What is a Conduit?
This article will explain what a conduit is, the different types of conduits available and what a conduit looks like.
For over 25 years, Treotham Automation has been a distributor of electrical and mechanical components & products, including a large range of conduits for Australia’s industrial automation sector. We are leaders in the industry and our team is made up of highly qualified engineers who are experts when it comes to conduits. Find out everything you need to know about conduits below.
What is a Conduit?
A conduit is a product or system used to enclose electrical wiring or cables to protect & route the wires and also to protect personnel.
Conduits are used for a variety of applications including:
- Machine building
- Traction vehicles
- Rail infrastructure
- Automation/robotics
- Ship & off-shore
- Energy
- Vehicle building
- Telecommunications
- Building construction
- Food & beverage
- High temperature
- Extreme hazardous areas
Conduits protect cables and wiring from UV rays, electricity, liquids, radiation, weather, chemicals, fire, unsuitable temperatures, compression, friction and many other hazards. There are many different conduit types available in Australia to suit specific applications, requirements and safety standards. Conduits can vary in size, material, construction, colour and can have connectors applied as required.
What are the Different Types of Conduit?
There are many different types of conduits available depending on the requirements of the project. Conduit types can include:
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Flexible tubular conduits (made up of corrugated plastic or other materials such as fibre or metal that allow cables to move – the outer layer of the tube can also be braided instead of corrugated)
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Split conduits that are tubular shaped but can split open allowing access to the cables at different points of the conduit
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Braided conduits, which are flat as opposed to tubular with lines running through it. Made up of either plastic or metal mesh
What Does a Conduit Look Like?
Most conduits look like corrugated plastic tubing however other materials may be used depending on the application.
The corrugation size will vary based on factors including flexibility, duty, friction and longevity of the conduit’s use.
Sometimes conduits will have connectors attached to them and some conduits may split open so cables can be accessed at different points of the conduit.
Some conduits look like braided hose, which looks like a thick strap of lined plastic.
Standard colours for conduits are black and grey, conduits for the food and beverage industry are usually blue.
Contact a Conduit Expert Today
Have further questions about conduits?
Contact us to arrange an obligation free consultation with one of expert staff members.