Choosing the Right Flexible Conduit: A Guide by Tricksall
What is the flexible Conduit?
Tricksall offers a comprehensive range of flexible conduits, providing everything you need to protect your electrical wiring for home projects, as well as specialised flexible conduits for commercial and industrial applications. The primary purpose of flexible conduits is to protect your wiring and cabling from damage, vandalism, and environmental hazards, while also ensuring the safety of individuals
Which type of flexible conduit is best for my application?
In the following article, we will delve into each flexible conduit range, exploring their respective advantages and disadvantages. we will start by understanding the key types of flexible conduit: Non-Metallic (plastic) and Metallic (metal).
Non-Metallic Flexible Conduit
(Plastic)
Metallic Flexible Conduit
(Metal)
Non-metallic flexible conduit breakdown......
Non-metallic flexible conduit is by far the most popular type, manufactured from materials such as polypropylene, PVC spiral reinforced or PA6 Nylon. Not only are these flexible conduits typically more budget-friendly compared to steel flexible conduit, but they also come with numerous advantages in terms of installation, durability, and safety. Let’s take a look at the range.
Black polypropylene flexible conduit stands out as one of the most popular choices across various electrical wiring protection needs. Its affordability, pliability, lightweight construction, and maneuverability ensure easy placement wherever required. Furthermore, it offers resistance to chemicals and UV rays, along with being low smoke zero halogen (LSOH), making it an ideal choice for indoor and outdoor applications alike.
PVC Spiral Reinforced Flexible Conduit
PVC spiral-reinforced conduit stands out as an optimal selection for a wide array of general-purpose electrical wiring applications requiring added durability, due to the built-in reinforcement within this range. This range of PVC conduit offers a variety of advantages and applications. It serves superbly as an underground cable conduit, delivering exceptional crush resistance. Moreover, it proves ideal for protecting both indoor and outdoor external electrical wiring, providing flame resistance (self-extinguishing within 30 seconds, UL94V0), UV resistance, and boasting an Ingress Protection rating of IP65. Additionally, this conduit range is widely used in gardens and by landscapers.
Nylon PA6 Flexible Conduit
Nylon PA6 flexible conduit stands out as the premium option within the non-metallic flexible conduit lineup. It's your go-to for safeguarding indoor and outdoor wiring, boasting halogen-free, flame-retardant properties, and resilience against a range of chemicals like alcohols, greases, mineral oils, and more. Plus, it's 'vermin-proof'! Rodents steer clear because they just don't find its taste tempting, so they won't be gnawing through it to reach your electrical cables. Additionally, this conduit is UV-resistant and boasts an IP68 ingress rating, instilling confidence that your electrical wiring will remain safe and protected for years to come.
Metallic flexible conduit breakdown......
Flexible metallic conduit (FMC) is a great choice for both indoor and outdoor electrical wiring and burial underground applications, but you have to ensure the correct type of steel flexible conduit is used to offer the optimum protection and safety. Some are only suited to dry environments, while others can be used in both dry and wet environments. We also have a high-temperature range that can withstand +600°C and a range that is suitable for corrosive environments. Let’s take a look at the range Trickall offer.
Galvanised Steel Flexible Conduit
Galvanised Steel Flexible Conduit is an excellent choice for protecting electrical wiring when mechanical strength (toughness) is needed. This steel conduit range is manufactured using a spiral construction of steel, offering high levels of flexibility while maintaining excellent mechanical strength. Galvanised Steel Flexible Conduit offers corrosion resistance, ensuring optimal performance in dry, challenging environments where other materials might falter, providing long-term protection! This range of steel conduit is capable of withstanding high temperatures up to +300°C, offers an ingress rating of IP40, is LFH (low fire hazard), and conforms to BS EN 61386.
