Electricity has now become a necessity in the modern world due to technological revolution. It is a common need of every aspect of life in homes, in offices, in commercial buildings, for digital devices, in factories etc. for productive working, running of machines and sharing data. Wherever electricity is used, electric wires are installed to transport the electricity to point of usage. These wires are connected and planned in a system and are embedded in the grey structure of the buildings instead of being set over the building because otherwise they can be dangerous as well as the electricity may run through the wall. Thus, electric conduits are used for protection from hazards as well as for the aesthetics of the building.
The corrugated flexible conduit is chosen specifically according to the weight and size of the wire so that they fit perfectly. Other than keeping the size of wire in mind, the type of electric conduit to be used should also be chosen according to the environment and materials around which the conduit is to be installed. There is a wide variety of electrical conduits that can fit in different places.
Choosing from Different Types of Flexible Electrical Conduits
Electrical Conduits come in rigid and flexible types both; however, it is preferable to use flexible ones. In case your electrical conduit is flexible, there must be several turns routed which is why it is recommended. The different types of electrical conduits come in different materials, such as PVC, metals etc. Following are some types of flexible electric conduits.
PVC
PVC conduit is one of the common choices everywhere, especially in residential projects. This is because not only is PVC economic, but it also helps in protecting any water from seeping into the wall. PVC flexible electrical conduits are preferred especially when electric wires are run underground, or else is the wires are open to environment with access to dust, air and water.
Metal Conduit
Metal electrical flexible conduits are used for places which require running of wires over the surface of wall. These places usually include the basement and the garage, where there is a high chance of interruption of mice or rats that might eat on the wires. The metal conduits used here in such cases include usually stainless steel flexible conduit and aluminum conduits. Aluminum conduits are best for commercial and industrial fittings because of the environment being moist. Aluminum does not rust, which makes ideal for factories and industries.
Liquid-Tight Flexible Non-Metallic Conduit
These kinds of flexible electrical conduits are of a smooth PVC inner surface with the conduit wall. The Liquid-tight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit (LNFC) is extremely feasible because of its easy use in wet, dry and oily places. These are also heat and flame resistant, which makes it perfect for industrial locations and commercial purposes.
Liquid-Tight Flexible Metal Conduit
This type of flexible electrical conduit is used for applications where there is a high percentage of moisture. These conduits are perfect for water treating the plants, paper mills, petrol chemical factories etc. In this, the conduit is covered with waterproof plastic coat for protection.
When to Use Flexible Metal Conduits
Electrical flexible conduits help in protection of the electric wires and routes them without cluttering. The conduits can be used of any materials; however, it is always recommended to choose suitable conduits according to environment. Even the type of electrical conduits in terms of their rigidity or flexibility are to be used according to the wiring plan. Usually flexible metal conduits can be found in sizes of half to ¾ inches in diameter. These are especially used in places where there might be a difficulty in installing the rigid electrical conduits.
What to Look for When Finding Electrical Flexible Conduit
Check for NEC Regulations
NEC has set some rules and regulations regarding the length of electrical flexible conduits especially in light fixing. There are set guidelines which need to be followed based on the rule of length limited to 6 feet to limit the ground return path. Sometimes, there can be exception to the rule but only in cases where actual code is required, and longer conduit is allowed. Make sure to check your regional rules about the use of flexible conduits as well as the wiring plans.
Fire Resistant
Fire protection is an important characteristic of electrical flexible conduits. Since these are dealing with electric wires, there is bound to be heat and a chance of current hence the chances of fire are more. The flexible electrical conduits should be able to fireproof the electric wires and shield them. Metal conduits like stainless steel flexible conduits are good at fire protection than PVC conduits.
Where to Find the Best Electrical Flexible Conduit
Electrical flexible conduits should always be purchased of good quality, so that they do not wear out too soon when you have installed them with the wiring system. Depending on your material of requirement, it may be sometimes difficult to find flexible electrical conduits of perfect size, however there are a lot of options around on online stores and electric supply companies that provide with variety of sizes and materials, that can be used. Following are some companies and sites that can provide you with the best electric flexible conduits.
Amazon
Amazon is one of the biggest suppliers of products and items around the world; including all kinds of electric devices and supplies as well. Amazon has been working to provide the electrical construction materials that you require while fixing and making wiring plans. In this, the use of electrical flexible conduits is also involved. Amazon provides you with an extensive inventory consisting of electric connectors, conduits, wire cables etc. You can choose your type and requirement of conduits and get it delivered across the world anywhere. At Amazon, you might also get a discounted rate or bulk price of the electrical flexible conduits because of the large bulk of items they have.
