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Engineers focus on delivery of effective design solutions within a budget and schedule.

New conduit options open opportunities to specify conduit meeting specific demands, needs or harsh operating conditions where electrical supply must be sustained and protected.

National Electrical Code (NEC) changes and new products open opportunities for engineers to improve protection of electrical wiring. Here are conduit options engineers may consider for protecting electrical wiring.

Understanding Electrical Conduit

Electrical conduit is critical for protecting electrical wiring at varying current and voltage levels in a variety of service conditions. Conduit may be rigid, flexible, metal, non-metallic or liquid tight.

Choosing the right conduit for operating conditions is crucial for successful completion of a project, passing inspection, turning over the project to an owner’s use and avoiding callbacks to repair faulty systems during and after the warranty period.

Engineering Considerations for Conduit

Rigid and flexible conduit types are available for protecting wiring. Each has attractive features and drawbacks. Below we’ll look at features that help engineers choose an electrical conduit to meet requirements.

Conduit may be rigid or flexible. Here are a few considerations affecting choice.

Rigid Conduit Options

Rigid conduit has a great reputation for use in the construction industry. Engineers choose this type of conduit if installation can be done and forgotten.

• Rigid metal (galvanized steel or stainless steel) conduit withstands harsh environments. The cost and labor for installing this option is a drawback. Bending conduit requires attention to control drawings and special tools for correct installation. Larger diameter bent conduit must be ordered in advance of installation for a correct fit around structures or machinery. Lighter weight, bendable conduit has little effective structural strength and is electrically conductive, so fasteners and seals are important for continuous and reliable service.

• Rigid non-metallic (polyvinyl chloride/PVC, HDPE, or other non-metallic material) conduit has a lower cost and ease of installation, but it is less durable at installation and afterwards. Most are rated for direct burial and in concrete. It has little effective structural strength and is not electrically conductive. Fasteners and seals are important for continuous and reliable service. Moisture intrusion at joints and difficulties with corner installation are drawbacks.

NOTE: For cost consideration, non-metallic rigid conduit may cost the least for initial installation, but replacement costs after destructive wear outweighs the initial cost savings.

Flexible Conduit Options

Since the 1920s, Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) approved flexible conduit has proven effective for protecting residential and industrial wiring. Engineers choose UL listed, flexible conduit if installation must be inspected and modified due to changes in layout or power demand.

Due to variations in electrical conductivity of flexible conduit, code limits on more than six feet of length between junction boxes and grounding or bonding points is a consideration, if not a drawback. Electrical code allows for a variety of core and jacket materials. Flexible conduit is commonly used for electrical service amperage below 60 amps and under 1000 volts (dependent on conduit diameter and rating).

• Bare Flexible conduit (metal (FMC)) is suitable for confined spaces in walls, under floors or in overhead spaces where wiring needs to go around corners. This is often called Flex or Greenfield. It is suitable only for dry locations.
• Liquid tight conduit (metal (LFMC) or non-metallic (LFNC)) is suitable for confined spaces exposed to moisture, dirt or oil. UL listed fittings between conduit and junction boxes secure wiring from moisture and dust intrusion, enabling an effective path for grounding or bonding of metal conduit.

As the name suggests, flexible conduit can bend and flex without breaking, allowing for bending around corners without special tools. UL listed liquid tight conduit (LFMC) is also suitable for direct burial and in concrete.

NOTE: Some installations demand a combination of rigid metal and liquid tight flexible metal conduit to protect wiring in confined spaces. Shown here is an example of rigid metal and liquid tight conduit assembled for routing wiring around corners.

Some Additional Options to Consider

Recent electrical code updates allow more electrical conduit metal and jacket options.

• Stainless steel core metal and non-metallic flexible conduit, since it is not an effective conductor, requires a separate grounding conductor or bonding jumper. This may require three conducting wires instead of just two in the conduit.
• ANACONDA SEALTITE® Food Grade conduit and fittings meet CFR 21 and NSF 51 food safety requirements. This is suitable for connecting electricity to meat processing, pharmaceutical production and food service equipment.
• Halogen Free and Low Smoke liquid tight flexible conduit meets national safety requirements for installation in tunnels and confined spaces.
• Extreme temperature liquid tight flexible conduit is rated for high and low temperatures for installation in refrigerated or high heat locations including outdoors in harsh operating conditions.
• ANACONDA SEALTITE® Type ASUA conduit is UL listed and meets NEN-EN-IEC-600079-0 Section 26-13 anti-static surface resistivity requirement, suitable for protecting wiring in dusty locations.
• ANACONDA SEALTITE® Type UVUA conduit is UL listed and has extended resistance to UV (sunlight) degradation of the PVC jacket. This conduit jacket is suitable for outdoor use in prolonged sunlight or indoor use near UV sources.

