Types of Electrical Conduits

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.

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.

Plastic Conduit

Easy to use.

Use inside and outside.

Best for burying underground as it will not corrode with water.

Greenfield Conduit

Also known as flex conduit.

A hollow spiral metal jacket that resembles BX cable.

Use for installing wiring in the home

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

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

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.

Wire Channels

Also known as raceway.

Metal or plastic channels used to house wiring installed on the surface, instead of behind walls.

Courtesy of NRHA.org

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