Rigid metal conduit is commonly used in commercial and industrial applications to provide physical protection for conductors and cables. To realize the greatest savings on your next project, consider aluminum conduit from American Conduit instead of steel conduit for better value, quality and performance.
American Conduit is a product brand of Hydro, the world’s largest supplier of aluminum extrusions and the largest aluminum extruder in North America. We have 35 years of experience in the production of rigid aluminum conduit and aluminum electrical metallic tubing, and make them available to customers in a wide range of lengths and diameter from a coast to coast network of 20 stocking warehouses and 33 representatives.
Why Aluminum Conduit is the Optimal Choice
If you are accustomed to utilizing metal conduit made from galvanized steel, the properties of aluminum provide a number of advantages, such as:
- Cost-effective: Today, customers enjoy cost per foot savings of 10% to 20% compared to the cost of rigid steel. Because one pound of aluminum equates to three pounds of steel, you can cover three times the distance with the same amount of weight. The metal’s light weight also results in significant savings on shipping and labor costs.
- Lighter weight: Aluminum weighs about one-third as much as its steel counterpart, which makes it easier to work with. A standard 10’ length of 4-inch steel conduit, for example, weighs nearly 100 pounds and requires two people to carry and place it. The same length of aluminum conduit weighs only 34 pounds and can be handled by one person.
- Strong and durable: American Conduit rigid aluminum conduit uses a 6063 alloy, T-1 temper (former designation T-42). It has a good surface finish and high corrosion resistance. At low temperatures, its strength increases and does not become brittle like most grades of steel.
- Corrosion resistant: One of aluminum’s greatest attributes is that it is naturally rust and corrosion resistant without additional treatment. This is due to the presence of a thin, naturally occurring protective film of aluminum oxide that bonds to its surface. It resists stress corrosion cracking and is self-repairing if damaged. It will not rust or discolor, even after extended outdoor exposure. Unlike steel, it requires no maintenance painting or treatment.
- Reflective and non-magnetic: Aluminum can be used to reflect visible light and radiated heat, making it extremely effective as an electrical conduit. It is also non-magnetic and useful for high-voltage applications and anywhere magnetic fields come into play.
- Conductive: Aluminum is an excellent conductor of both heat and electricity (second only to copper and half its weight), and offers many shielding and protective qualities. It is ideal in cold-weather applications because cold strengthens the metal, but it will stay cool to the touch even in high temperatures.
- Non-sparking and non-combustible: Unlike steel, aluminum conduit does not spark, which reduces the risk of explosion in volatile environments. Aluminum also does not burn and, even at extremely high temperatures, does not produce toxic fumes.
In summary, aluminum conduit is preferable to other steel conduit because it reduces material cost, lowers installation cost, enhances performance and offers superior durability.
With nearly 1 million pounds of rigid conduit material in stock and ready to ship, American Conduit has the ability to meet your demands. Get in touch with us to learn more, or request a quotation today!