Few electrical businesses can be complete without having plenty of electrical conduit supplies and equipment on hand. Whether you're working with rigid electrical conduit, plastic electrical conduit or flexible electrical conduit, you'll need the fittings, connectors and other supplies to complete the job.

There's more to electric conduit than just electrical conduit pipe and fittings. You should be aware of electric codes and standards relating to electrical conduit supplies and equipment. If you're figuring in electrical conduit pricing when bidding a job, you should factor in the cost of supplies and electrical conduit prices. Here are some things to consider when it comes to electrical conduit supplies and equipment:

1. Familiarize yourself with the different types of electrical conduit fittings and other supplies.
2. See the many types of electrical conduit equipment available.
3. Read about electrical conduit supplies and equipment standards.
   

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Find out what's available when it comes to electrical conduit supplies

When it comes to electrical conduit supplies, there's plenty to choose from. From expansion fittings to grounding fittings, locknuts and nipples to elbows and drains, the list of electrical conduit supplies is long and varied. Supplies may differ, too, depending on if you're using stainless steel conduit, PVC electrical conduit or flexible electrical conduit.

I recommend: Read about electrical conduit bodies, bushings, couplings and other electrical conduit supplies and how they're used in the Conduit Fitting Guide in Electrical Construction & Maintenance (EC&M) magazine. SureFittings has an extensive product index with detailed descriptions of electrical conduit fittings and connectors for flexible, aluminum and steel electrical conduit.

Choose the right electrical conduit equipment

There may be times when you'll need special equipment when working with electrical conduit. Cutters, bending equipment and even special wrenches for tightening PVC electrical conduit fittings may be needed. You might even consider renting some of these tools rather than purchasing them if you don't normally work with electrical conduit.

I recommend: Trade Tool & Supply Corporation has both electric and hydraulic electrical conduit benders for rent. ElectricianSupplies.com has a wide array of electrical conduit tools, like cutters for PVC, flexible or metal electric conduit and different types of bending systems.

Make sure the electrical conduit supplies and equipment you're using meet electrical standards

The electrical industry is subject to strict codes and standards as set by federal agencies and electrical associations. These standards apply to all electrical supplies, including electrical conduit supplies and equipment. It's best to assure that you're using supplies and equipment that meet these guidelines.

I recommend: You'll find the standards for electrical conduit fittings and electrical boxes as established by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) on NEMA's website. Check out the codes used for electrical conduit and fittings that have been safety tested by the NSF. Read about the specifications of conduit fittings inspection and certifications from Underwriters Laboratories.

Electrical conduit provides protection and routing of wiring. Wiring regulations, such as the NEC or other local codes, dictate the required form and installation. Electrical conduit comes in several materials designed for specific applications.

Generally, PVC pipes rated in Schedule 40 or 80 remain the standard for most applications. Flexible conduits come in set roll sizes. Rigid offers support and insulation from magnetic fields. Consider the following when in the market for conduit:

1. Get PVC electrical conduit for most applications needing hard casings.

2. Use flexible electrical conduit for tight and hard to reach places.

3. Buy rigid conduit in both metal and non-metallic material.

4. Locate the right fittings based on conduit composition.

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Buy PVC electrical conduit for raceway systems

These lightweight non-metallic PVC conduits, suitable for above or below the ground, insure protection and NEC standards for your systems. The material provides impact and corrosion resistance with ease of installation.

I recommend: Contact Allied Electrical Group for PVC electrical conduit in schedule 40 and 80 PVC. Buy rigid PVC conduit at Gross Automation.

Locate flexible electrical conduit for hard to reach places

Standard flexible conduit diameters range from 3/8 to 3 inch in 50 or 100 feet coils. Get the right material for the environment that includes steel, PVC and others for easy wire pull through.

I recommend: Click “Product” then select general purpose Type NM for appliance and outdoor applications, Type NM2 for tight bends and hard to reach locations, NMHT for high temperature environments or NMLT fittings under “Non-Metallic PVC” at Electric-Flex Co. See CableOrganizer.com, Inc., for flexible electric conduit in steel, non-metallic and heat resistant materials. Go to W.W. Grainger, Inc., to see their listing of flexible non-metallic conduit and kits.

Get rigid electrical conduit

Rigid conduit provides protection against many external factors and comes in several different materials.

I recommend: Go to J-M Manufacturing Co., Inc., for a complete line of rigid electrical conduit that includes schedule 40 and 80, direct bury, and Type C. Get 1/2 to 6 inch rigid steel conduit that provides radiation protection and magnetic shielding at Allied Tube & Conduit. Contact the company for specifications and pricing. See Wheatland Tube Company for rigid, intermediate and electrical metallic conduit in steel or aluminum in standard 10 foot lengths. Obtain better pricing with their electrical conduit pricing for 20 foot lengths.

Find electrical conduit fittings for your needs

These companies carry a complete listing of conduit fittings for different materials and environments.

I recommend: Choose either product category or family that includes couplings, conduit bodies, hangers, rigid and dust-ignition proof fittings from EGS Electrical Group. Select LB, LR, LL, LT or C aluminum conduit bodies at Electrician Depot, Inc. Go to MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc., for a large selection of electrical conduit supplies.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Wall thickness, material composition and length determine electrical conduit prices. Thin-wall electrical metallic tubing with a coating of steel or aluminum offers cost advantages over galvanized rigid pipes. Do a comparative price check if considering galvanized conduit.

Electrical conduit is a specific piping system used to protect and control the route of electrical wiring and cable systems. Conduit can be made from a number of different materials including steel, fired clay, or plastic. Bending tools are available for installation. Most types of electrical conduit will have to be bent to turn corners, but some of the flexible plastic materials have the ability to make gradual bends without bending tools. Conduit installation must also meet the National Electric Code (NEC) standards.

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Smooth wall electrical conduit

Smooth wall electrical conduit is a type of conduit with a high density polyethylene jacket. This jacket makes identifying electrical wiring easier and has the ability to make gradual bends without bending equipment.

I recommend: A-D Technologies provides specifications on smooth wall electrical conduit.

HDPE jacket

A high density polyethylene (HDPE) jacket is a protective barrier used in electrical conduit. This type of jacket also makes it easier to identify electrical conduit and electrical lines in the wall.

I recommend: Oxford Plastics provides information on choosing the right type of HDPE conduit and jacket for specific applications.

Wet location

A wet location is any underground location where electrical conduit is being installed. There are guidelines for the proper installation of steel electrical conduit in wet locations.

I recommend: Steel Conduit provides information on the guidelines to follow when installing electrical conduit in wet locations.

Directional drilling

Directional drilling is a process of making a path for electrical conduit or other types of piping. This process works by moving in specific directions to go under or over obstacles in the conduit

I recommend: Henniker Directional Drilling provides answers to frequently asked questions about the directional drilling process.

Conduit bender

A conduit bender is a machine used to make bends in conduit piping. Bends are sometimes necessary when the conduit runs around corners or needs to maneuver around objections inside walls.

I recommend: Cable Organizer provides information and specifications on hand conduit benders, including written instructions and a video demonstration.

Conduit sizing

It is important for residential and commercial buildings to be fitted with the right size of conduit piping. Consider the type of electrical wires that will be encased and the amount of space available inside the wall in order to choose the right size.

I recommend: Home 4C provides charts of the most common electrical conduit sizes. LAN Shack provides the size consideration when meeting specific installation standards.