Electriflex
Electriflex is one of the best companies in the electrical supplies industry that deal with different electrical connections and especially a diverse range of flexible electrical conduits. The company is dedicated towards providing you with the best services with the fastest shipment so that you can get your items right away. Electriflex company offers a large variety of flexible electrical conduits in terms of their shape, size, color as well as materials involved.
The focus of the company is on providing good quality services, on which they rely greatly through years of taught experience to differentiate between the good type of flexible electrical liquid-tight conduit from a less desirable one.
eBay
eBay is also one of the sites much similar to Amazon, you can find more information on both of them on eBay Amazon Accounts. This site offers a large variety of electrical supplies as well, with an inventory so diverse, that there are a lot of options to choose from. eBay offers different kinds of flexible electric conduits from around the world. You can check for the reviews and judge the right size before getting them delivered to you. eBay offers multiple options of flexible electric conduits which come in different sizes so you can choose the most suitable one for your wiring plan.
Flex Glory
FlexGlory is one of the leading suppliers of electric items as well as flexible electric conduits. The company provides you with the best products and services. Through Flex Glory, you can also request for a free sample of flexible conduits so that you can check them for the quality as well as the fitting of the conduit with the wires. Customers mostly require a sample to test the quality and size, so Flex Glory offers them this for free. Flex Glory is known for its diverse range in terms of flexible electrical conduits where you can choose from a variety of flexible conduits differing in terms of color, size, materials etc.
Benefits of Flexible Electrical Conduits
All electrical flexible conduits consist of a soft PVC layer as well as an outer covering for protection against heat and rust. These coated flexible conduits have PV to stop the entrance of water, oil, dirt, any acid or alkali in it which might cause disruption in the working od conduits. Usually, the stainless steel flexible electrical conduits work the longest as compared to other materials, since they are made the strongest to work in places such as industries and factories.
Durability
Electrical Flexible Conduits are the best in terms of steel when it comes to installation in wet environments. This is because not only are these strong but are covered in PVC which protect the metal from rusting and helps in longer working of the flexible metal conduit. Due to this protection and strength, the durability of the flexible electrical conduits increases, making it more convenient for the users.
Fireproof
Due to the external coat of Rohs PVC, the flexible conduits are saved from fire and heat. This kind of material is excellent for fireproofing, so it makes the flexible electric conduits safe from any accidental or external fire.
Stability
Flexible electrical conduits are one of the most stable wire cable connectors used. This is because the flexibility of the conduits is made from spiraling the compressed material, which makes it strong as well as flexible to move around at the same time. So whether the conduits are of steel, fiber or PVC, they are stable enough not to clutter and cause accident.
Convenience
Flexible conduits are very convenient in terms of use because handling wires along with rigid conduits can be difficult for arranging and adjusting. These flexible conduits are smooth not only form the outside but from the interior as well. This not only makes it easier for wires to be put inside and through it, a compared to the rigid ones.
Aesthetic
A big factor why people prefer flexible electric conduits is the aesthetic factor involved in it. The flexible conduits are PVC coated which makes their appearance very smooth and shiny. There are no rough bumps even in the steel conduits, so the surface is very smooth. The thicker the PVC is, the more aesthetically pleasing it is, making the wiring plan look neat and organized.
Conclusion
Finding Electrical Flexible Conduits is very easy since there are many electric store supplies in all towns around the world. If not sometimes convenience or other hardware stores also have flexible conduits from where you can buy. The best option that people utilize these days is ordering conduits through exploring and researching different sites. When you are looking online for flexible electric conduits, make sure to read the description carefully so that you are aware if the conduit is matching to your requirement and will function perfectly.
Nowadays, the best electric flexible conduit suppliers are available through their websites where you can not only ask them for a free sample, but also customize your electric flexible conduits. You can choose the preferable material as well as choose the color and tell them the size so they will manufacture it for you. Other than this when you are looking for electric flexible conduits at hardware and electric supply stores, be sure to check all the tick boxes if your conduit will fit in your wiring system. Other than this, you should also look for the economical ones since these are to be installed in the house. Usually, the metal ones are more expensive, and they are to be installed by the company.
In case you are doing a job related to the electric supplies and wiring system, then your job will involve the installing of the electric conduits for which your budget should always be considered as well as the company you will be getting the flexible electric conduits from. You should always separate a budget plan to cover all the expenses coming through and save from some unexpected ones. Usually, it is more convenient to buy them from online company sites such as Flex Glory to provide you with the best electrical flexible conduits.