Flexible conduit vs. Rigid

[FaradayFF]

Hello,
I've got a fiberglass control panel mounted to a metal pole, bottom of the panel about 4ft above grade. I'm considering running flex down and then transitioning to PVC40 below grade. What would be the advantage of this setup, in terms of providing stability for the panel. It snows in the winter and is hot in the summer, so if there is any temperature change, expansion/contraction of the conduit would not "bother" the panel.
I'll have to check the Code for compliance, but are there any other practical benefits of this arrangement vs. using rigid PVC conduit all the way?

Thanks,
EE

 

[Beaches EE]

If you don't need flex to account for offsets or other unusual angles, then rigid PVC with an expansion coupling between grade and the control panel might be a better choice.

 

[Electromatic]

You could stick with all PVC and use an expansion fitting. The ground will settle, and the expansion fitting would allow even more movement than a neat, tight piece of flex. You also won't have to bother with flex fittings (more $).

 

[petersonra]

I don't think it makes any real difference.

 

[paulengr]

The panel should not be relying on the conduit for support whatever type is used.