Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)
Thick-wall threaded heavy duty tube with threaded fittings. Considered as one of
the most costly option for electrical wiring.
Purpose:
Provides structural support particularly for electrical panels, cables, and
other equipment and it also gives further protection from damage.
Location/s of installations:
Typically used outdoors.
Standard Dimension/s:
1/2 inch to 2 ½ inches
10 – 20-foot length with threads on both ends.
Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)
Sometimes called “thin-wall” tubing and it is also an example of unbending
conduit. Tighter and lighter compared to RMC.
Purpose:
Protect the wires from impact, moisture, and chemical vapors
Route individual electrical wiring conductors in a building or structure.
Location/s of installations:
Exposed indoor wiring.
Standard Dimension/s:
½ , ¾, and 1 inch
10 – 20 feet in length
Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)
The lighter-weight and thinner version of RMC. It is more common to use in
construction because it is much lighter while giving the same level of protection
as RMC.
Purpose:
Physical protection and routing of conductors and cables
Can also be used as an equipment grounding conductor
Location/s of installations:
Used in new outdoor construction projects
Standard Dimension/s:
½ inch to 2 ½ inches
½ through 4, and 10-foot lengths
Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC)
Also referred as “greenfield”. Has spiral construction that has made it extremely
flexible which makes it adaptable through walls and even other construction.
Purpose:
Protects electrical wiring in commercial and industrial buildings.
Location/s of installations:
Dry indoor locations
Standard Dimension/s:
½ inch to 4 inches
Liquid-Tight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC)
Special type of flexible metal conduit used with sealed fittings to make it
watertight.
Purpose:
Specifically designed to keep wires and cables free of liquid and moisture.
Gives protection for wiring circuits located in extremely wet or damp areas
Location/s of installations:
Commonly used with outdoor equipment such as air conditioner unit
Standard Dimension/s:
Internal Diameter: Min: 0.484 in. Max: 0.504 in.
Outside Diameter: Min: 0.690 in. Max: 0.710 in.
Electrical Non-Metallic Tubing (ENT)
Nicknamed “smurf tube” due to its blue color. It is a flexible corrugated plastic
tubing that is moisture-resistant and flame-retardant. Can be installed inside
concrete block structures and can be covered with concrete.
Purpose:
Corrugated flexible conduit that is used for electrical raceways
Location/s of installations:
Typically used inside walls
Standard Dimension/s:
12mm - 50mm (½" - 2") diameters
Rigid PVC Conduit
Similar to plastic plumbing pipe and is installed with plastic fittings that are glued
in place. It can be bent after being heated in a portable heater box.
Purpose: for commercial, industrial and utility usage; durable and effective in
underground, encased and exposed applications.
Location/s of installations:
Used in corrosive environment. Indoor, outdoor, and underground.
Standard Dimension/s:\
½ inch to 5 inches
