What is Conduit Wiring?

Conduit wiring is an electrical installation method where insulated electrical wires and cables are enclosed in protective tubes, known as conduits, to safeguard them from physical damage, moisture, dust, and chemical vapors. This system ensures a safer, more organized, far neater wiring pattern, and long-lasting electrical infrastructure.

Key Characteristics

• Protection: The primary function is to protect the wires from external hazards like impact, rodents, moisture, heat, and chemicals.

• Routing: It provides a defined, organized, and easily accessible path for routing wires throughout a building or structure.

• Materials: Conduits can be made from various materials, including:

  • Metal: Galvanized Steel (Rigid Metal Conduit - RMC, Intermediate Metal Conduit - IMC, Electrical Metallic Tubing - EMT)

  • Plastic: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

• Flexibility: Conduit can be rigid (straight, fixed pipes) or flexible (used for making connections to equipment that moves or vibrates, or for navigating tight bends).

Types of Conduit Wiring Installation

Each of this types passes through 3 major stages, piping, wiring and fittings. These types are classified base on the installation method, which determines how visible the conduit is:

Concealed Conduit Wiring:

Conduits are hidden within the walls, ceilings, or floors, It's piping is typically installed before casting of each floor, The wiring is before painting and the fittings can be on or before painting. Only the switch/ socket boxes and outlets are visible. Usually good for residential homes, modern offices, aesthetic-focused spaces.

Surface Conduit Wiring:

Here the piping are mounted directly onto the surface of walls and ceilings using saddles or straps. The pipes are visible. Best practice for Industrial environments, commercial spaces where ease of maintenance/modification is crucial, garages, and basements.

Half Conduit Wiring

Not Encouraged.

Why is Conduit Wiring Used?

Conduit wiring is widely used because it offers several advantages:

• Enhanced Safety: Reduces the risk of electrical shock and fire by protecting wires from short circuits and mechanical damage.

• Durability and Longevity: Protects the wiring insulation from degradation due to environmental factors, extending the system's lifespan.

• Easy Maintenance/Upgrades: New wires can be pulled through the existing conduit system later without having to tear down walls or ceilings.

• Compliance: Often required by national and local electrical codes to meet specific safety standards.