Steel conduit is a piping system which is used for the protection and routing of electrical conductors and wiring systems in construction. There are three basic types of steel conduit, which have all been specially designed to protect conductors from physical damage and EMI (electromagnetic interference).

Electrical metal tubing (EMT) is the most lightweight steel conduit. It is made from light-walled steel, but still is able to provide ample physical protection to conductors and wiring systems in exposed locations. Rigid metal conduit (RMC) is the most heavy duty steel conduit with the thickest walls. Intermediate steel conduit was originally developed in the 1970s as a cost effective alternative to rigid steel conduit. The wall is thicker than EMT and weighs almost half as much as rigid metal conduit.

Steel is an obvious material choice for conduit because of its strength. Its durability means it can provide amble protection for electrical conductors and wiring systems. Steel conduit is easy to work with and relatively inexpensive so you can run it anywhere. Other benefits include the fact that hand-driven nails and screws are deflected, and steel conduit doesn\’t tear or stretch.

When steel conduit is exposed to fire or high temperatures, it does not decompose or generate heat, nor does it give off smoke or toxic gas, which makes it ideal for public buildings. If a fire does start, steel conduit will not aid the spreading of the fire as it is non-combustible.
Steel conduit has good green credentials as it can be re-used. If a circuit needs to be changed, simply install the new conductors into the same section of steel conduit, which should save you time and money.

Electro-magnetic fields (EMF) are reduced by up to 95 per cent when steel conduit is used. The electromagnetic fields generated from electron flow through the conductors inside the conduit are reduced, as well as protecting the conductors inside from being affected by external magnetic fields. Any computers or sensitive electronic equipment is essentially shielded from an electro-magnetic interference which can cause disturbances.

Electrical conductors and wiring systems are present in commercial buildings, retail constructions, residential buildings, manufacturing facilities and educational institutions, so finding good quality cost effect steel conduit is essential. Many construction companies use steel conduit to house conductors that control and power security cameras.

Buildings often have dozens of security cameras which must operate 24 hours a day, which highlights the reliability of using steel conduit. Vaults need to be tamperproof and kept. The wiring and power systems that control these areas are often protected using thick steel conduit.

Another benefit to steel conduit is that it requires no supplementary corrosion protection when being installed in concrete. However, there may be some corrosive effects when installed directly from concrete encasement to soil burial. Steel conduit provides the best protection for electrical conductors and wiring systems in the construction industry.
With green credentials, competitive life-cycle costs and many other benefits, a steel conduit piping system is an obvious choice for professionals.

Author Bio: Richard E.Davies – Neweys Online offers a range of products from cable management to lighting peripherals such as emergency lighting, bulkhead light peripherals and a range of other cable products and accessories such as vent axia spares from top manufacturers.

Category: Advice
Keywords: cable management, vent axia spares