Conduit

For all internal and external wiring protection, browse electrical conduits online at Cromwell. We stock a carefully selected line of electrical conduits in a range of diameters from brand leaders, Hellermann Tyton®.

What are electrical conduits?

Electrical conduits act as a protective housing for electrical wires. They are typically laid first and used to direct cables into an electrical run during construction and building applications.

Why buy electrical conduits?

Electrical conduits are manufactured for both indoor and outdoor use. They're available in a wide range of sizes and can run multiple wires together through one tube. When running multiple wires, conduits provide an easy means to pull and route wires from one area to another and can be cut and connected to other runs. Flexible conduits will curve and mold to the wall of a building to give close fitting and safe connections.

When are electrical conduits used?

Electrical conduits are used in construction and manufacturing to protect wires against moisture and chemicals as well as any impact that may cause electrocution or electrical fires. They're also ideal for protecting exposed wires for business-critical equipment in high traffic areas.

Electrical conduit types

Made from either plastic or metal, electrical conduits are classified according to their material construction and the manner in which they're made. There are four commonly used electrical conduits which each have design variations...

• Flexible metal conduits (FMC)   -   Often referred to as Flex, this type of conduit is lightweight and frequently used for interiors, this is because in gaining the flexible design, it loses any water-tight capabilities. There is a water-tight variant (LFMC) which encloses the flex in a waterproof coating.

• Liquid tight, flexible, non-metallic conduit (LFNC)   -   This conduit is used both internally and externally and is ideal for most settings, including wet and oily environments.

• Rigid metal conduits (RMC)   -   These durable variants offer heavy-duty protection and are typically made from aluminium or steel. They're best used for straight runs but can be shaped to fit around corners using conduit couplings or conduit elbows.

• Rigid PVC conduits   -   These are lightweight, waterproof, and non-corrosive. Its also a non-conductive material and is often used externally

Considerations when choosing electrical conduits

• Setting - electrical conduits should suit the environment in which they're to be fitted and be capable of protecting against the hazards in that location, such as moisture, impact and so on.

• Wiring - conduits are available in a wide range of sizes and can hold many cables or just a few depending on your requirements.

• Fittings - when using rigid conduits, check to see if you require additional fittings to curve around corners or obstructions. Ensure these are the correct size to form a tight seal.

FAQs

Can a wire be buried without a conduit?

Best practice dictates that if exposed wires need to be buried in the ground, that they should be enclosed in a conduit first. There are lots of reasons for this, and all are focused on safety. Exposed wires can easily be damaged by a well-meaning spade or affected by rain and frost which, in a worst-case scenario, will create an open circuit. There's also a risk of damage by lightening, which could destroy an entire run of wiring and make for costly repairs.

Does all electrical wire need a conduit?

Insulated wire is used for domestic wiring applications (where a plastic covering protects the naked wire) and this is ideal for the setting and safety requirements. Electrical conduit need only be used in circumstances where naked wires are at risk from moisture and impact which could cause a fire or electrocution.