What Are Liquid Tight Fittings?

What Are Liquid Tight Conduit Fittings?

Electrical wires and cables require protection from dirt, oil and water on their curved paths to and from components or power supplies. Flexible wire and cable benefit from flexible protection.  

Liquid tight, flexible electrical conduit is commonly used to protect wiring where it must be installed. This conduit was developed to protect wiring in underground burial, burial in concrete or in wet conditions. Liquid tight conduit requires liquid tight terminations, provided by liquid tight fittings.

At ANAMET Electrical, Inc., we’re proud to offer the best selection of liquid tight conduit fittings in the industry. Our conduit and fittings work together in ANACONDA SEALTITE® conduit systems to protect your electrical wiring from end to end.

ANACONDA SEALTITE® conduit and fittings are used in industrial and commercial applications, from food and pharmaceuticals to OEM machine building, factory automation, data centers, National Electrical Code (NEC) Hazardous Locations and more.

Here are some basics on what liquid tight fittings are, why they’re important, and key considerations for selecting liquid tight conduit fittings suitable for your project.

What Are Liquid Tight Fittings?

Liquid tight fittings are similar to common pipe fittings, such as 45º elbows, 90º elbows or straight pipe connectors. However, SEALTITE® conduit fittings have multiple parts that provide durable seals against dust, water and oil for electrical wires and cables. These fittings provide a high level of ingress protection, meeting international safety standards. Corrosion resistant SEALTITE® fittings keep out moisture, dust, grease and other contaminants that might compromise or destroy data and power connections. SEALTITE® fittings come in galvanized steel, Stainless Steel and nickel-plated brass (or plastic for LFNC-B conduit). These fittings are available in Trade sizes for easy selection and installation on industry-standard sizes of conduit.  

Why Are Liquid Tight Fittings Important?

Liquid tight fittings not only protect against liquids but also offer environmental sealing which ensures that no harmful substances like corrosive spray, combustible dust, or airborne fiber enter electrical connections. This is vital in industries where hazardous materials are present, requiring full time protection from electrical sparks or resistance heating.

Additionally, liquid tight fittings provide strain relief to prevent wires and cables from being pulled or stretched. This prolongs the life and reliability of electrical wiring, reducing downtime for maintenance or replacement of damaged components. 

The seals and outer finish on liquid tight fittings provide barriers against corrosive exposure, protecting wiring connections from long term decay.   

Common Applications for Liquid Tight Conduit Fittings

There are several common applications of liquid tight fittings,, including:

• Conveyors: Conveyors often require liquid tight conduit fittings to protect electrical wire from falling objects and lubricants. 
• Automated lines: In automated or robotic production lines, electrical wiring needs flexible armor against continuous or repetitive motion, moisture, dust and lubricants.
• Welders: Welding machines are used in harsh environments where liquid tight fittings  protect electrical wiring from sparks, heat and debris.
• Grinders: Similar to welders, grinders also generate heat and debris that can damage electrical systems without protection provided by liquid tight fittings.
• Pumps: In settings where pumps are used, liquid tight fittings prevent the entry of water or other liquids that may damage electrical components.
• Presses: Press machinery is another example of equipment that can generate heat, debris and moisture, making liquid tight fittings a crucial component for protecting electrical systems.
• Blowers: In industrial settings where blowers are used, high levels of moisture and dust make liquid tight fittings necessary for electrical safety.

Key Considerations When Choosing Liquid Tight Conduit Fittings

When selecting liquid tight conduit fittings to meet your needs, here are key factors to consider:

• Material: As mentioned earlier, liquid tight fittings come in various materials that offer different levels of durability and corrosion resistance. It’s essential to choose the right material based on the environment in which they will be installed. SEALTITE® AISI 316 fittings are available with NPT or Metric threads while providing a cosmetically appealing appearance and a high level of corrosion resistance. In addition, SEALTITE® Food Grade AISI 316 fittings are certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) to meet FDA food safety requirements. These fittings can be installed on SEALTITE® NSF Food Grade flexible, liquid tight SEALTITE® conduit. . 
• Size: It’s crucial to select the right size fitting to ensure a proper fit with the conduit. Always match the Trade size of the conduit with the Trade size of the fittings. Outsized fittings do not seal wiring from intrusion and contamination. 
• Temperature and IP ratings: Liquid tight fittings have different temperature and IP (ingress protection) ratings, so it’s important to choose one that can withstand the conditions of your specific application.  
• Certifications: Depending on the industry or environment in which they will be used, certain certifications may be required for liquid tight fittings. For example, for NEC compliance look for the cULus mark on fittings, showing certification with Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL). Make sure to check if any certifications are necessary for compliance. Check with your local electrical inspector if you have any doubt.
• Fitting configuration: Include a service loop in your wiring, against future need for repair, maintenance or replacement of equipment. Also, the space available for wiring termination may call for a 45º elbow, 90º elbow or a straight fitting. Fully tighten the fitting at its termination to provide a liquid tight seal for the conduit.

SEALTITE® liquid tight fittings play a critical role in protecting electrical systems from intrusion and contamination. 

At ANAMET Electrical, Inc., we’re dedicated to providing liquid tight fittings, conduit and other electrical protection products that are durable and easy to install. 

Ongoing research and development improves solutions for electrical wiring protection every year, so visit https://www.anacondasealtite.com to see new options for protecting your electrical wiring.