Contact Anamet Electrical, Inc. To Choose The Right Conduit For Your Project

We are the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of liquid tight, flexible conduit. Contact us when you are in doubt about which type of conduit to use for your project. Our team of experts will help guide you through the selection process and ensure that you choose the best conduit for your specific needs. Our goal is to help engineers deliver reliable service that stands the test of time.

Every AEC (Architects, Engineers, and Construction) professional knows that properly installing electrical wiring in buildings and other structures is crucial. Using the right conduit is key, and it’s as significant as the installation process because it ensures the safety of those inside the building from numerous electricity-related hazards, such as fire.

That said, it’s essential to understand why using the appropriate electrical conduit is imperative in preventing fire and other hazards. At the same time, get to know the best type of conduit fitting that meets the NEC code requirements while learning more of its benefits.

Adhering to the NEC Code by Using High-Performance Electrical Conduit

Ever since electricity became more accessible, disastrous fires have claimed innocent lives and caused millions of property damage due to inefficient wiring systems. In 1897, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) published the National Electrical Code (NEC) to mitigate this risk.

The NEC code or NFPA 70 mandates the use of electrical conduit and piping to protect wires and cables from external factors that may cause short circuits leading to fires. It’s the benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection to protect people and property from electrical hazards.

What the NEC covers in terms of installation of electrical conductors, equipment, and raceway systems:

• Public and private premises
• Yards, lots, parking lots etc.
• Installations of equipment that connect to an electrical supply
• Installations used by an electric utility that isn’t a part of the generating plant, substation or control center

Since 1908, ANAMET Electrical has been developing flexible metal conduit that meets NEC safety requirements. After four decades, ANAMET Electrical successfully invented the first liquid-tight electrical conduit called ANACONDA SEALTITE®, which is less susceptible to fire. It also provides superior protection against water, dirt, and vermin, preventing it from degrading and becoming susceptible to fire.

The Benefits of ANACONDA SEALTITE® Conduit and Fittings

ANACONDA SEALTITE® is a UL-listed flexible and liquid-tight conduit solution that enhances protection, ensuring the safety and compliance of your electrical systems. UL-listed products have undergone intense and rigorous testing to guarantee their efficiency while exposed to hazard-causing elements and environments.

Not only does the ANACONDA SEALTITE® electrical conduit protect the electrical wiring system, but it’s also a cost-effective solution since it reduces material and labor costs. It’s also made from square locked or full interlocked hot-dipped zinc galvanized steel core, which provides corrosion resistance for longevity and maximum efficiency.

Other benefits include:

• Install less wire due to more direct wire runs
• Flexible conduit that can go around corners
• Unlike rigid conduits that are limited to large corner arcs, it doesn’t require fittings, couplings, and bending tools.
• Provides impact and crush resistance that surpasses PVC tubing
• UL-listed, liquid-tight metal conduit is suitable for wet conditions, confined spaces, direct burial, and in concrete, while flexible metal conduit (called FMC, Greenfield, RWA, RWS, or Flex) is not
• ANACONDA SEALTITE® conduit is available in sizes up to two inches with various durable jacket selections.

Opting for high-quality UL-listed flexible liquid-tight conduit systems for your electrical wiring means it meets the safety standards set by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) and Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL). Any building that employs this conduit will be up to code, especially during inspections, highlighting the effectiveness of the ANACONDA SEALTITE® conduit over other alternatives.

Guarantee Safety Against Fire and Other Risks with ANACONDA SEALTITE®

To experience the safety benefits of electrical conduit solutions, it’s best to choose one from experts with years of experience. ANAMET Electrical is a dependable source, providing cost-effective and quality ANACONDA SEALTITE® conduit and UL approved fitting for the highest levels of safety and protection.

Protect wiring, data networks, and control runs by specifying UL-listed ANACONDA SEALTITE® conduit and fittings. Visit Deltek Specpoint to get MasterSpec content for ANACONDA SEALTITE® flexible electrical conduit. Contact us if you have more questions, and our team will find a solution that will exceed your expectations!

When a facilities manager will not have the budget to replace broken wiring, protect wiring at installation with flexible, liquid tight, ANACONDA SEALTITE® electrical conduit.

SEALTITE® flexible conduit and corrosion resistant fittings protect wiring from vermin, mold, mildew, water, impact, crushing force, corrosion, sunlight, oil and dirt.

