What is Electrical Conduit?

An electrical conduit's main purpose is to route electrical wiring through ceilings, walls, floors, underground spaces, and other exposed areas.

Definition

An electrical conduit is a tube or enclosed material used to protect or route electrical wiring in a building or structure. This can be made of plastic, fiber, fired clay, or metal. Most electrical conduits are rigid, but flexible conduits are also used for certain applications.

Purpose

The main use of an electrical conduit is to protect electrical wiring as a whole, and make installation safer, cleaner, and easier to maintain.

In construction, an electrical conduit helps electrical teams plan wire routes, avoid exposed wires, and reduce damage after installation. Electrical conduits also support better estimating because the type, size, and length of the conduit can affect material quantities. Labor and cost.

Examples of Use

An electrician installs PVC electrical conduit underground to carry power wiring to outdoor lighting.
A contractor uses metal electrical conduit pipe along an exposed ceiling to protect and organize wiring.
Before pulling wires, an estimator uses an electrical conduit fill calculator to confirm the conduit size is suitable.

Related Terms

EMT Conduit

:

EMT conduit (Electrical Metallic Tubing) is a light, steel or aluminum tubing used to protect and route electrical wiring, typically in dry indoor locations.

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air)

:

HEPA filters remove very fine airborne particles using dense fibers, improving air quality in hospitals, labs, HVAC systems, and purifiers.

EIFS

:

EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) is a multi-layered exterior wall system that provides insulation, weather resistance, and a finished surface.

Notes

Electrical conduit can be rigid, flexible, metallic, or non-metallic.
PVC electrical conduit is often used where moisture or corrosion is a concern.
An electrical conduit pipe should be sized based on the number and size of wires being installed.
An electrical conduit fill calculator helps avoid overcrowding wires inside the conduit.
Conduit selection can affect both material cost and labor time in electrical estimating.

Explore Categories

General

Standards

Calculations

Process

Drawings

Tools

Systems

Materials

Building Parts