Flexible metal conduits are protective and are flexible with a spiral shape which helps them to be installed in walls and other structures. In industrial and commercial buildings it provides protection to the electrical wiring. They are made of heavy-duty galvanized steel. Installation of flexible metal conduits can be done with the help of threaded fittings. As already mentioned, they can provide protection to any electrical cables or panels and are mostly used outdoors. They consist of threads on both sides and come in from 10 to 20 feet in length. Flexible metal conduits like 10mm flexible conduit come in two different wall thicknesses. The full wall is the thicker conduit while the flexible metal conduit is more of a thin wall product. Where codes need additional mechanical support is determined by the stronger whole wall.
Basics of Flexible Metal Conduits
The main metals used in making flexible metal conduits like 10mm flexible conduits are steel and aluminum. A strip of the metal that is ribbed and self-interlocking is coiled. In this way, a tube comes into being. These tubes can be made in different diameters and each of the tubes is used for different applications as per their diameter and requirement of the application. Wires are passed through these tubes so that they can be protected from both internal and external damage. These tubes are highly flexible and can bend according to your installation requirements. These are different from the rigid conduits that cannot be bent like this but you have to make adjustments for them. Flexible metal conduits are also beneficial when any changes need to be made because they are flexible and can be adjusted easily.
Whips are the short segments of flexible metal conduits. You will find them between junction boxes and fixtures as circuit pigtails. For a flexible metal conduit whip, a suspended ceiling is an excellent application. When you are in need of these pigtails it is better to buy whip assemblies so they are readily available. There are two layers to the flexible wire. The outer layer is made of hot galvanized steel while the inner pipe is made of insulating resin.
Features of Flexible Metal Conduits
The excellent flexibility of the metal tube comes from the metal band that is wounded around the flexible metal tube.
These flexible metal conduits like 10mm flexible conduits are resistant to many things. The outside of the metal strip makes it resistant to corrosion, tensile and wearing out.
On the other hand, the second layer of the flexible metal tube like the 10mm flexible conduit which is made of insulating resin makes it resistant to high temperatures and increases its tolerance.
Installation LocationThese flexible metal conduits are most commonly used for dry applications but as they have UV-resistant polymer protection, it makes them watertight. Due to this, they can be used in wet applications but proper fittings are required that are liquid-tight. You can install these flexible metal conduits like 10mm flexible conduits in the same places the rigid conduits can be installed.
