What is an Electrical Conduit?

Conduits offer superior protection and safety for wires and protect your home from a fire caused by electrical wiring. They can also be used for aesthetic reasons. Electrical conduit pipes are made in several different sizes and can be used indoors or outdoors.

There are many different types and thicknesses of conduit. EMT (electric metallic tube, also called thin-wall) is strong enough for most interior home installations. Outdoors, use IMC (intermediate metal conduit) or PVC conduit. Codes have detailed rules regarding conduit size, but generally, 1/2-inch conduit is large enough for five or fewer wires; 3/4-inch conduit is used for more than five wires. When in doubt or if you might run more wire in the future, buy the larger size—it doesn’t cost much more.

Can Wire be Buried without Conduit?

Although you can bury wires without the use of conduits, you should never do it. If you are looking to bury wires, make sure that you use an expert to ensure that this is done correctly; burying electrical conduits or cables is a complicated process. The reason behind this is because the ground itself has an electrical resistance and if the soil becomes wet and moist enough – then it could create an open circuit. Additionally, weather, animals, and even grass mowing can cause damage to the cables.