What Are Conduit Fittings?
Conduit for electrical applications is tubing that’s used to house wires. Conduit makes it easy to run wires and protects the wires once they’re installed. Whether you’re working on an exterior conduit project where you need to enclose wiring for outdoor light switches or you need to enclose interior wire and cables in a conduit raceway, there are instances where you need conduit fittings to make connections between conduit pieces in an electrical system. Conduit and fittings work together to bridge pieces of conduit, join conduit to boxes or enclosures, or fasten conduit to walls or ceilings. Different connection points require certain fittings. Conduit running along a wall, for example, requires a strap to secure it. But if you’re connecting conduit to an outlet box, you’ll need a connector fitting.
Different Types of Conduit Fittings and Their Uses
Like there are different types of conduit for wiring, there are different types of conduit pipe fittings to make the appropriate connections and attachments in an electrical system. Conduit fittings are available in various sizes. The size of your fitting should match the size of the conduit. The type of electrical conduit fittings you’ll need depends on your application. Make sure the fitting is compatible with the conduit material. Here are some conduit fittings and their uses.
Connectors
Use a connector to end a run of conduit at an electrical box or other enclosure. Connectors can also be used to connect two pieces of conduit together. These electrical conduit fittings are held in place with a locknut, though you can find connectors that simply snap in for easier installation.
Straps
Straps provide support for conduit that runs along walls, ceilings and framing, preventing the conduit from sagging and breaking. Straps are arched in the middle to fit over the pipe and have one or two holes for securing them to the walls. A hanger is another type of fitting that can hold conduit in place. Hangers are used to support conduit that’s suspended from ceilings and other overhead structures, like beams.
Couplings
Couplings allow you to join two pieces of the same type of conduit together to create one long piece of conduit. Choose the right coupling material based on the material of the conduit. Pair metallic couplings with metal and nonmetallic couplings with nonmetallic material like PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Metallic couplings secure to the conduit with screws, while nonmetallic couplings require primer and a solvent cement.
Elbows
Wiring doesn’t always go in a straight line. Elbows create a gentle turn in the conduit, allowing you to change the direction of the wiring so you can install it where you need it.
Bushings
Use bushings at the ends of metal conduit where cutting creates rough edges. A bushing creates a smooth surface that protects the wires as you pull them through the conduit.
Nipples
Threaded on both ends, nipples are conduit fittings that are designed to connect electrical enclosures, boxes and other equipment together. These short pieces work with rigid metallic conduit. Some are offset to make connections possible when knockouts that allow the wiring to run between a pair of boxes or panels aren’t aligned.
Adapters
When you have conduit in incompatible sizes or materials, use an adapter to make the connection between the two pieces. Adapters help keep the connections in your electrical system safe.
Conduit Bodies
Conduit bodies have removable covers, giving you access to the inside of the raceway. Install a conduit body on a section of conduit where you need easy access to pull, inspect and maintain wires. You can also use these fittings to create turns in a conduit section and send wiring in a different direction.
How to Choose the Right Conduit Fittings
Different conduit materials require different fittings. Common material types are below.
- Electrical metallic tubing (EMT)
- Rigid metallic conduit (RMC)
- Electrical non-metallic tubing (ENT)
- Rigid non-metallic conduit (RNC)
- Liquid-tight conduit
- Flex conduit
Learn more about conduit in our guide, Electrical Conduit Types. When shopping for conduit fittings, look for options that will work with the conduit material in your electrical system, the size of the conduit and the connection you need to make. Note that there may be points in your electrical system where fittings for grounding are necessary.
Before Starting Your Project
Though installing conduit and fittings can be a DIY project for some, consider your skill level and your comfort with the project before starting. Ask for help from a professional if you have any doubts. Check with a licensed electrician for answers to any questions or concerns you may have and to go over any specific local code requirements, so you understand what’s needed for safe installation. Some work might require a licensed electrician. Refer to the US National Electrical Code (NEC) and local codes to determine whether conduit should be used for your project, and which type of conduit and conduit fittings you’ll need. Get any required permits before starting. Once you’ve finished the project, have an electrician look over your work to ensure it meets code requirements and the electrical system is safe to use. Have your work inspected if codes require it.
Take proper precautions when working with electrical components to prevent serious injury or death. Turn off power before working on an electrical system and test to ensure the power is off. Wear the appropriate safety gear, follow manufacturer instructions for the tools you use and call in professional help when you need it.