As a business owner, making sure that your power supply is safe, functional and effectively organised is necessary. For this, you would need to set up electrical conduits that provide a safe route for the electrical wiring in your office. Other than providing aesthetics to your workspace, conduits also protect cables from any exterior pressure, damage, and wear and tear.
However, with so many choices, how do you choose the right electrical conduit for your office? Do you choose an electrical conduit based on the type of material? Or do you consider the environment of your premises to zero in on a conduit?
To simplify the process, we will help you choose the right electrical conduit that both satisfies your needs and is appropriate for your environment.
Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) / Rigid Steel Conduit (RSC)
If you need a heavy-duty option for your wires and cables, Rigid Metal Conduits or Rigid Steel Conduits should be your preferred choice. Here, galvanized steel or rigid metals like red brass or aluminium are used in the tubing that protects wires from wear and tear. Alternatively, you could provide structural support for electrical cables, panels, and other equipment using RMC/RSC.
Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)
If your requirement is a thick and galvanized material, yet a conduit that is lighter and easier to work with, Intermediate Metal Conduit is what you would need for your office. It is an accepted option for both interior and exterior applications.
Rigid Non-Metallic Conduit (PVC)
Though generally used underground, this non-metallic tubing is adaptable and can also be installed above ground. Being lightweight, watertight, flexible and resistant to impact, heat and corrosion, PVC conduits are a great choice if you deal with commercial and industrial applications.
Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC) / Liquid-Tight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC)
Mainly useful where rigid conduits are difficult to install, Flexible Metal Conduits, as the name suggests, are easy to install and have a high degree of flexibility. The spiral nature makes it an apt choice where there is a lot of vibration; this means it’s a good choice for your heating and air conditioning units.
Liquid-Tight Flexible Metal Conduits have a plastic coating to prevent water from seeping in and is appropriate for wet or corrosive locations, both indoors and outdoors.
Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)
Made from either lightweight steel or aluminium, EMT is easy to install and flexible. Though an affordable option, the thin walls can be easily punctured, and is better used in dry interior spaces. If you need to use it outdoors or in exposed locations, make sure to assemble it with special watertight fittings.
Electrical Non-Metallic Tubing (ENT)
Ideal for indoor use such as inside wood- or metal-frame walls and concrete block structures, ENT is flexible and moisture resistant. Be careful to not use this conduit in exposed areas.
Galvanized Rigid Conduit (GRC)
As the name suggests, Galvanized Rigid Conduits have an extra zinc coating and are the thickest and heaviest of all conduits making it a great choice for those applications that need more protection.
Ready to find the right conduit for your office? After reading this, we think you are!
