Buildings are made up of various wiring and cables running throughout the walls. These wires often intersect and run over each other, so you need proper protection. With proper safety, these wires will degrade quickly over time and cause several problems in the future. 

Since it’s inconvenient to check wires, you need conduits for wall cables. This system routes and protects cables and improves their functionality. Here are some essential things to know about cable conduit systems.  

What Are Cable Conduits And How Do They Work?

Cable or electrical conduits are plastic or metal tube structures holding essential electrical wires and cabling. These systems are often called trunking as well. 

The conduit’s structure can be rigid or flexible depending on where it’s installed. The purpose of a conduit is to protect wires from any hazards. You can also use them in unfinished or exposed indoor and outdoor settings.  

Cable conduits come in multiple sizes, shapes, materials and styles to fit various installations and demands. The most common material for the conduit is a metallic style. But you can also find conduits in plastic, fibre and fired clay. 

These structures are best for protection as they have a thick outer layer that protects your wiring. With so many options, many electricians classify cable conduits according to their wall thickness, the type of material used and the mechanical stiffness. 

All cable conduits should meet the national electricity requirements before installation to ensure the material works best for your wiring system. 

Most cable conduit materials are chosen for their corrosion resistance, mechanical protection and overall cost of the installation process. This cost includes the labour and material prices. 

A great thing about cable conduits is that they reduce the need for an electrical box or similar equipment. If you go for a metal conduit, you can carry out the function of a grounding wire without needing a separate component.       

Concealed Conduit Wiring

The best way to install cable conduits in walls is through concealed wiring. Concealed wiring is when an electrical conduit is installed inside walls, floors or ceilings in a manner where all the wiring is completely hidden from view. 

Typically, this style of wiring is covered with a plaster or similar material so the visible surface blends in with the rest of the wall. With concealed wiring, you can create elaborate conduit systems without ruining the aesthetic of your space.  

Apart from this, concealed wiring has many other benefits. Here’s a look at some of them. 

Ensures Wire Safety

Concealed wiring is one of the safest methods for installing electrical systems because the wires are protected from environmental hazards and hidden from any other obstruction. This reduces the risk of electrocution, electrical fires and other hazards. 

Protection From Other Hazards

If installed correctly, concealed wiring projects cables from everyday environmental damage such as moisture, heat, dust, sunlight and other elements. This is a great way to expand the lifespan of the wiring and reduce the need for constant maintenance. 

Improve Aesthetics

Concealed wiring can help achieve a minimalist look in your home. You will never have to see unsightly cables and wiring, making your space look organised and clean. 

Easy To Install

You only need to undergo a one-time process if you want concealed wiring. When this system is installed, you never have to worry about it again. This quality makes concealed wiring a cost-effective solution for residential and commercial properties. 

What Are Cable Conduits Used For?

Cable conduits are great for storing wiring and cables, but they can do so much more than that. Here are some great ways to make use of electrical conduits.

• Meet Codes and Regulations: In most cases, conduits are a requirement according to building safety standards and codes. Following these regulations for new constructions is crucial, but even if you’re replacing worn-out old conduits, you need to meet the standard.
• Versatility In Design: You can keep all your wiring safe with a conduit. This means you can easily manoeuvre cables in any configuration or install them in any location to meet your electrical needs.   
• Protect Wiring From Damage: One of the main reasons many electricians prefer a cable conduit is because they provide all-around protection to your cabling. While most wires and cables have some form of insulation, a conduit can add to that protective layer. These conduits can offer protection against moisture, fire, chemicals, impact and other such hazards.
• Eliminate Interference: Cable conduits are a great way to reduce electromagnetic interference to help cables and wiring perform better. 
• Keep Wiring Organised: If you have a ton of wires and cables that are hard to make, add them in a conduit to keep things organised. Disorganised wiring can also harm the outer sheathing of your components, so using a conduit here is crucial. In addition, a manageable space makes it easy to simplify installation, move around, and conduct maintenance. 

How To Choose The Right Cable Conduit?

Choosing the correct type of conduit for your project depends on various factors. Here are some factors to help you select a suitable cable conduit. 

Installation Requirments 

Think of how you’ll place the conduit. Are you going to bend it, bury it underground or put it inside a concrete block? 

Consider these points when choosing a suitable conduit. You need to ensure that the chosen conduit is rated for these locations. 

The Cost

When it comes to any construction material, you need to factor in the cost. Weigh the benefits of every conduit type with your budget. 

In some cases, building regulations might ask you to choose a specific type of conduit which can get pricey. Still, you can make do with variations to keep your budget low.

Potential Hazards

Consider what type of hazards could come into contact with your cable conduit. Your conduit should always offer protection from corrosion, moisture, impact, flames, chemicals and sunlight.  

Variety

If you have multiple uses for a conduit system, look for something that can work in multiple settings. 

For instance, construction involving exposed indoor wiring might work well with a standard electric non-metallic conduit, but areas with many bends and long runways might need a flexible option. A specialised fibre optic conduit is your best bet if you're running communication cables. 

Assembly Time

Time is money, so investing in conduit with a manageable assembly time is crucial. Some conduits are much easier to work with and can speed up installation. 

