Conduit fittings are an integral yet often overlooked part of electrical systems. As the narrator of this piece, I aim to shed light on the hidden roles these utilitarian components play in powering our modern world.
What Are Conduit Fittings?
Conduit fittings are devices used to connect sections of conduit and route electrical wiring. The most common types of conduit fittings include:
- Couplings - Used to join two pieces of conduit together. Couplings are available in straight, 45 degree, and 90 degree angles.
- Elbows - Allow conduit to change direction. 90 degree and 45 degree elbows are common.
- Unions - Permit conduits to be disconnected without cutting. Helpful for maintenance and alterations.
- Reducers - Allow transitioning between conduits of different sizes.
- End caps - Seal off the end of a conduit run.
- Conduit bodies - Provide access to interior of conduit system. Commonly used for pulling wire.
Conduit fittings are made from materials like PVC, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. They come in a range of sizes to accommodate different conduit diameters.
Why Are Conduit Fittings Important?
Though often overlooked, conduit fittings serve a number of critical functions:
- Physical protection - Fittings connect and seal conduit sections, shielding wiring from damage.
- Safety - Properly installed fittings prevent conduit system issues that could create shock/fire hazards.
- Changing direction - Fittings allow conduit to turn corners and alter direction. Crucial for routing through buildings.
- Alterations - Unions permit modifications without re-cutting conduit. Fittings like reducers ease transitions when changing conduit sizing.
- Access - Conduit bodies provide maintenance access to interior without fully dismantling.
- Aesthetics - Fittings like elbows allow conduit to take indirect paths, improving appearance.
Fittings are integral to conduit functioning as intended. Without them, protection and safety would be compromised.
How Conduit Fittings Get Installed
Installing conduit fittings requires care and expertise. Here is an overview of how key fittings get put into place:
Couplings
- Use properly sized coupling for conduit diameters being connected.
- Deburr and clean conduit ends to ensure tight fit.
- Apply solvent cement evenly to both conduit ends.
- Insert conduits fully into coupling. Twist 1/4 turn to spread cement.
- Hold in place 10-15 seconds until cemented.
90 Degree Elbows
- Measure and cut conduit so elbow brings conduit to desired direction.
- Deburr conduit end and dry fit elbow to check fit.
- Apply solvent cement to conduit end and inside elbow.
- Fully insert conduit into elbow and twist 1/4 turn.
- Hold for recommended time to allow thorough cement bonding.
Conduit Bodies
- Select appropriate style and size conduit body for application.
- Mount conduit body securely and in accessible location.
- Attach conduits to conduit body openings using couplings.
- Use removable covers and plugs to close unused openings.
- Ensure covers are accessible and grounding is intact.
Real World Examples
To better understand their hidden lives, let's look at some real world examples of conduit fittings in action:
Electrical Systems in Commercial Buildings
The maze of conduit running through the ceilings and walls of malls, hospitals, and office buildings could not exist without couplings, elbows, reducers, and conduit bodies. Fittings join together all the conduit while allowing it to twist and turn through the building infrastructure. This protects miles of vital wiring bringing power wherever it needs to go.
Circuit Breaker and Control Panels
Within the metal boxes keeping our homes and businesses energized, conduit fittings connect and route wiring to breakers, fuses, and other control components. Carefully installed fittings keep everything organized and accessible for service while blocking hazards.
Signs and Light Poles
From grand neon signs to parking lot lights, many illuminated structures depend on conduit fittings. Elbows and couplings join vertical conduit housing the wiring. Conduit bodies allow access for maintenance. All while keeping wiring out of sight but well protected.
Looking Ahead
Advances in materials and designs may change conduit fittings themselves, but the vital functions they serve will remain the same. As we work to power the world of tomorrow, we can expect conduit fittings to continue their hidden life sustaining our electrical infrastructure. Just remember - next time you turn on a light, there's an entire system of humble fittings secretly making it possible.