What is liquid tight flexible non metallic conduit?

An electrical conduit is a raceway that provides a protective pathway for electrical wires and cables to be run in any environment. There is a wide variety of electrical conduit to choose from and it&#;s important to choose the right one based on your application&#;s specifications and requirements.

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While manufacturers often suggest what kind of conduit to use, this blog will focus on the various applications for liquid tight flexible metal conduit, such as wet or moist environments, areas exposed to corrosive elements, settings prone to dust, dirt and various outdoor environments.

Wet and Moist Environments

Liquid tight conduit and fittings are specifically designed to keep wires and cables free of liquid or moisture. Humid, damp or wet environments that require cabling are ideal areas to use liquid tight conduit. Prime examples of these include car washes, water management facilities and food and beverage processing plants that must regularly hose down equipment. Liquid tight conduit will not only ensure the safety of the public and employees, but it also prolongs the life of cables and prevents electrical failures when used properly.

When Cables May Be Exposed to Corrosive Elements

Liquid tight conduit is also an optimal choice for environments that are often exposed to corrosive elements. This type of conduit is not only capable of keeping out moisture, but it is also effective at sealing out harmful substances that can deteriorate wires and cables. This is highly beneficial for applications such as HVAC units, chemical facilities and other areas that are prone to corrosive substances.

Various External Applications

Any electrical installation that is exposed to the outside world can cause potential problems. UV rays and other outdoor elements can cause breakage and other types of damage. Using liquid tight flexible metal conduit protects cables and wires from sun exposure, extreme temperatures, moisture and other outdoor elements to prolong their lives and prevent damage.

Dirty or Dusty Areas

Dirt, dust and other tiny particles can cause short circuits and faulty equipment operation when wires and connections are not protected. For agricultural operations, textile plants, wood/pulp/paper mills and more, a sealed, liquid tight conduit can protect against dust and particulate infiltration.

An added benefit of flexible metal conduit is their ability to bend. Compared to rigid conduit, flexible metal conduit bends easily, making it a suitable option for applications where rigid conduit would be too difficult to install.

Liquid Tight Flexible Metal Conduit from Anamet Electrical

Flexible, liquid tight conduit is not only flexible by design, but it is also flexible in its uses. Protecting wires from liquids, corrosive elements, dust and physical damage are all advantages offered by a liquid tight conduit. For over 100 years, Anamet Electrical, Inc has been a preferred provider of flexible liquid tight electrical wiring conduit for a wide range of industries, including power distribution, construction, OEMs, government, mass transit, utility, petrochemical, food processing and chemical processing. We are dedicated to providing superior service and high-quality products.

For more information about liquid tight flexible metal conduit and fittings, or to get started on your next large-scale electrical installation, contact us or request information today.

2 Comments

1. Patrick Donnelly

   March 7, at 1:38 pm

   What causes discoloration of PVC Jacket and will that discoloration effect product.

   • Jonathan Middleton

     March 7, at 2:14 pm

     Not all discoloration is due to sun exposure.
     However, customers needed a conduit proven to be more resistant to sun exposure, so we developed Type UVUA conduit.
     Please see our new document about UV resistant conduit. https://www.anacondasealtite.com/wp-content/uploads/Product-SUN-UV-RES-.pdf
     UV exposure can bleach, burn or degrade some PVC compounds.
     Exposure to corrosive chemicals is not covered in this document. Please see other sources for chemical corrosion of PVC jackets.

Flexible conduit is pipe or tubing used to protect and route electrical wiring in a structure. They can be various materials, including metal or plastic.

There are two main types of conduit: metallic and non-metallic. Each has advantages and disadvantages to consider while choosing conduit for a particular application.

Metal conduit is usually made of aluminum or steel. It is strong and durable, making it ideal for applications requiring mechanical protection for wiring. However, metal conduit is more expensive than a non-metallic conduit and is subject to corrosion.

Are you interested in learning more about Liquid Tight Flexible Metal Conduit -PLTG23PVC Series (Non-UL)? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Non-metallic conduit is made of plastic, such as PVC or HDPE. Non-metallic conduit is less expensive than a metallic conduit and is not subject to corrosion. However, non-metallic conduit is not as strong or durable as metallic conduit and may not provide the same level of mechanical protection.

When choosing between metallic and non-metallic conduits, it is essential to consider the application&#;s specific needs. Cost, durability, flexibility, weight and temperature or corrosion resistance are important factors to consider. The right type of conduit will depend on the application&#;s particular requirements.

Now, let&#;s dive into the similarities between the two conduits.