For example, electric metallic conduits are easier to bend and pull wiring through. However, you shouldn’t opt for manageable conduits to reduce assembly time. Find a suitable conduit and weigh its benefits to find the right one for you. 

What Are The Different Types Of Cable Conduits?

As mentioned, cable conduits come in various styles and materials built for specific demands. You can find a wide range of sizes in both rigid and flexible structures. 

Metal conduits use steel or aluminium, while plastic conduits are manufactured with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyamide materials. Here are some of the most popular types of cable conduits. 

Electrical Metal Conduit (EMT)

An electrical metal conduit is your best option for installing a rigid conduit system. This component has a thin wall structure of galvanised steel, commonly used as a non-flexible option. 

Even though this conduit comes under the rigid category, you can bend its shape with a conduit bender tool to fit any installation. The lightweight material is malleable enough to contort into any desired shape. 

You can use EMT conduits as an exposed or concealed wall installation. You can also use them on floors and ceilings. The metal material allows them to be embedded into concrete or buried in the ground. 

Electrical metal conduits are connected with clamp-style fittings that slide onto the tubing. This configuration is secured with a set screw and locked into your desired area. 

Even though EMTs provide decent protection for inside cables, they should not be used in hazardous locations (such as power plants) where they might experience severe damage. 

Additionally, EMT conduits are unsuitable for wet areas or places with corrosive fumes and vapours. If you want to use EMTs in such locations, you must use corrosive-resistant tubing and gasket clamps. 

Some electricians avoid using electrical metal conduits in critical areas because the set screws in the clamps tend to loosen over time. To prevent this loosening, a torque wrench will provide the correct tension to the screws to help them last longer. 

Electrical Non-Metallic Conduit (ENT)

The electrical non-metallic conduit is great if you want a more flexible option. This conduit is made from pliable plastic tubing designed for placement in residential walls and concrete structures. 

The ENT provides excellent protection against fire and moisture to keep all your wiring space. Despite these qualities, they are unsuitable for installation in exposed locations or any outdoor space where they might experience other elements. If you’re placing these conduits, use glued fittings. 

Flexible Metal Conduit (FMT)

FMT conduits have a spiral shape, making it easy to bend the conduit and simplifying installation. With this shape, you can add FMTs to walls and other structures. 

Flexible metal tubing is commonly used in exposed areas with a short run. For example, you would usually place them in water heaters. These conduits are often called liquid-tight metal conduits, depending on the outer sheath. 

The liquid-tight version has a plastic outer sheath which makes it watertight. LFMCs are best used for outdoor wiring, air conditioning units, and other such equipment. 

Non-Metalic Liquid-Tight Flexible Conduit (NLFC)

NLFC is typically used in place of a liquid-tight metal conduit. This conduit has a flexible PVC coating embedded into the rigid PVC enforcements. Even though this conduit can bend, it still offers a watertight build and structure.  

Non-Metallic LF conduits provide moderate protection in dry, wet or oily settings. In addition, they also have flame-resistant properties. These conduits are highly durable and are ideal for indoor and outdoor installation in commercial and industrial settings. 

You can also place them in moisture-heavy places such as pools and HVAC systems. You can opt for liquid-tight flexible conduits made from polyamide instead of PVC for even more protection. 

These provide resistance against acid, oil, benzine, flames and other solvents. Polyamide conduits can also self-extinguish, making them suitable for demanding installations. 

Intermediate Metal Conduti (IMC)

Intermediate conduits are similar to the rid metal option but are lighter and thinner by almost a third of the weight. These systems act as a middle ground between EMT and RMC. 

Made from rigid steel, intermediate metal conduits have a corrosion-resistant coating which is threaded or non-threaded. These also have a large diameter inside with a smooth surface, making it easier to pull wring than the rigid model. 

What Is The Right Conduit For Cables In Walls?

Cable conduits come in a wide variety, so it’s important to narrow down these choices. If you’re looking for all the best electrical conduits in one place, visit Meteor Electrical.  From rigid metal conduits to flexible PVC options, Meteor carries all the right options for you. 

You can browse through various cable management systems, including plastic, metal and flexible cable conduits. All conduits come with various protective coating that prevents hazards and other harsh elements. 

These options are available in numerous sizes to fit any specification. Whether you want plastic conduits with flexible PVC coating or something in between, we have several options for you to choose from. 

Our galvanised conduits have a tough exterior that maintains the integrity of your wiring and keeps it safe from multiple hazards. This ensures that you keep using your cable for a long time. If you want a lighter cable management system, go for plastic trunking. 

We offer highly durable plastic trunking from Cablecraft to ensure quality in every installation. These conduits come from Cablecraft’s Betaflex range which offers more flexibility with your cable management. 

You can also find quality conduit clips and fittings that make the installation process faster and keep your systems in place. Visit Meteor today to find the right conduit system for your wall installation. 

See similar blogs:

https://www.meteorelectrical.com/blog/electric-conduit.html

https://www.meteorelectrical.com/blog/cable-conduit.html

https://www.meteorelectrical.com/blog/external-cable-conduit.html

https://www.meteorelectrical.com/blog/outdoor-cable-conduit.html

https://www.meteorelectrical.com/blog/underground-cable-conduit.html

https://www.meteorelectrical.com/blog/cable-conduit-plastic.html