If you're an electrician or someone who has had to deal with electrical installation, you know how important conduit bodies are. These small but essential pieces of equipment are the backbone of electrical installation, ensuring that wiring is safe and protected.
Conduit Body Types and their Importance in Electrical Installation
Working with conduit body types can be cumbersome as there are various types of conduit bodies used in different applications. The knowledge of conduit bodies and their best fit for installation can save time and money.
What are Conduit Body Types?
Conduit bodies, also known as access fittings, are used in electrical systems to provide easy access to conductors for modular furniture, commercial outlook or commercial deviate applications.
There are several types of conduit bodies; Rigid Threaded Conduit Body, Rigid Threaded LB Type, IMC Rigid Conduit Body, Rigid Threaded Type-LR, among others.
The Rigid Threaded Conduit Body
As an electrical technician, I have found the Rigid Threaded Conduit Body to be the most common. It has threads on each end which enable the connection of rigid conduit. Rigid Threaded Conduit Body is used to join two lengths of conduit while ensuring that the wiring inside is protected from damage from the surrounding environment.
The Rigid Threaded Conduit Body provides an easy way to join different lengths of conduit together instead of cutting, bending, and rejoining conduit. The threads on the conduit bodies make the connection secure and tight, ensuring that there is no chance of loosening over time.
The IMC Rigid Conduit Body
Another popular type of conduit body is the IMC Rigid Conduit Body. It is used to connect modern types of conduits that typically have a thinner wall thickness than the older rigid conduit type.
The IMC Rigid Conduit Body has a design that prevents movement and gives a secure fit. It features a center stop on its radius that prevents over-bending and ensures you get even bends without kinks, buckling, or distortion.
Types of Materials used for Conduit Bodies
Conduit bodies can be manufactured using different materials depending on their intended use. Common materials used for conduit bodies include aluminum, cast iron, PVC, and steel.
Aluminum conduit bodies have the advantage of being lightweight, corrosion-resistant and easy to install. Cast iron, on the other hand, is heavy-duty and used for more industrial applications. PVC conduit bodies are ideal for use in corrosive environments and are the best choice when installing underground conduits while steel conduit bodies are considered the most durable and are used where extra strength is needed.
Final Thoughts
Conduit body types are essential for any electrical installation. With their various sizes and materials, they can be used for different electrical installations from simple residential installations to more complex industrial ones. Properly selecting conduit bodies not just saves time but also ensures the safe installation of electrical systems.
Question and Answer
Q1. What is a conduit body?
Conduit bodies are a type of electrical conduit fitting that provides access to the conduit and conductors for wiring, splices, and maintenance.
Q2. What materials are typically used to manufacture conduit bodies?
Conduit bodies are typically made of materials such as steel, aluminum, PVC, and cast iron. The material used depends on the intended use of the conduit body.
Q3. What type of conduit body is best for industrial applications?
Cast iron is the best material for conduit bodies intended for industrial applications since it is heavy-duty and able to withstand more wear and tear.
Q4. What is the purpose of a conduit body?
The purpose of a conduit body is to provide access to conductors for wiring, splices, and maintenance, while also protecting the wiring from external elements.
Conclusion
Using the right type of conduit body is essential to ensure that electrical wiring is safe and protected. With different materials, sizes, and types of conduit bodies available, it's important to select the right conduit body for your application. By following electrical safety guidelines and investing in the right conduit body types for your installation, you can ensure a safe and secure electrical system.
Gallery
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3/4 In. Rigid Threaded Aluminum Conduit Body-58407 - The Home Depot
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