How to choose the right type of steel conduit in your project

As it is well acknowledged, steel conduit comes in many styles and is used to run electrical wiring in exposed locations in and around your home. When you are ready to start a wiring project in your home, garage, shed, or barn, it seems very important for you first to decide the proper type of conduit pipe for wiring. Some wire has its own sheath coating, requiring only that it be stapled to wall studs and joists to secure it. These types of wires are all enclosed in the same sheath but are not without danger of damage due to contact by anything that can cut into the plastic sheath and wires.

In many cases, it can not be denied that stranded or solid wire is usually pulled through steel conduit. The size of the wire may vary, depending on the amount of amperage needed to supply the point you are feeding, and this ultimately determines the size of the conduit that you will need to install. A conduit made from galvanized steel pipe is commonly referred as a rigid conduit. The thickness of a galvanized rigid conduit protects the electrical wiring from being hit and allows it to be threaded. Galvanized rigid conduits are used by electricians in commercial and industrial applications normally available in 10 feet and 20 feet lengths. This type of electrical conduit is used above grade and has threads on both ends.

Unlike high-carbon steel pipe, mild steel pipe has carbon contents of less than 0.18%, so this type of pipe is easily welded while some types of high-carbon steel pipe, such as stainless steel pipe, which requires special techniques in order to properly weld the material. Today, mild steel pipe has been used for steel conduit in wire systems, for it is not only be easily welded into place flexibly but also can somewhat avoid cracking and breaking under pressure. Nevertheless, as mild steel pipe has poor corrosion-resistance, it must be painted or otherwise protected and sealed in order to prevent rust from damaging it. Generally, mild steel pipe is coated with other metals such as copper, to protect itself from corrosion. Mild steel pipes are also used as structural steel pipes for structural purpose and mechanical & general engineering purpose. It is also used for drinking water supply system. In the practical applications in life, it can not be denied that extra care is always required to keep mild steel pipes from rusting.