American Conduit is a leader among electrical conduit suppliers for many reasons. We have a virtually limitless supply of conduit – in a wide range of diameters and sizes – so you’ll never have to worry about running out. Also, we have a network of warehouses and distributors across the nation, so we can get your conduit to you quickly and efficiently – downtime will never be a concern. When you look at all of your other options, we firmly believe you’ll turn to American Conduit for all of your conduit needs.
Aluminum EMT
One of our most popular products is aluminum electrical metallic tubing, or EMT. Just like everything else we offer, our EMT meets the most stringent safety codes in the industry. These include the National Electric Code, the American National Standards Institute, Underwriters Laboratories, and many others
There are two materials typically used to produce EMT – steel and aluminum. While EMT is thinner than rigid metal conduit (RMC), it’s still extremely strong. Many industrial and commercial operations use EMT on a regular basis because it’s very easy to cut and bend, and it takes much less effort to install than RMC. When used with corrosion-resistant fittings, fasteners and supports, you can use EMT outside. Most users, however, prefer to use it for indoor applications.
Comparing Aluminum With Steel
Even though steel is the most commonly used EMT material, aluminum is by far the better choice. For example, you can use aluminum in environments that call for high corrosion resistance. In a food processing plant, for example, aluminum EMT is a must. Steel simply could not hold up to the chemicals and water found in this type of application.
But this just scratches the surface of why aluminum is the superior option when it comes to EMT. Consider the following:
- Aluminum is a great deal lighter – about 30 percent lighter, in fact – than steel. That makes it less expensive to purchase, and a lot easier to install. A 10-foot length of steel EMT weighs about 100 pounds. The same length of aluminum, on the other hand, only weighs 34 pounds. You won’t need nearly as many workers to carry and install aluminum EMT.
- Since aluminum is so much lighter, you might assume you’ll be giving up strength. But that’s not the case at all. We treat our aluminum with special alloys that make it just as strong as steel.
- Aluminum is also a great deal more durable than steel. It does a much better job of resisting corrosion. You can use it in damp environments (either indoors or outdoors) with complete confidence, knowing that your delicate wiring and cabling will be protected for years to come.
- Aluminum EMT also provides protection from electromagnetic interference. No matter how much interference your wiring may emit, your sensitive equipment will not suffer in the least.
- Safety is obviously a huge consideration, and aluminum conduit wins in this category as well. Steel emits sparks, and can also catch fire. Using steel conduit in a volatile environment will pose a major risk. You won’t have any of those concerns when you use aluminum conduit, because it’s non-combustible and non-sparking.
Get in Touch With Us to Learn More
The experts with American Conduit are ready to show you why we’re the leading electrical conduit suppliers in the business. Please contact us online or call 1-800-334-6825 for more information.