Projects that want to use traditional metal conduits have two basic types to choose from: rigid metal conduit (RMC) and electrical metallic tubing (EMT). However, due to its thin walls, fragility and necessity for specialized water-resistant connections, professionals don’t recommend using EMT for subterranean conduits.
RMC, on the other hand, does perform well as an underground electrical conduit, especially in areas that endure a lot of traffic, such as underneath driveways.
In the past, most construction projects used traditional steel or aluminum metal conduits because of their durability. However, thanks to advancements in technology, we now have cheaper, lighter alternatives. One such option is PVC. Contractors readily prefer to use PVC conduits for underground purposes.
These conduits perform exceptionally well in wet locations and boast several benefits for underground use. They are watertight in both freshwater and saltwater settings, as well as fire-resistant. PVC conduits also work well in areas exposed to UV rays.
Over the past few years, engineers and builders have encountered supply chain problems with PVC conduits. These problems have increased the cost of PVC and resulted in long waiting periods for shipping fulfillment.
In response, many engineers and builders began using fiberglass conduits. When evaluating underground conduit types in regards to their cost, fiberglass conduits are the most affordable option.
The light weight of the fiberglass makes them easy and cheap to install. Fiberglass conduits perform incredibly well underground because of their resistance to extreme temperatures, high humidity and corrosion.
The conduits are also non-toxic, making them environmentally friendly. In addition, using fiberglass conduits means that lengthy cable pulls are safe from burn-through thanks to the material’s low coefficient of friction.
