Installing Electrical Conduit

For installing an electrical conduit, prior knowledge and information is required. By following the proper steps and with some knowledge even a novice can install it. The conduit must be installed before the installation of conductors. The conduit must always run in a straight and direct way. If more than two conduit have to be installed in a parallel fashion next to each other, it is better to install them at the same time. The minimum size raceway that can be installed is 1/2 inch. To install underground electrical conduit, you need to dig the ground at least 18 inches deep.

Steps to Install Electrical Conduit

Method 1:

• Materials required for installing electrical conduit are 1 inch metallic conduit, metallic couplings and one hole straps.
• At first, mark the place where you want to install your conduit.
• Start with the panel of the house. At the top of the panel, remove the knock-out seal and fit a 1 inch coupling inside the panel. While doing this, make sure that the power is disconnected from the coupling or cover the breakers and the top feed section with a cardboard.
• Bend the conduit with a 1 inch bender.
• Set the anchor on the wall at a distance of 10 feet. For concrete anchoring, use plastic anchor or wedge anchors.
• Carry it till it reaches the end. In the box for receptacle where the conduit is present, check if everything is in place and secured.

Method 2:

• Materials required are EMT conduit, conduit bender, set screw couplings, offset fittings, electrical boxes, deburring tool, tape measure, pencil hacksaw, set screw elbows, single hole or double hole straps, screws, electrical fish-tapes, screwdriver and electrical tape.
• Fix the electrical boxes on the wall and determine the end points of the conduit.
• Set the boxes, screw them and add offset settings. Fix the conduit firmly against the wall.
• After knowing the path of the conduit, measure it with a tape measure, mark with a pencil and then cut with a hacksaw.
• With a deburring tool, remove the burrs present at the end of the conduit.
• Attach the conduit to the wall with single hole or double hole straps and screws.
• Allow the fish-tape to pass through the conduit path.
• When the end point is reached, tape the end of fish-tape to the end of electrical wires. Through conduit, pull the wires in place.

Method 3:

• This method is used to install PVC conduit for an outside circuit but it is different from installing underground PVC electrical conduit fittings.
• Materials required are PVC and LB fitting, plastic clamps, adhesive, cutter or hacksaw, hammer drill and fish-tape.
• To start with, drill a hole such that it can accommodate an LB fitting. Drill it above the foundation of your house or shed.
• Cut the PVC in such a way that it will extend to your house or shed, up to 1 inch.
• Force it in the hole, join the ends with an adhesive and attach the LB fitting. Force the entire LB fitting in such a way that it is flushed with the wall.
• Below the LB fitting, dig a trench making its width equal to that of a shovel. It should be minimum 18 inches deep.
• Cut the PVC conduit in such a way that it can be attached to the LB fitting and reaches the bottom of the trench.
• While doing this, enough room should be left for the elbow. Attach the elbow with the adhesive and also attach the PVC into the LB fitting with adhesive.
• Cut the entire length of the PVC conduit and fit it into the trench with the help of adhesive.
• After it is dried, place it in the ditch and glue it with the end of the elbow.
• Attach the entire length with plastic clamps; drill into the foundation and insert plastic shields, so that all screws are held in place. Clamp the PVC conduit to the shed or foundation of your house.

Using these simple methods, you will not have any problems installing electrical conduit. You can also ensure electrical safety from wires in exposed locations. The above methods can also be used for the installation of commercial electrical conduit. They not only protect your circuitry but also make it look neat and tidy.