Electrical Conduit Key Terms

Learn about types of electrical conduit and installation

By Terri Deno

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.

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