in 10 foot pieces. The complete sizes of electrical steel conduits are 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2, 3, 3 1/2 and 4 inches. You should pick the width of conduit which is suitable for the job you will need it for, and then start cutting and threading the conduit.

Step 2 - Cutting and Threading the Conduits

Cut the steel conduit to fit your job. Place the conduit into a work bench vise so that it is held horizontally and flat. keep this rigid, and then use a pipe cutter to slice right through the conduit at the suitable point. Screw the handle of the wire cutter in increments of 1/4 turns for each pass around the conduit until it is cut. You will then need to thread the conduit by inserting a locknut, coupling and bashing into the end of the pipe. Use the ratchet die to fit the pieces needed, insert the pipe back into the vise, and press the end of the threader into the conduit, and push in the dies with your hand.

Step 3 - Installing the Conduits

Electrical conduit should be connected to the electrical boxes by locknuts, which are then tightened against each side of the electrical box wall. You should turn place a bushing over the end of the conduit in order to protect the conductor. Electrical metal conduit often has a fitting placed on the end of the pipe, and these can be screwed directly into the electrical box. You can then lay the rest of the pipes along the rest of the required area until the opposite end of the line is reached.

The other fittings will then be pinned to the other end, making a complete circle. If your conduits are being placed in areas with a high level of water, you will need to make your conduits water-proof by wrapping it in an insulation material. The conduit must have a range of conduit supports positioned throughout the track in order to secure the pipes. You must fit the supports carefully, using a drill on brick or stone, and positioning the supports around every 3 feet.