The importance of conduit tubes for electrical wiring can’t be overstated. They protect the wiring that powers many facets of our society. American Conduit manufactures and sell aluminum conduit that not only keeps wiring safe, but is also extremely durable. Even better, it’s very affordable. Here’s some information on just a few of the different types of metal conduit, and why aluminum is the best choice for your conduit needs.
Metal Conduit
There are two main types of metal conduit. One is known as rigid metal conduit, or RMC. The other is electrical metallic tubing, or EMT. While the differences between the two may seem relatively subtle, it’s important to know these differences so that you can make sure you’re buying the right kind for your specific application.
RMC
RMC conduit has thick walls, connected through metal connectors that are affixed to the main tubes through the use of screws. Not only does it protect wiring from impacts, or damage due to moisture, it also protects cables from electromagnetic fields. RMC ensures that computers or other sources of electromagnetic energy won’t affect the wiring it protects.
RMC is typically made from galvanized steel, but it can also be made of aluminum. Two of the most common places you’ll find RMC are industrial and commercial buildings. Because it’s so thick, it takes more work in order to lift it and secure it in place. RMC also comes with threaded connections, making installation a more time-consuming process. As a result, it costs more.
EMT
EMT is also used in many types of industrial and commercial applications. Workers connect sections of EMT by using clamps that are secured with a setscrew. The fittings slide into the conduit. Compared to RMC, EMT is a great deal thinner and lighter. This makes it much easer to move, and also makes it easier to cut and bend.
Although EMT is more commonly used indoors, it can be used outdoors as well. It will do a good job of withstanding the elements, provided that all fasteners, fittings and supports are made of materials that resist corrosion.
Why Aluminum is the Better Choice Than Steel
At American Conduit, we make aluminum EMT using a special 6005 alloy. The reason this is important is that it makes our conduit just as strong as steel. There are plenty of environments where steel can’t be used because they typically involve the use of chemicals and water. One example is a food processing plant. If steel were to be used in this sort of setting, it would corrode far too easily. That would not only degrade the conduit, it would also severely damage wiring.
These are just a few of the other reasons aluminum conduit is better than steel.
- Aluminum cost less, not only in materials but in shipping as well.
- Aluminum doesn’t take nearly as long to install, and doesn’t require nearly as much labor.
- Even though our aluminum EMT is just as strong as steel, it’s more than 30 percent lighter. In fact, of all the metals, aluminum EMT has the highest strength-to-weight ratio.
Contact American Conduit to Learn More
The experts with American Conduit look forward to giving you more information on conduit tubes for electrical wiring. Give us a call at 1-800-334-6825 on contact us using our online form.