With the global plastic conduit market expected to generate revenue worth US $25.68 billion by 2026, it's clear that this particular product drives big business within the construction industry. And that's just for one type of conduit, without mentioning the likes of metal or rubber.
When laying wires or cables, the use of conduit is paramount to ensure the equipment encased within remains unharmed, which could lead to potentially serious problems, damaging delays or even a risk to people's lives.
There are many different variations of conduit, and the likes of RS Components stock hundreds of products, but what exactly is it and why is it so important when carrying out electrical work?
What is a conduit?
A conduit is a section of tubing or piping that encases wiring to protect it from external damage. This may come from water, vandalism, fire, tools or even being driven over by vehicles. A conduit can also be used to route any cables from one electrical box to another - for example along a wall, on the floor or on the ceiling. In being contained within the conduit, the wires can connect different terminals, staying firmly in place, thus avoiding excess lengths of cable being used as well as ensuring it remains out of harm's way.
Where might conduits be used?
Conduits are likely to be used in any location where there is a significant amount of wiring or cabling to be installed. These could include any of the following:
-Residential developments
-Factories
-Power plants
-Office buildings
-Industrial parks
-Warehouses
Depending on the type of project, a conduit can be laid in any number of places. For example, to connect switches and light fittings in an office building, it is likely to be installed along the walls and ceilings. In industrial parks with heavy levels of vehicular traffic, however, it is perhaps more beneficial to lay the conduit underground, where it will not become damaged by large vehicles.
What are the different types of conduit?
Conduits can usually be classified into two categories: metal and non-metal. There are various different types of metal conduits, such as rigid, galvanised and intermediate, while PVC conduit offers a lightweight and often more flexible alternative to metal products. The increased suppleness of a plastic or even a rubber conduit can make it easier to work with when your wiring is not following a straight-line path.
