Most rigid metal conduit has been made from galvanized steel, but preferences for aluminum conduit (RMC) are growing rapidly, for a number of good reasons, such as lower cost, better performance and easy installation.
American Conduit is part of the world’s largest supplier of aluminum extrusions and the largest aluminum extruder in North America, Hydro Extrusions. We have 35 years of experience in the production of a comprehensive line of aluminum conduit in a wide range of lengths and diameter that are suitable for many different applications.
American Conduit rigid aluminum conduit provides lightweight, non-magnetic, non-sparking solutions for dry, wet, clean, harsh or hazardous applications. The conduit is made with a high purity 6063 aluminum alloy, T-1 temper, which ensures excellent strength and corrosion resistance.
The reasons engineers, contractors and construction managers choose aluminum over steel include:
- Material savings of 10% to 20% per foot compared to rigid steel conduit
- Labor savings of 35% to 75% compared to rigid steel conduit
- Available ½-inch to 6-inch
- One-third lighter in weight than steel and easier to maneuver
- Higher strength to weight ratio than any other metal
- Easy field fabrication
- Faster installation with less effort than rigid steel conduit
- Inherent EMI shielding
- Improved thermal and electrical conductivity
- Non-magnetic
- Non-sparking
- Non-combustible
- Non-toxic even at high temperatures
- Excellent corrosion-resistant properties
- Better visual appearance with no rust, streaking or discoloration
- Virtually maintenance free
- Requires no painting, extra coatings or treatment, unlike steel
- National Electric Code® (NEC) compliant
- Meets Article 500 hazardous area requirements
- Adheres to UL-6A, ANSI C80.5 and federal specification WW-C-540c
- A LEED-favored material
- Maintains physical properties even after extended outdoor exposure
- Provides decades of reliable service
We encourage you to review American Conduit’s case studies to read about projects where aluminum conduit was substituted for steel conduit, resulting in substantial material and labor savings.
Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable
As described above, aluminum RMC offers superior quality and performance. It is also the environmentally responsible choice.
Aluminum is a 100% recyclable and sustainable metal. Nearly 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today because it can be infinitely recycled into new raw material without losing any of its superior characteristics.
Recycling aluminum uses only 5% of the energy and generates 5% of the emissions associated with producing aluminum from virgin ore. It is essential to aluminum’s sustainability proposition.
In the United States and Canada, the industry recycles more than 5 million tons of aluminum each year, of which approximately 3 million tons goes back into the domestic supply and 2 million tons is exported as aluminum scrap and eventually melted and cast in other countries.
In addition to excellent cost savings versus rigid steel, rigid aluminum conduit naturally resists most corrosive atmospheres and industrial environments. With nearly 1 million pounds of conduit material in stock and ready to ship, American Conduit by Hydro has the ability to meet the demands of your project. Request a quotation today or get in touch with us for more information.