What are the benefits of using steel conduits?

The primary benefit of conduit systems is the ability to ground and bond. Grounding and bonding play a significant role in minimizing electromagnetic interference (EMI). Steel conduit reduces electromagnetic fields by up to 95%, effectively shielding computers and sensitive electronic equipment from the electromagnetic interference (EMI) caused by power distribution systems.

Benefits of conduit include:

1. Competitive life-cycle costs

2. EMI shielding

3. Physical protection of conductors

4. Proven equipment grounding conductor

5. Chemically compatible with concrete

6. Coefficient of expansion compatible with common building materials

7. Noncombustible

8. Recyclable

9. High tensile strength

There are two primary reasons to use steel conduit. Steel conduit is the best possible protection of your electrical conductor and wiring systems, and it facilitates the insertion and extraction of conductors and wiring. Steel conduit is used in more than 50% of manufacturing and other industrial facilities in a variety of indoor, outdoor, and underground applications, including those where corrosive and hazardous conditions exist.

The three basic types of steel conduit and their applications are:

Rigid metal conduit (RMC) has the thickest wall, making it the heaviest steel conduit. Inside and outside are zinc-coated to provide corrosion resistance. RMC can be used indoors, outdoors, underground, and in concealed or exposed applications.

Intermediate metal conduit (IMC) has a thinner wall and weighs less than RMC. A zinc-based coating is used on the outside; an organic corrosion-resistant coating is used on the inside. IMC can be used for the same applications as galvanized rigid metal conduit.

Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is the lightest weight steel conduit manufactured. EMT is made of galvanized steel and is unthreaded. It is joined by setscrew, indentation, or compression-type connectors and couplings. This joining method makes EMT easy to alter, reuse, or redirect. Even though EMT is made of lighter-walled steel, it provides substantial physical protection and can be used in most exposed locations except where severe physical damage is possible.