An electrical conduit is a metal or plastic pipe through whichelectrical wiresare run.

The first (and perhaps most obvious) reason would be to fulfill code requirements.

Check with your local code enforcement agency for specific requirements in your area.

Electrical wire conduit

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Another reason for conduit work would be replacing existing materials that have become worn, damaged, or out-of-date.

Like conduit, loose but insulated individual wires are encased in BX’s metal shell.

Also like a conduit, BX wiring can be used in exposed locations.

Types of Electrical Conduit

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When installed correctly, both types can last upwards of 50 years or more.

Wiring Used With Conduit

A conduit is a hollow tube thatwires are pulledthrough during installation.

This differs from cable, which is a group of wires encased inside a flexible protective sheathing.

While NM cable can be run inside a conduit, this is seldom done.

The types of wire most commonly installed inside of conduit are THHN and THWN.

THHN/THWN wires are individual, insulated, and color-coded wires.

They are similar to the wires you see when you strip the outer sheathing off of NM cable.

The boxes, connectors, and conduits form a wire enclosure system called a raceway.

A raceway is an enclosed conduit that forms a physical pathway for the electrical wiring to follow.

(This is also the main reason why onlymetal boxesmay be used with metal conduit.)

National Electrical Code.National Fire Protection Association.

Home Electrical Fires.National Fire Protection Agency.

Article 320 Armored Cable: bang out AC.National Electrical Code.