An electrical conduit is a tube used to route electrical wiring in or around a project. The conduit chosen can also be used as a protective layer for the electrical wiring within it. Although there are lots of different conduit options available depending on the project, choosing the right underground conduit for outdoor installation can be somewhat challenging. This is mainly because outdoor electrical wiring is subject to different elements such as moisture, which means the conduit used should protect the wiring from these elements. Fortunately, there are lots of options to choose from. If you are planning on doing any underground work, on plumbing pipes, for example, speak to an expert, 2nd City Plumbing can give you good advice and solution to make sure that you are not damaging anything when digging into your land. You would be surprised how many pipes and wires run under the ground, one wrong move and you could rupture a pipe. They can help you to maintain safety and guide you to make sure that nothing is damaged.
PVC Conduit
PVC conduit is perfect for outdoor locations due to the protection it offers against moisture. PVC conduit also comes with a set of fittings, couplings, elbows, and connectors, which can be assembled using PVC glue. In addition to its durability and light weight, PVC conduit is also non-conductive, which makes it very safe.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass has become very popular for outdoor installations because of its many properties. The biggest advantage that fiberglass has over other types of underground conduit systems is how resistant it is to different elements. Since it is not metallic, it will never corrode or rot making it the best choice for installations where contractors are worried about moisture.
Fiberglass is also chemically inert. Because of this, it does not react with most chemicals and fuels. This further increases its durability. Additionally, fiberglass can handle temperatures of a wider range and since it is non-toxic, it is also great for the environment.
Fiberglass is also light and has a low friction coefficient. Both of these properties make it easier to work with, with its low coefficient of friction ensuring you do not have to worry about burn-through.
Traditional Options
Many of the traditional conduit options are getting phased out due to better, modern conduits but they can still be used in a variety of settings. Electrical metal tubing is easy to bend and is lightweight too. Although it is mainly used inside walls, it can also be used for underground work. One thing to keep in mind is that you have to be careful with it because it can be damaged easily.
A rigid metal conduit is a great option for areas that undergo a lot of stress. Due to its strength, it can be installed underneath driveways or used for service feeders. Rigid metal conduit must be threaded at both ends, which makes working with it somewhat harder. It is also a lot more expensive than most other conduit options.
Electrical metallic tubing is commonly made out of steel or aluminum. It is both thin and lightweight, and because of how easy it is to bend, it is very easy to work with. It is commonly used in commercial and residential projects that do not need a much more robust solution. When installed outdoors, it has to be assembled using special watertight fittings to keep moisture away.
Choosing the right material for outdoor conduits is often about balancing between protective properties, how easy it is to work with the conduit, and how well it will hold up where installed.
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