The flexibility of this stripwound metal hose in a polymer jacket allows routing around tight corners in confined spaces. Install wiring in flexible conduit for quick changes in direction, without the pipe bending or fittings that rigid conduit require. SEALTITE® conduit and liquid tight fittings are available in Trade sizes for common knockout holes in junction boxes.

UL listed SEALTITE® flexible conduit allows easy maintenance, cleaning, inspection or upgrade in electrical systems and data networks.

UL listed ANACONDA SEALTITE® conduit is available to meet these critical operating conditions:

• Type UA and other SEALTITE® liquid tight metal conduit (LFMC) is suitable for direct burial or UV (sunlight) exposure
• Type FGUA is suitable for Food Grade Non-Contact locations as an NSF/169 component
• Type HTUA is rated Heavy Duty by CSA, and is suitable for extreme temperatures
• Type ASUA meets the NEN-EN-IEC 600079-0 Section 26-13 anti-static surface resistivity requirement of less than
  1 billion (thousand million) Ohms
• Type CW is suitable for information technology equipment and under raised floors
• Type ZHUA has a Zero Halogen jacket suitable for confined spaces and tunnels

SEALTITE® liquid tight conduit fittings keep moisture away from wiring in the conduit. Compact stainless steel and nickel-plated brass fittings are available to resist corrosive conditions such as salt spray exposure, oil, soap and detergents. Flexible seals in the conduit fittings conform to the conduit jacket to sustain a seal resisting moisture intrusion.

Protect wiring, data networks and control runs by specifying UL listed ANACONDA SEALTITE® conduit. Visit Deltek Specpoint to get MasterSpec content for ANACONDA SEALTITE® flexible conduit.

If you work in the AEC (Architect, Engineer, Contract) community, chances are you’re familiar with electrical conduit and its role in construction safety and system installation. However, do you know what these cable protection methods can do to your health?

Plastics and metals can be toxic, posing health risks for those constantly exposed to them. The only way to avoid these risks is to choose conduit and fittings that adhere to health and safety standards. Fortunately, manufacturers, such as ANAMET Electrical, developed electrical conduit options that exceed standards while ensuring wiring protection.

Choosing conduit manufactured from low-toxicity materials can ensure the best possible health benefits and safety for yourself and consumers. Learn more about PVC electrical conduits and discover what is deemed safe by the Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL).

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Conduit and Alternatives

Electrical conduits are generally made of metal (galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum) or non-metallic materials (plastics). However, plastic materials (such as PVC) are preferred for their affordability and light weight. Many other benefits include:

• Non-conductive
• Resistant to harsh weather conditions
• Durable and corrosion-resistant
• UV (sunlight) resistant
• Oil resistant
• Dust and moisture resistant
• Flexible

Because not all applications allow use of PVC jacketed conduit, ANAMET Electrical developed non-PVC jacket materials. Most PVC electrical conduits can’t withstand temperatures below 20 degrees and above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, if PVC melts or catches fire, it will produce toxic chlorine fumes. It’s why PVC is known as “The Poison Plastic.” Therefore, one shouldn’t use them in applications where they will be exposed to high heat or fire.

Potential health risks of chronic exposure to free Vinyl Chloride:

• Liver damage
• Immune system degradation
• Carcinogenic (cancer causing)
• Damage to the reproductive system

All chlorine in a PVC conduit jacket is encapsulated to prevent exposure to free chlorine. Due to lessons learned from electrical fires and PVC smoke in confined spaces, ANAMET Electrical developed Type ZHUA. This Zero Halogen electrical conduit meets UL requirements and cannot produce chlorine fumes. 

Why is UL Certification Critical in PVC Electrical Conduit?

Meeting the requirements of UL is imperative, as it reassures consumers that a product isn’t a danger to its users. Since PVC plastics are known to be toxic, choosing an electrical conduit that guarantees safety and quality is paramount. One way is choosing a UL 360 PVC electrical conduit, the standard for liquid-tight, flexible metal conduit.

Other benefits of UL Certification:

• High standards: UL marks mean the products meet UL’s high level of standards for performance.
• Safety: Severe testing ensures a product is safe and isn’t likely to cause accidents.
• Value: Owners and manufacturers are more inclined to invest in UL-approved products due to inspection and enforcement of product standards. 
• Insurance: Local code inspectors look for the UL mark to verify quality and safety standards are met so that construction may be approved for insurance purposes.
• Assurance: Consumers confidently buy UL-recognized products since breakdowns or repairs caused by low-quality and poor performance won’t be an issue.

