Everything you need to know about Conduit Pipe Fitting
Conduit Pipe fitting is widely used in different electrical projects to join one conduit with another and connect them to junction boxes. It is also called electrical pipe fitting. You will find it in different varieties based on its material and levels of moisture guard. So, it’s imperative to determine the right type you need for your project.
This guide will help you.
What is Conduit?
Conduit refers to a pipe, tube, or duct in which electrical cables may be pulled for protection. It is primarily used to protect electrical wires from environmental conditions.
What is Conduit Pipe Fitting?
Conduit pipe fittings are lines of solid tubing used to join lengths of conduit together and connect them to electrical or junction boxes, and PVC components. A glue and cleaner are used to join them at needed spots. They are also called conduit connectors and are typically available in different colours while PVC conduit fitting is commonly available in yellow, grey, and white.
What are the types of Conduit Pipe Fitting?
Electrical conduit fittings are available in different types and materials. Following are some of the common types.
Adapters – are used to connect different types of conduit materials and different thread sizes.
Bushing – helps keep sharp edges from damaging wires. It is inserted into the ends of the metal conduit.
Coupling – is used to create runs of the same conduit type and is attached with set screws or compression. Threaded couplings are screwed directly onto the conduit while non-metallic couplings are attached with solvent cement.
Elbow – is used to connect conduits in a gentle sweeping curve to change the direction of conduits and save wires from damage.
Strap – is used to hold conduits to the wall and prevent sagging and breakage.
Connector – joins conduit runs together and connects them to outlet boxes, load centers, and other devices.
Expansion fittings – connect conduits between two areas where the temperature changes rapidly. These fittings also help reduce stress on the raceway.
Grounding fittings – used in areas where grounding considerations are crucial. These fittings provide a continuous path in the conduit system to prevent grounding discontinuities. Ideal to install in where you need to break a conduit run for maintenance, repair, or troubleshooting.
Other types – include caps, tees, flanges, plugs, squeeze clamp connectors, wyes, and more.
Types Of Conduit Pipe Fitting According to Materials
Flexible Conduit Fitting
The flexible conduit fittings are not watertight but are easily adjusted to make connections from hard-to-reach places without bending. They are easily cut to the required size needed for your electrical conduit installation.
Galvanized Rigid Conduit Fitting
Galvanized rigid steel conduit is made from a protective layer of mild steel to keep the cable within safe inside a raceway system for electric conductors. Galvanized conduit is used as routing of wire conductors and an equipment grounding conductor. Conduit pipe fittings such as caps, couplings, elbows, expansion joints, setscrew connectors, sweeps, etc. made from the same material are used in conduit installations to ensure the conduit is securely and safely fitted.
Metal Conduit Fitting
A metallic conduit connector is used to connect metallic conduits where chemical resistance is required. These are general-purpose flexible conduits made from galvanized steel, stainless steel SS316, Nickel plated brass, PVC, PA6, and polyolefin with high impact strength, tensile, and compression. Available in all shapes in sizes.
What are the characteristics of Conduit Pipe Fitting?
- Chemical Makeup: Reduce Corrosion and increase temperature and fire resistance
- Usage: Available in different shapes and sizes to meet the requirements.
- Thickness: As thick as necessary, best to solidify plastic pipes and routes.
- Colour: Colours leading gray, metal, and white shades.
What are the essential things to Consider in Conduit Pipes and Fittings?
- Cost:The material of the conduit pipe plays a significant role in the cost of PVC conduit pipe. You need to know which supplier offers good quality PVC pipes and fittingsat an affordable price. It is not worth buying a cheaper version, as it is more likely to break. Instead, invest in high-quality PVC conduit pipes and fittings. Therefore, find a reputable company online that sells high-quality PVC pipe for a return on your investment. Check the ratings and read customer reviews to see if the company can provide exceptional fittings.
- Available Options Range:Find a supplier who can offer a wide range of PVC pipes and conduit pipe fitting in different materials. These suppliers should provide the different sizes of materials you are looking for under one roof.
- Exposure to Sunlight:The sun has the same effect on our pipes as it has on our skin. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation degrades the surface quality of plastic pipes over time, making them more susceptible to problems and shortening their lifespan. So, make sure to acquire some guarantee.
- Applications and Usage:When choosing a pipe, you need to know its purpose or usage. Each application has different specifications and requirements such as thickness, material, heat resistance, allowable pressure, etc. It is significant to know that PVC Conduit pipes and fittings have limitations as they can melt and deform when exposed to hot water.
Conclusion
When you are buying conduit fittings, check out their compatibility with different metals depending on their applications. The best way to find better conduit connectors is to choose the one made with the same material as the conduit pipe.
