Flexible conduits are tubings used to enclose and protect electrical wires. They offer several advantages over rigid conduits, including ease of installation, flexibility, and the ability to pass through tight spaces. Flexible conduits are available in various types, each with its own unique characteristics and applications.
Key Facts
- Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC): FMC is also known as Greenfield or Flex in the building trades.
Important facts about flexible conduit:
- Flexible metal conduit (FMC) is recommended for dry locations indoors because it is not liquid tight.
- FMC is lighter and easier to install than rigid conduit due to its flexibility and lighter weight.
- FMC is commonly used for short-distance operations between wall boxes and motors or fixed equipment.
- There is also a special type of flexible metal conduit called Liquid Tight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC), which has a plastic coating and is used with sealing fittings to make it watertight. LFMC is typically used with outdoor equipment, such as air conditioning units.
- Flexible metallic tubings (FMTs) are another type of flexible conduit that can be easily bent and pass through walls effortlessly. However, they are not suitable for areas prone to moisture due to their lack of waterproof protection.
- It is important to research and choose the appropriate type of flexible conduit for your specific application to ensure safety and compliance with building and electrical codes.
Types of Flexible Conduits
Flexible Metallic Conduit (FMC)
FMC, also known as Greenfield or Flex, is a type of flexible conduit made of a spiral-wound metal strip. It is lightweight, easy to install, and provides good protection for electrical wires. However, it is not liquid-tight and should not be used in wet or corrosive environments.
Liquid Tight Flexible Metal Conduit (LFMC)
LFMC is a special type of FMC that has a plastic coating and is used with sealing fittings to make it watertight. It is typically used in outdoor applications, such as air conditioning units, where exposure to moisture is a concern.
Flexible Metallic Tubing (FMT)
FMT is a type of flexible conduit made of a corrugated metal tube. It is lightweight, easy to bend, and can pass through tight spaces. However, it is not liquid-tight and should not be used in wet or corrosive environments.
Liquid Tight Flexible Non-Metallic Conduit (LNFC)
LNFC is a type of flexible conduit made of a non-metallic material, such as PVC or nylon. It is available in several varieties, including those that are waterproof and those that are flame-resistant. LNFC is often used in indoor applications, such as wiring for computers and other electronic devices.
Choosing the Right Flexible Conduit
When choosing a flexible conduit, it is important to consider the following factors:
- The environment in which the conduit will be installed
- The type of electrical wires that will be run through the conduit
- The flexibility and bend radius required
- The desired level of protection
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the right flexible conduit for your specific application.
Conclusion
Flexible conduits offer a number of advantages over rigid conduits, including ease of installation, flexibility, and the ability to pass through tight spaces. They are available in a variety of types, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this article, you can choose the right flexible conduit for your specific application.
Sources:
- https://www.anacondasealtite.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-before-buying-electrical-conduit/
- https://www.conduit-flexible.com/news/what-types-electrical-conduits.html
- http://heyco.com/blog/four-types-flexible-conduit-uses/
FAQs
What is flexible conduit?
Flexible conduit is a type of tubing used to enclose and protect electrical wires. It is flexible and can be easily bent and routed through tight spaces.
What are the different types of flexible conduit?
There are four main types of flexible conduit: flexible metallic conduit (FMC), liquid tight flexible metal conduit (LFMC), flexible metallic tubing (FMT), and liquid tight flexible non-metallic conduit (LNFC).
What are the advantages of using flexible conduit?
Flexible conduit offers several advantages over rigid conduit, including ease of installation, flexibility, and the ability to pass through tight spaces.
What are the applications of flexible conduit?
Flexible conduit is used in a variety of applications, including:
- Wiring for computers and other electronic devices
- Short-distance operations between wall boxes and motors or fixed equipment
- Outdoor applications, such as air conditioning units
- Areas where flexibility and bend radius are required
What factors should be considered when choosing flexible conduit?
When choosing flexible conduit, the following factors should be considered:
- The environment in which the conduit will be installed
- The type of electrical wires that will be run through the conduit
- The flexibility and bend radius required
- The desired level of protection
Is flexible conduit waterproof?
Not all flexible conduits are waterproof. Flexible metallic conduit (FMC) is not waterproof and should not be used in wet or corrosive environments. Liquid tight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) is waterproof and can be used in wet or corrosive environments.
What is the difference between FMC and LFMC?
FMC (flexible metallic conduit) is a type of flexible conduit made of a spiral-wound metal strip. It is not liquid-tight and should not be used in wet or corrosive environments. LFMC (liquid tight flexible metal conduit) is a special type of FMC that has a plastic coating and is used with sealing fittings to make it watertight.
What is the difference between FMT and LNFC?
FMT (flexible metallic tubing) is a type of flexible conduit made of a corrugated metal tube. It is not liquid-tight and should not be used in wet or corrosive environments. LNFC (liquid tight flexible non-metallic conduit) is a type of flexible conduit made of a non-metallic material, such as PVC or nylon. It is available in several varieties, including those that are waterproof and those that are flame-resistant.