Guide to Choosing and Installing Conduit and Fittings for Your Electrical Wiring Needs
May 23rd 2023
Conduit pipe fitting is a crucial component of any electrical project. This fitting joins one conduit to the next while connecting them to junction boxes. These fittings are also known as electrical pipe fittings. These electrical components come in various materials and have different moisture-guarding levels. Therefore, choosing the right conduits and fittings for your electrical projects is essential.
A pipe fitting is a solid tubing line that joins conduits to one another and connects them to the junction box and other PVC components. They are connected to one another using glue and cleaners. These components, also called conduit connectors, come in various colors. However, PVC conduit fittings are available mostly in white, gray and yellow colors.
Types of Conduit Pipe Fittings
Conduit pipe fittings are available in different types and materials like the following:
Bushing
These fittings protect wires against sharp edges. This fitting is inserted into metal conduits.
Adapters
Adapters are used to connect various thread sizes and different conduit materials.
Coupling
This type of fitting is used for creating runs of similar conduit types, which are attached through compression or set screws. Threaded couplings go directly into the conduit. On the other hand, non-metallic fittings are connected with solvent cement.
Strap
These fittings hold conduits to the walls and prevent them from any kind of damage.
Elbow
As the name implies, an elbow fitting connects conduits as a sweeping curve, thus keeping the wiring intact and free from damage.
Connectors
They connect conduit runs to one another and connect them to load centres, outlet boxes and similar devices.
Expansion Fittings
This kind of fitting holds conduits between two areas with rapid temperature changes while reducing stress on the raceway.
Grounding Fittings
They are most common in areas with crucial grounding considerations. They offer a continuous flow in the conduit system, thus preventing any discontinuities in the grounding. These fittings are ideal for areas where conduits must be broken for maintenance and repairs.
Other fitting types are plugs, squeeze clamp connectors, clamps, flanges and wyes.
Fitting Types for Conduit Pipes Based on Materials
Flexible Conduit Fitting
The flexible conduit fittings aren’t waterproof, but they are used to provide connections in hard-to-reach areas without too much bending. They can also be easily cut to size, depending upon the installation of your electrical conduits.
Galvanized Rigid Fitting
Conduits made of galvanized rigid steel have a protective layer of steel to protect the cable inside a raceway for electric conductors. It is a conductor for grounding equipment and is also used as a wire conductor route. Pipe fittings such as set screws, caps, elbows and couplings are made with the same material. They are used in conduit fittings to ensure the conduit is safely fitted.
Metal Conduit Fitting
As the name implies, a metal conduit fitting is designed for conduits made of metal. Such conduits need chemical resistance, which is where metal conduit fittings come in handy. These multipurpose and flexible conduit fittings are made from galvanized steel, SS326 stainless steel, nickel-plated brass, PA6 PVC and polyolefin. These fittings possess tensile, high-impact strength and compression. Moreover, they are available in various shapes and sizes.
Characteristics of Conduit Pipe Fitting
Some of the main characteristics of conduit pipe fittings are as follows:
Chemical Makeup
Chemical makeup minimizes corrosion and increases resistance to temperature and fire.
Usage
They are available in various shapes and sizes to meet the requirements of an electrical project.
Color
As discussed above, conduit pipe fittings are mostly available in white, yellow and gray colors.
Thickness
The ends of conduit fittings are quite thick. However, it is better to solidify the routes and plastic pipes to protect the wires within.
Conduit Fittings and Pipes: Important Things to Consider
Cost
The material of a conduit PVC pipe plays a crucial role in determining its cost. Before starting an electrical project, it is important to discover the supplier that offers the best PVC pipes and fittings at reasonable prices. While opting for a cheaper version is easier, those pipes and fittings can break, exposing the wires and cables within. When you find a good supplier of PVC pipes and fittings, make sure to go online and review their client testimonials. If you find less than satisfactory reviews online, leave the supplier, and look for pipes and fittings elsewhere.
The Available Options
Try to find a supplier that offers a variety of pipes and fittings. Ask them if they have pipes and fittings in different materials. You will not have to search the marketplace for the appropriate supplies if they do.
Sunlight Exposure
The sun's UV rays affect the surface quality of plastic pipes over time. As a result, their lifespan shortens, and they become more susceptible to problems. Therefore, it is important to acquire some guarantee.
Usage and Application
When choosing a pipe, make sure you know its exact purpose. Each application has a different requirement like thickness, material and heat resistance. It is important to know that PVC pipes have limitations and can bend or break when exposed to heat, pressure and sunlight. So, be wise with your purchasing decisions.
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