When it comes to rigid aluminum conduit vs. rigid steel conduit, there really is no comparison. At American Conduit, we may be biased since we sell aluminum conduit – and we have about a million pounds on hand at all times. But we believe you’ll come to the same conclusion once you see the many advantages of this amazing material.
How Aluminum Stacks Up to Steel
Aluminum rigid metal conduit, or RMC, is just as strong as steel. That might seem hard to believe if your only previous experience with aluminum is wrapping something up in foil to store in your refrigerator. But at American Conduit, we treat our aluminum with 6000 series alloys that give our products their incredible strength. You can also save a lot of money, since aluminum is much lighter than steel.
These are just a few of the many, many reasons why you should always choose aluminum conduit instead of steel.
- Aluminum RMC typically costs anywhere from 10 to 20 percent less than steel per foot. You’ll not only see significant savings when you purchase your conduit, you’ll also save on shipping should you ever need to send it to another location. You’ll also see substantial savings on labor costs, since it doesn’t take as many workers to maneuver and install aluminum conduit is it does steel.
- You might assume that steel is the easiest material through which to pull wire, but aluminum is just as easy. Aluminum makes for a much faster, more efficient installation.
- Aluminum is also superior from a safety perspective. Steel emits sparks, which can obviously spell disaster in a volatile environment. With aluminum, you won’t have to deal with that risk. Also, aluminum remains non-toxic even when exposed to extremely high temperatures. It also remains safe to touch, regardless of how cold or hot it may get outside.
- Aluminum conduit from American Conduit meets or exceeds all industry requirements, including ANSI C80.5, UL-6A, National Electric Code and many others. It also conforms to Article 500 hazardous area requirements.
- You can bend, thread and cut aluminum much easier than steel. In fact, you probably already have the tools on hand.
- Aluminum is non-magnetic, so it will shield nearby electrical equipment from the electromagnetic interference that wires can sometimes emit.
- Steel will degrade over time unless coated with very costly materials. Aluminum, on the other hand, won’t corrode or rust. It has a natural coating of aluminum oxide that keeps it performing for years and years.
- Aluminum is much friendlier to the environment than steel. In fact, you can recycle it time after time and it still won’t lose its strength, durability or any other beneficial characteristics.
Why Choose American Conduit?
For more than 25 years, American Conduit has been the leader in aluminum conduit. You’ll find conduit in any size you need, and we’ll get it to your efficiently and quickly. We have more than 20 warehouses filled with inventory across the country, as well as a nationwide network of more than 30 distributors.
Learn More By Contacting Us
The experts with American Conduit will gladly tell you more about rigid aluminum conduit vs. rigid steel conduit. You can get in touch with us by contacting us online or by giving us a call at 1.800.334.6825.