When to Use Flexible Metal Conduits

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Electrical conduit protects and routes electrical wiring. It can be made of many materials, including metal, plastic, fiber, or fired clay. There are flexible and rigid conduits available. The type of conduit used is determined through wiring regulations by national and local codes.

When to use flexible metal conduits versus a rigid conduit can be determined by analyzing your wiring situation. A flexible metal conduit can typically be found in sizes of ½ to ¾ inches, although it ranges in size from 3/8 to 4 inches in diameter. It is primarily used in places where a rigid conduit would be difficult to install as the flexible conduit will bend.

Although flexible conduits are easier to work with than rigid conduits, it offers less protection for the conductors it carries. Bending a rigid conduit can be an arduous task so it is often preferable to opt for the flexible variety. Being a metal conduit, it has an advantage over PVC conduits which cannot bend. It may also serve as the grounding path although some local codes may require that you also run a green grounding wire.

The Basics of Flexible Metal Conduit

Flexible metal conduits are made from steel or aluminum by coiling a self-interlocking ribbed strip of the metal. This forms a tube. The diameter of this tube can vary and different end applications call for different diameter tubes. Wires are pulled through this tube and are thereby protected from damage, both internal and external.

The tubing is flexible and can bend to fit your installation application. Unlike rigid conduits where you either have to manually bend the conduit to a fixed position or buy a pre-bent conduit, the flexible metal conduit can change its shape as you install it and as repairs or changes need to be made. The word flexible in its name may refer to its ability to flex in a given situation, but it also can refer to the flexibility it offers in your installation.

Short segments of FMC are called whips. You often find these as circuit pigtails between junction boxes and fixtures. A suspended ceiling is an excellent application for a flexible metal conduit whip. Whip assemblies are available for sale and can save you time when you need several of these pigtails.

NEC Regulations

NEC has set forth regulations and restrictions on the length of a flexible metal conduit in a lighting fixture application. Their guidelines limit the length to 6 feet to limit the ground return path. There are exceptions to this rule and you need to view the actual code to see if you have a situation where a longer conduit is allowed. Check local codes for more NEC regulations on conductivity and grounding.

Location of Installation

Flexible metal conduits are primarily used in dry applications although FMC is available with a UV resistant polymer that makes it watertight. Appropriate liquid-tight fittings are required when using this type of conduit in wet conditions.

Flexible metal conduits can be installed in most of the same places that rigid conduits are installed.

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Fire Protection

All conduits offer, to some degree, passive fire protection. The conduit can be both fire stopping by impeding the spread of the fire as well as by fireproofing. The conduit can shield your wires from an accidental fire. A flexible metal conduit will do a better job at protecting from fire than a PVC conduit will.

Knowing when to use flexible metal conduits is important. This will help ensure safety and that you are up to code.

There is no definitive answer to whether plastic or metal conduit is better. It depends on which one is more suitable for your specific needs, as they each have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages and disadvantages of metal conduit:

Metal conduit is often the preferred and more traditional choice for homeowners in their electrical systems. It has a long lifespan and is generally the most durable option. Metal conduits are typically made of copper, brass, cast iron, or steel. The main advantage of metal conduit is its higher hardness and longer theoretical lifespan. However, metal conduit is heavier, resulting in higher transportation and installation costs, and it can be prone to rusting, leading to increased maintenance expenses. Manufacturers have come up with solutions to address the rusting issue, such as surface coatings or the use of liquidtight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) that has a plastic coating, usually made of PVC. However, these solutions increase the weight and diameter of the metal conduit.

Advantages and disadvantages of plastic conduit:

The main advantage of plastic conduit is its lightweight nature and resistance to rust, overcoming the drawbacks of metal conduit. The reduced weight translates to cost savings in transportation and installation, and it is easier to cut, connect, and bend. With advancements in technology, plastic conduit has also improved in terms of heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and other properties, making it suitable for most residential and commercial building needs. The main drawback of plastic conduit is that it is not as hard as metal conduit, so it may be prone to damage in certain extreme situations. Additionally, plastic conduit may not have the same heat resistance and UV resistance as metal conduit, potentially leading to accelerated aging and the risk of breakage if used in such environments over a long period.

Therefore, based on the above comparison, it is evident that plastic and metal conduits have their own advantages and disadvantages, and they complement each other. Choosing the appropriate material based on your specific needs or project requirements is the wise choice.

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