PVC Coated Steel Flexible Conduit
PVC coated steel flexible conduit, a galvanised steel conduit with an added layer of durable PVC jacket, is an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor electrical wiring protection. This flexible metal conduit features the inner core of our galvanised steel conduit range, providing high flexibility and excellent mechanical strength (toughness) with the added benefit of a weather-resistant PVC coating and an ingress protection of IP54. Additional advantages of our PVC-coated flexible steel conduit include resistance to corrosion and chemicals, the ability to prevent water and dirt ingress, excellent UV resistance, and flame-retardant properties. Moreover, it is well-suited for use as an underground cable conduit.
Stainless Steel Flexible Conduit
Stainless steel flexible conduit is the choice to consider if your electrical wiring is in environments with chemicals, corrosive elements, or extremely high temperatures. This steel conduit offers robust protection for sensitive wiring and cables with a temperature range of -100°C to +600°C. Rated as an IP40 conduit, our stainless steel conduit is suitable for dry environments across various industries and applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This range of stainless steel flexible conduit also provides excellent mechanical strength (toughness), is LFH (low fire hazard), and retains high flexibility.
Liquid Tight Metallic Flexible Conduit
Liquid-Tight Metallic Flexible Conduit (LFMC) is designed to provide top-notch protection and durability. This 100% waterproof conduit is perfect for various residential, commercial and industrial wiring applications, ensuring a secure watertight seal for electrical wiring installations that need reliable water resistance. With its strong construction, featuring a high-quality flexible steel core and a liquid-tight PVC coating, LFMC offers exceptional mechanical strength and corrosion resistance, making it a trusted choice for your projects.
Pros of Non-Metallic Flexible Conduit
When it comes to wiring and electrical work, non-metallic conduits, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PA6 Nylon, or polypropylene, offer a smart way to save money. Not only are these options typically more budget-friendly compared to metal flexible conduits, but they also come with numerous advantages in terms of installation, durability, and safety. 1. Cost-Effective: Non-metallic conduits are a cost-effective alternative to their metal counterparts. They are often more affordable, making them an excellent choice for projects where budget considerations are crucial. 2. Easy Installation: These conduits are known for their ease of installation. They are lightweight and flexible, allowing for quick and straightforward setup. This can save both time and labor costs during installation. 3. Durability: Despite their lightweight nature, non-metallic conduits are durable and able to withstand various environmental conditions. They are resistant to corrosion, moisture, and chemicals, ensuring the longevity of your electrical system. 4. Safety: Non-metallic conduits provide a high level of safety. They are non-conductive and do not conduct electricity, reducing the risk of electrical accidents and ensuring the protection of personnel and equipment. ​In conclusion, non-metallic conduits, including PVC, PA6 Nylon, and polypropylene, offer a cost-effective and practical solution for wiring and electrical work. Their affordability, ease of installation, durability, and safety features make them a wise choice for a wide range of applications. Consider these options for your next electrical project to reap the benefits they provide in terms of both cost savings and performance.
Pros of Metallic Flexible Conduit
Flexible metal conduits (FMC) are indispensable in commercial and industrial structures, thanks to their distinctive spiral construction, which enables them to effortlessly navigate walls and other structural elements. The installation process is remarkably straightforward, requiring no specialised tools or additional hardware. Furthermore, their flexibility allows them to be easily twisted and maneuvered. ​Flexible metal conduits are ideal for dry indoor settings, offering reliable protection for electrical wiring against dust, dirt, high temperture and various environmental factors. Their durability makes them an excellent choice for environments prone to vibrations, such as machinery and heating/cooling units, as they exhibit exceptional resistance to vibrations. Our range includes flexible metal conduits with a liquid-tight seal (LFMC), specifically designed for outdoor applications. These conduits feature a waterproof plastic coating that provides exceptional protection against moisture and other liquids, ensuring the safety of your wiring in outdoor environments. ​In summary, FMC is a versatile conduit option that offers easy installation, superior protection for wiring, and adaptability for various building types. When it comes to outdoor installations, LFMC goes the extra mile in ensuring durability and performance. Consider FMC and LFMC for your electrical conduit needs, and experience the benefits they bring to your residential, commercial, or industrial project.