Whether it's in an office or at home, you've probably seen those tubes or pipes on the wall that encase and protect electrical wires. These protective tubes, known as electrical conduits, do more than just shield the wires and cables. These conduits are capable of withstanding hazardous environmental conditions and safeguarding the wires from damage, moisture, and other dangers, making sure our electrical systems stay reliable and secure.
So, let's dive in and learn more about these remarkable conduits.
What is an Electrical Conduit?
An electrical conduit is a raceway used to hold and protect electrical wires within a building or structure. It is an integral part of large construction projects, including data centers, underground transit systems, and bridges. The conduit systems are installed for various reasons, including providing cavities for the creation of splices and taps in conductors, connecting conduit sections, and serving as mounting outlets for wiring devices and lighting fixtures.
However, conduits offer several benefits, and their installations in commercial settings have risen substantially. According to Exatrpolate, the electrical conduit market is expected to be valued at $25.3 billion in 2030.
What is an Electrical Conduit Made of?
Electrical conduits are typically made of metal, plastic, or fiber. Metal conduits, such as galvanized steel, aluminum, or stainless steel, offer strong protection against physical damage and are commonly used in industrial and commercial settings.
Plastic conduits, like polyethylene or PVC conduits, are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and suitable for residential applications. Fiber conduits, made of fiberglass or other composite materials, offer high flexibility and are often used in specialized installations. Each material has its advantages and is chosen based on cost, durability, environmental conditions, and installation requirements.
Electrical conduits and fittings are commonly used in conjunction with various materials to ensure the proper installation and safety of electrical wiring. These conduits are usually installed by electricians at the specified site of the electrical equipment installation. Its proper use, form, and responsible installation guidelines are often specified by wiring regulations, such as the US National Electrical Code (NEC) and other building codes.
Pivotal Types of Electrical Conduit
There are different types of conduits used for electrical wiring, each offering specific uses and advantages. Some key conduit types include:
-
Galvanized Rigid Conduit (GRC)
Known for its superior corrosion resistance and protection from EMI, GRC is suitable for outdoor or indoor applications. It can be exposed, concealed, or buried.
-
Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)
Rated for outdoor exposure and intended for protecting insulated electrical cables and conductors, IMC offers similar protection as GRC does but is a more economical option.
-
PVC Conduit
These conduits are often used in underground and wet location applications. They are non-conductive, so a green ground wire should be run in the conduit for proper grounding methods at connection points. PVC conduits and fittings together ensure the utmost safety of underground wiring.
-
Electrical Metallic Conduit (EMT)
It is a rigid, thin-walled metal conduit, typically made of galvanized steel. It is best used indoors for residential and light commercial construction and can be assembled with watertight fittings for outdoor use.
-
Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit (RNC)
An RNC conduit is unthreaded, non-metallic, smooth-walled tubing that is made using various types of materials. This type of electrical conduit for underground installation is suitable.
-
RTRC conduit
An RTRC conduit, also known as a fiberglass conduit, is a non-metallic conductor and is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and UV-stable material. It is available in various wall thicknesses and threaded options, with support distances comparable to GRC, PVC-coated steel, and aluminum.
3 Novel Advancements in Electrical Conduits
Below are the three latest technological developments in the field of conduits for electrical wires:
1. Fire-Resistant Conduits
Innovations in fire-resistant materials and designs have resulted in the creation of conduits with enhanced fire protection properties. This electrical conduit for underground applications addresses safety concerns in high-risk environments.
For example, Envirograf has developed intumescent conduit sleeves, which are fire-resistant sleeves designed to fit tightly around conduits passing through walls, floors, and ceilings. These sleeves protect against fire and smoke for conduits that pass through fire barrier walls made from concrete, brick, block, and hollow plasterboard. They provide up to 122 minutes of protection from fire and smoke. The system is designed to fit tightly into the sleeve to protect conduits when they pass into a range of electrical sockets or switch boxes.
2. Smart Conduit Systems
Emerging technologies have led to the development of smart conduit systems that integrate sensors for monitoring environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of gases, enhancing safety and maintenance capabilities.
One of the companies that is developing smart conduit systems is Smartflex. Its non-hydroscopic composite piping system, SmartCONDUI, is designed to contain communication & electrical cables in high-groundwater or hydrocarbon-rich environments. The system includes a full range of electrofusion or mechanical fittings, securely sealed end fittings, and entry boots that can be welded through barcode technology.
3. Integration with IoT
Conduits are being adapted to accommodate the growing Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure, allowing for the seamless integration of smart devices and sensors within electrical conduit systems. This integration enables the connection of various manufacturing devices equipped with actuation, communication, identification, sensing, processing, and networking capabilities. These systems are widely used in the industrial and smart manufacturing sectors.
In the Nutshell
An electrical conduit plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, protection, and proper organization of electrical wiring systems. These conduits are made of metallic or non-metal material and cater to various business-specific applications, environmental conditions, and regulatory requirements. By providing a protective enclosure for electrical cables and wiring, conduits safeguard against damage, moisture, and other hazards.
Advancements in this field, such as the introduction of smart and fire-resistant conduits, have contributed to the higher safety of electrical installations. Additionally, IoT integration with these conduits streamlines and simplifies the conduit systems and enables reliable connections. As technologies advance, the future of electrical conduits looks bright, offering more safety and protection to electrical wiring systems.