The Importance of Meeting Regulatory Standards

ANAMET Electrical has developed dozens of Sealtite® Liquid Tight Flexible Conduit Listed by Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL). ANAMET Electrical delivers a variety of both UL-listed and non-listed ANACONDA SEALTITE® electrical conduit conforming to the following standards:

• California Proposition 65
• NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) listing (Type FGUA)
• FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulations
• CFR 21 (rules of the FDA)
• EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Compliance
• REACH SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) Compliance
• RoHS3 (Restrictions on Hazardous Substances) Compliance

The UL has developed various standards in conformance with the National Electrical Code (NEC), published by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). Products with a UL mark signify that the product has undergone rigorous testing. Fortunately, UL-listed Anaconda Sealtite® conduit received certifications due to meeting these standards.

Choose an Electrical Conduit with Safety and Quality in Mind

Protect wiring, data networks, and control runs by specifying UL-listed ANACONDA SEALTITE® conduit. It’s time to invest in products that will last and won’t endanger you and others. For more information, visit Deltek Specpoint to get the MasterSpec content (NOTE: A Deltek account is required for access) for the ANACONDA SEALTITE® flexible conduit.

If you want to know more about ANAMET Electrical UL-listed flexible electrical conduit, don’t hesitate to contact us today. You may also request a quote; our team will develop a unique solution tailored to your needs!

Architects, engineers, and construction (AEC) professionals help resolve environmental challenges. Ongoing research and development in building materials and methods promote environmental safety. This is done by informed selection and installation of sustainable materials – like electrical products made from environmentally safe or non-toxic materials.

Conduit and fittings that don’t contain harmful and dangerous substances support this work. Furthermore, this promotes energy efficiency and avoids harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

Choosing manufacturers complying with environmental safety standards makes material selection easier. For instance, ANAMET Electrical, Inc. works with national and international associations to sustain and extend safety standards. With this in mind, our products are rigorously tested to ensure that all electrical conduit solutions don’t contain harmful toxins such as lead.

The Dangers of Lead-Sheathed Copper Cables

From the late 1800s to the 1960s, lead was used to shield telephone cables from electromagnetic interference. Although telecommunication companies stopped using lead-sheathed copper wire in the 1950s, some installations were abandoned in place. The cables were considered inert and unlikely to cause harm if left buried in the ground. Unfortunately, underground lead sheathing is exposed to groundwater. 

Telecommunication companies that were potentially associated include:

• AT&T
• Verizon
• Lumen Technologies
• Frontier Communications

Research shows lead exposure is a considerable health hazard. News items point up other sources of lead such as lead paint and lead plumbing pipes. Currently, there are 48 million housing units in the United States exposed to lead, due to poor maintenance. Lawsuits are ongoing to reduce lead exposure.

Lead Remediation May Cost Billions of Dollars

New Street Research (NSR) estimated clean-up costs for lead-wrapped cables could surpass $60 billion. That high cost does not address potential health hazards. This estimate is based on discussions with incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs).

NSR noted AT&T has the highest exposure, totaling 23.186 million housing and business units, followed by Verizon and Lumen. NSR Lead U.S. Analyst Jonathan Chaplin estimated labor costs for removing the lead sheathed cable are the same as installing optical fiber, excluding splicing costs. Unfortunately, it is unclear if corporations, consumers or taxpayers will quickly reduce this hazard.

Using Lead-Free Conduit and Fittings for a Safer and Healthier Environment

Fortunately, ANAMET Electrical ANACONDA SEALTITE® conduit products conform to the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for safe wiring connection. These connection solutions range among metallic, non-metallic, and specialty options that meet or exceed safety requirements of the AEC community. 

In addition, the ANACONDA SEALTITE® electrical conduit conforms to the following international standards for health and safety:

• REACH SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) Compliance
• RoHS3 (Restrictions on Hazardous Substances) Compliance
• Conflict Minerals Compliance
• WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) Compliance
• EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Compliance

ANAMET Electrical continues research to develop conduit options that surpass safety standards while extending wiring protection. We update our documentation online to sustain our commitment to avoiding use of dangerous materials.

Safe Electrical Conduit Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Striving to improve the world, AEC professionals need materials that won’t damage the environment. Choosing a conduit and fittings that don’t pose health and environmental risks is a step toward creating sustainable buildings and infrastructure.

Protect wiring, data networks and control runs by specifying UL-listed ANACONDA SEALTITE® conduit. Visit Deltek Specpoint to get MasterSpec content for ANACONDA SEALTITE® flexible conduit.

If you want to know more about ANAMET Electrical ANACONDA SEALTITE® electrical conduit, please contact us today. You may also request a quote, and our team will develop a solution tailored to your needs!