Choosing the right wiring method for your project is critical, which makes aluminum electrical metallic tubing (EMT) (sometimes called conduit pipe) an excellent choice for contractors. American Conduit products can replace steel EMT in virtually all locations.
American Conduit is a product brand of Hydro, a fully integrated aluminum company that serves about 30,000 customers globally. Our nationwide distribution network ensures easy access throughout North America.
We offer more than 35 years of experience in the production of aluminum electrical metallic tubing (EMT) and rigid aluminum conduit (RMC) for a wide range of applications, from construction to food processing, textiles, refineries, waste-water treatment, coal mining, pulp and paper milling, telecommunications, and more.
Why EMT?
EMT is an unthreaded, thin-walled tubing generally made of galvanized steel or aluminum. Although often called “thin-wall conduit,” it is technically considered tubing. It is connected using clamp-type fittings that slide onto the tubing and are secured with a set-screw.
EMT is popular in commercial and industrial applications because it is lighter and thinner than rigid metal conduit and is relatively easy to bend and cut. It provides both physical protection and corrosion resistance, allowing it to be used in exposed, concealed or wet locations.
EMT can also be used as an equipment grounding conductor, eliminating the need for a separate grounding conductor, and it simplifies future wiring changes.
Why Aluminum EMT?
American Conduit’s versatile aluminum EMT provides several important advantages over steel EMT that make it a popular choice.
- Aluminum weighs only one-third as much steel (one pound of aluminum is equal to three pounds of steel). Significant savings are achieved from the ability to cover three times the distance with the same amount of weight.
- Aluminum EMT is the preferred material when superior corrosion resistance is required. Steel tubing is not suitable for installations where there is a lot of water or chemicals, such as food processing plants.
- Aluminum EMT can be easily cut and bent on the job site with a minimum of special tools, resulting in neater installations, and does not require many manufactured fittings.
- Although EMT conduit cannot be threaded, threaded fittings can be clamped to it, a major advantage when following irregular or curved building profiles.
- Aluminum EMT conduit helps to block the electromagnetic radiation emitted by electrical circuits that causes unwanted interference and noise.
- Aluminum EMT conduit, when installed with proper sealing fittings, provides superior protection from fire and explosions by preventing the flow of flammable gases and fumes from volatile substances.
- Although aluminum cannot be embedded in concrete because it reacts to the alkalis in cement, aluminum EMT can be coated to protect it from incidental contact when installed in concrete walls and slabs.
American Conduit has the ability to meet your demands for aluminum EMT tubing and rigid aluminum conduit pipe. Our solutions are designed and engineered to meet all of your application challenges. Get in touch with us at 1.800.334-6825 to learn more, or request a quotation today.