Similarities among a metallic conduit and a non-metallic conduit

Metallic conduit and non-metallic conduit have these similarities:

• Both are composed of materials that are strong and durable, making them ideal for electrical wiring applications.
• Both types of conduit are designed to protect and route electrical wiring.
• Both metallic and non-metallic conduit are available in various common Trade sizes to accommodate different applications.
• Both are suitable for use in domestic, commercial, and industrial buildings and structures.
• Both protect against fire, mechanical damage and corrosion.
• Both may be rated for electrical safety applications according to the National Electrical Code (NEC).
• Both have adequate electrical field shielding and flexural stiffness (resistance to deformity).

Differences between metal conduits and non-metal conduits

Here are key differences between metal and non-metallic conduit to consider:

Non-metallic conduit

Here are some of the advantages of using non-metallic conduit:

• It can be used for fixture whips, data centers, electric signs and outdoor lighting, HVAC, pool and spas, and locations with exposure to sunlight and weather conditions.
• It is less expensive than most metal conduit.
• It is easy to cut at the site of installation.
• It is lighter weight than most metal conduit.
• It is more flexible than most metal conduit, making it easier to route through tight spaces.
• It may be installed in wet locations and buried in the ground or in concrete.
• It may be installed indoors, outdoors, under ground and above ground.
• PVC conduit may be recycled multiple times.

Here are some disadvantages in use of non-metallic conduit:

• It is not as resistant to crushing force, even though it may rebound from impact.
• Most non-metallic conduit is not rated for high or low temperature extremes
• It is not permitted in hazardous areas where the ambient temperature exceeds 50°C (122°F) or in applications where the conductor insulation temperature exceeds the rated temperature, such as extreme cold.
• It cannot be installed in plenum environments due its flammability and possibility for generating toxic smoke or fumes in a fire.
• It cannot be used without physical support along its installed length.

Metallic conduit

The following are the advantages of using metal conduits:

• Metal conduit is durable and can last many years with proper maintenance.
• Galvanized steel, aluminum, stainless steel, bronze and brass conduit is recyclable, making them a more sustainable option than other materials.
• It can withstand extreme temperatures and conditions, making it an ideal choice for protecting electrical wiring in harsh operating environments.
• It is resistant to impact and temperature changes, making it an ideal choice for protecting wiring in high-traffic areas or areas subject to extreme temperatures.
• It is made of non-combustible material, making it an excellent choice for protecting wiring for fire safety applications.
• It can be rated for electrical safety applications.
• A metallic conduit is easy to machine or fabricate, making it ideal for applications that require custom sizes or shapes.
• Extruded polymer jackets meet or exceed industrial chemical resistance requirements.
• Polymer jackets provide liquid tight protection allowing installation in wet conditions, or burial underground or in concrete.
• Polymer jackets provide low smoke or Halogen free protection of wiring.
• A integral bonding wire may be included in metal conduit, supporting NEC approved use in electrical connections.

However, using a metallic conduit also has some disadvantages, including:

• It costs more upfront to purchase the materials and install them.
• It does not offer full protection for circuits above and below ground against hazards, without a liquid tight jacket.
• It is heavier than a non-metallic conduit.

Flexible metallic & non-metallic conduits from Anamet Electrical

Key differences in these conduit types is material, durability and cost.

Metal conduit is more expensive than non-metallic conduit but it offers better protection from fire, pests, and extreme temperatures. They are also more durable and have a longer lifespan.

Non-metallic conduit is made of plastic or other material, less durable than metal. However, is it less expensive, lighter weight, more flexible and more corrosion resistant.

Anamet Electrical, Inc. has over 100 years of experience manufacturing quality flexible conduit for electrical wiring. Our liquid-tight metal and non-metallic conduit types are available for protecting mission-critical wiring from harsh operating conditions on land, at sea and in the air.

Our flexible metallic conduit and non-metallic conduit are available in various sizes and lengths. They can be custom-ordered to meet your specific needs.

If you&#;re looking for a high-quality, reliable, and durable conduit solution, look no further than Anamet Electrical. Contact us today to learn more information about our products and services.

2 Comments

1. John K. Boren

   May 14, at 9:39 pm

   Can flexible metal conduit (FMC) be used to facilitate a power drop in an industrial facility? Can it support its own weight, as it will be hanging from the rafters.

   • Jonathan Middleton

     May 17, at 4:53 pm

     We cannot recommend free hanging flexible conduit. We can&#;t know how much motion, strain or strain relief your application would cause or allow.
     Please see National Electrical Code Article 350.30 Securing and Supporting LFMC, with support required every 4-1/2 feet, no definition between vertical or horizontal.
     Check with your local code inspector for variance.

     Want more information on PVC Jacket Flexible Metal Conduit? Feel free to contact us.