What type of conduit to use?

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mathan1987

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Electrical design engineer
Hi,

How the type of conduit is determined for a particular application? I am only aware of EMT and PVC conduits. Are there any other types commonly used? is it the ampacity of the conductors defines the type of the conduit to use?
 
Type of conduit is more a function of environment and application.
Besides emt and pvc, there's rigid, which is a heavier wall compared to emt. Theres also flex and all its variations; metallic and non metallic. Aluminum, stainless steel and more.
If you have a specific application maybe the forum could point you in a particular direction.

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And EMT is not conduit. When it was introduced, rigid was common, and was bent with a hickey. Jack Benfield invented the one shot bender for EMT, but it took some time for us old fashioned electricians to accept EMT.
There is another good tale on PVC vs EMT.
 
I used it once, tougher steel, bit harder to thread and bend. we used a lot of Aluminum in traffic signals going up poles to span wires
 
ActionDave said:
IMC is the worst for threading and bending. It's in the top five on my list of things I dislike.

I've never used aluminum but am interested in trying it.
Click to expand...
I don't have any experience threading IMC or bending larger sizes. From what I have heard I believe you though. My comment on liking it is mostly for 3/4 on flat roofs where you have lots of straight runs with just a 90 or two, and transition to sealtite or EMT at the end so little to no threading needed.
 
ActionDave said:
IMC is the worst for threading and bending. It's in the top five on my list of things I dislike.

I've never used aluminum but am interested in trying it.
Click to expand...

Our guys in the factory used it (aluminum) quite a bit. The weight difference helps a lot when you’re running 4” across the ceiling 30’ off the ground.
 
You should expand on you use of AL raceway. Like what type of plant. Food processing maybe. Al is of a non furious type so there are items to consider with it's use.
I have used a lot IMC and AL in the past. Al is fun to work with on e you get the hang of it. IMC is great for drops over using GRC. Less weight on hanger. Also a bit less expensive when doing a lot of drops.

EMT is always a great choice although one has to consider the environment and the enclousers it is being ran into (installed). I have seen Nema 4 with hubs having rain tight 3R fittings and EMT. I was told " I used Nema 4 fitting into the enclosure so what's the issue.
So yes I agree study up on what to use where as it does make a difference. Something as simple as a vent plug in a given enclosure will yield rewards on an installation.
 
Shaneyj said:
Type of conduit is more a function of environment and application.
Besides emt and pvc, there's rigid, which is a heavier wall compared to emt. Theres also flex and all its variations; metallic and non metallic. Aluminum, stainless steel and more.
If you have a specific application maybe the forum could point you in a particular direction.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
hi I am working on the Central utility plant of the industrial project. I am thinking of the conduits to run to major HVAC equipment - Chillers, Cooling Towers, Chilled water pump, from switch boards. The project is near to the bay area
 
Besides protection/wall thickness based on immediate environment the first thing that comes to mind is corrosion depleting integrity of conduit.
Coincidentally, right now im checking a friend's place in Houston that used emt on the exterior of house. Corroded conduit with exposed conductors.

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I have never worked in an area of salt air conditions. Just around salt piles for snow removal. I can imagine the same effect. I would like to read more on that type of installs if you don't mind sharing. I like to learn new stuff.
So would I treat it more like a pool pump equipment room?
 
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