How to Choose the Correct Flexible Conduit For Your Project
What is flexible conduit?
Flexible conduit is a type of protective tubing, made from metal or plastic, designed to encase and route electrical wires in situations where rigid conduit is impractical. Its flexibility allows it to bend around corners and fit into tight spaces, making it ideal for complex or confined installations.
Flexible conduit is good for:
- Protection - Shields wires from physical damage, moisture, chemicals, and other hazards.
- Flexibility - Can be bent by hand, perfect for navigating obstacles.
- Versatility - Available in various sizes and materials (steel, nylon, PVC, polypropylene) for different applications
Typical Applications for Flexible Conduit:
- Wiring in walls, ceilings, and floors of buildings.
- Protecting cables in machinery and equipment subject to vibration.
- Outdoor electrical projects, such as lighting and irrigation systems.
Do electrical cables need to be in conduit?
Electrical cables do not always require a conduit, as it depends on the installation environment and local building codes. In many cases, conduit is used to protect wires from damage, environmental factors, and to conceal wiring for aesthetic reasons, especially in exposed or hazardous areas.
What types of Flexible Conduits are available?
Electrical flexible conduits are available in two basic material types: plastic and metal. Both types are designed to provide protection and are typically used in environments that require flexibility in installation. Each material has different advantages and disadvantages and the type that is right for you will depend on your specific application.
To help you understand the features and benefits of each type, we’ve summarised some of our most popular flexible conduits below:
Flexible Plastic Conduits
Flexible plastic conduits are made from thermoplastic materials, including PVC, Polypropylene and Nylon. They are the most popular type of flexible conduit and they are frequently used to protect wires in a variety of harsh environments. One of its main advantages is that flexible plastic conduits are lightweight and easy to install. More importantly, the flexible feature of plastic conduits makes it the perfect solution for any installation that requires it to bend around unusual shapes and objects. Our flexible plastic conduit range has been specifically designed to ensure cable protection for a wide range of applications.
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- Polypropylene is a non-corrosive flexible conduit that is commonly used for cable assemblies, underfloor wiring and general cable tidying. It is very lightweight and easy-to-use. In comparison to other types of flexible conduit, it is one of the most economical solutions, providing a high level of protection, flexibility and usability at an affordable price. Although it does provide resistance in harsh environments, it is less durable than metal flexible conduits and may not be suitable in areas with extreme conditions that are exposed to more physical stress.
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Nylon PA6 Flexible Conduit is a specific type of Nylon conduit that is flame retardant, UV resistant and free of halogens. This makes this type of conduit perfect for any application that is needing less smoke and toxic gas emissions, such as train and bus installations, airports and other infrastructure projects.
Lightweight and Standard nylon PA6 flexible conduits are available in a variety of different sizes. Split Nylon PA6 Conduit are available with widths from 10mm - 28mm. The split element of these conduits make them the perfect solution to protect cables that can’t be easily threaded. The split is simply pulled apart then closed again, allowing retrofitting and maintenance to be carried out easily. A Split Conduit Tool enables quick and easy insertion of cable and wires into split conduit.
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- Our PVC Spiral Reinforced Flexible Conduit is a top choice for installations requiring both flexibility and durability. Manufactured in the UK to meet BS EN 61386 standards and available in sizes 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, and 32mm, our PVC conduit is designed to cater to a wide range of needs. The material's self-extinguishing nature and high impact strength make it a safe option for protecting cables. Additionally, the conduit is IP65 rated, indicating a high level of protection against dust and water ingress. Contractor packs, which include the conduit, glands, and locknuts, offer a comprehensive solution for easy installation. This PVC spiral reinforced flexible conduit combines practicality with performance, ensuring your installations are protected, compliant, and durable.
Flexible Metal Conduits
Flexible metal conduits are made from galvanised steel tubing that is installed with threaded fittings. They are more durable than plastic conduits , however, they are more difficult to install than other types of conduit as the material is harder to bend and cut when you compare it to plastic. It is most suitable for applications in electrical power, communication cables and wire fixtures.
PVC Coated Steel Flexible Conduit is designed to provide a high level of mechanical protection. The PVC coating within this conduit means that it is utilised for applications that require weather protection, such as commercial buildings and underground car parks. They are ideal for both dynamic and static applications in commercial and industrial environments. This is because the PVC jacket can stop water, oil and dirt from entering the wire, which is particularly important as steel can corrode quickly in wet conditions.
This type of conduit is more durable than plastic flexible conduits and ideal for applications such as underfloor wiring in public buildings such as hospitals, factories and offices. Our product lineup also features an array of metal conduit fittings, encompassing nickel-plated brass fittings in fixed and swivel designs, as well as steel lock nuts for a secure installation
This is a type of flexible steel conduit that has been covered with a waterproof plastic coating. It allows the conduit to keep out any moisture from the cable, ensuring safety within installation. The IP67 represents one of the highest levels of protection offered by an IP rating, ensuring complete protection against any dust and protection against water and liquids up to the immersion of one metre. Therefore, this type of conduit is the ideal solution for any installations in wet conditions or any environment that is damp or humid.
Can I use flexible conduit outside?
Yes, you can! However, not every type of flexible conduit meets the regulations of electrical safety when applied outdoors and not every material is appropriate for outdoor usage. For example, flexible metal conduit, such as Bare Steel Flexible Conduit can be used outdoors for mechanical protection, but there is a lack of water and dust protection. The PVC Coated Steel Flexible Conduit adds a level of weather protection. The best outdoor conduit would be the Liquid Tight IP67 Rated Steel Flexible Conduit. With an IP rating of 67, it is dustproof and waterproof while submerged up to 1 metre in depth, making it suitable for most outdoor use. Check the Flexible Conduit IP Rating Chart below for comparison between the different types available.
Flexible Conduit IP Rating Chart
Find the expressPRO conduit for your project based on ingress protection needs.
How can I join flexible conduits together?
Joining two pieces of flexible conduit together is typically done by using fittings called couplings or adapters, which are available for both metal and plastic types of conduit. These fittings are designed to securely connect the conduit ends, helping to maintain a continuous protective pathway for your wiring.
Couplings and adapters come in various sizes and materials, so it’s important to choose the right type for your specific conduit. If you’re unsure, check the product packaging or email us for advice on compatible fittings.
Can I use non-metallic fittings on metal flexible conduit?
No. You should not use non-metallic fittings on metal flexible conduit. Fittings are specifically designed and listed for use with the type of conduit they are intended for. Using the wrong type of fitting can compromise the safety, mechanical integrity, and grounding of the installation. Always match the fitting material and type to the conduit system you are using, and consult manufacturer documentation to ensure compatibility
Do you offer any free samples of flexible conduit?
Yes we do! We offer a free sample packwith the following items: polypropylene flexible conduit, nylon PA6 flexible conduit, galvanised steel flexible conduit and PVC coated steel flexible conduit. To get your free sample pack and experience the quality of our expressPRO line for yourself, email sales@expresselectrical.co.uk with your request.
🔎 Looking for something not on our website?
Only our popular expressPRO conduits are listed on the website. If you’re looking for another brand, we may be able to source it for you. Contact our sales team at sales@expresselectrical.co.uk with part numbers and quantities. We’ll do our best to source the items you need to make your next project a success.