Conduit fittings are fasteners used to connect a piece of conduit to another or connect a conduit to an electrical box. They are manufactured from various materials and are given different levels of moisture protection. These fittings come in various sizes, shapes, and materials that you may choose depending upon the application. Fittings are required to connect the conduit boxes to enclosures available in various sizes and when there is a need to alter the direction of most metallic conduits.
You may also find straps and clamps that provide additional support to secure the fittings. There may be the need to use special fittings when the conduit run is bound to be exposed to vapors, moisture, or hazardous conditions.
Types of Conduit Fittings
Box use fittings are commonly put inside a knockout within a junction box. The threaded side of the fitting is secured with a lock nut from inside the box. The other end has a screw or compression ring, which is tightened down once the conduit is inserted.
- Non Threaded conduit fittings may be secured with set screws or with the help of a compression nut that is present around the conduit.
- Curved and elbow fittings are used to control the changes in the direction of the conduit.
- Straight couplings are used for connecting the lengths of conduits.
- Bushings are the type of fittings installed within the boxes and threaded into the conduit.
- Adapters are commonly used for fittings and connecting wires, conduits, and cables.
- Other fittings include couplings, caps, bulkhead fittings, adapters, expansion joints, squeeze clamp connectors, reducers, set screw connectors, tees, sweeps, wyes, plugs, etc.
Materials
The conduit fittings used for general purposes are usually manufactured from die-cast zinc. When you need stronger conduit fittings, they are usually manufactured from copper-free aluminum or cast iron, making them ideal for use in such applications. Other materials to make conduit fittings include polyester, nylon, steel, urethane, regular galvanized steel, or stainless steel. The material chosen for making the fittings majorly affects their strength and the applications they are used for.
Things to Consider When Purchasing Conduit Fittings
Compatibility is the first and most important factor to consider while choosing conduit fittings. The fittings must be compatible with the conduits they are being used for, or otherwise, they will not form any firm fittings. The available options are as follows:
- Intermediate metal conduits
- Rigid metal conduits
- Galvanized rigid conduits
- Flexible metal conduits
- Liquid-tight flexible metal conduits
- rigid nonmetal conduits
- Nonmetallic underground conduits with connectors
- Liquid-tight flexible nonmetal conduits
- Electrical metallic or nonmetallic tubing
Many other conduit options are available that depend majorly on the manufacturer and the application requirements. Therefore, it is important to know about the different types and read the manufacturer’s guide before purchasing such fittings. This is to ensure that they will be suitable for the application that you are seeking them for. Other important factors may include the operating conditions, temperature, etc.
Conclusion
There is a huge variety of conduit fittings available in different sizes, shapes, and materials. These variations account for the applications that they are used for. Therefore, it is crucial to consider certain factors before choosing one for your task. We have a huge variety of conduit fittings available on our website. Search for your required product and select the ones suitable to your requirements.
