How to Choose the Right Conduit for Electrical Installation?
, by Oliwia Sajnaj, 4 min reading time
Corrugated conduit pipes (Peszel) are a crucial element in protecting electrical wires, ensuring their safety and durability. Choosing the right conduit can affect the quality and longevity of the installation. In this article, we provide tips on selecting the right conduit for specific applications.
1. Types of Conduits and Their Applications
Depending on the conditions in which the installation will operate, selecting the appropriate type of conduit is essential:
- PVC 320N conduits – lightweight and flexible, designed for indoor installations. Ideal for home electrical installations.
- PVC 750N non-flammable conduits – offering higher mechanical strength, recommended for installations in fire-prone areas.
- Galvanized metal conduits – resistant to high temperatures and mechanical damage, used in industrial settings and high-load areas.
- Metal conduits with PVC coating – combining the strength of metal conduits with added protection against corrosion and external factors.
2. What to Consider When Choosing a Conduit?
To select the right conduit, consider the following key factors:
- Installation location – PVC conduits can be used in dry indoor areas, while metal conduits with PVC coating are better for humid or outdoor environments.
- Mechanical load – if wires are exposed to significant pressure or damage, opt for conduits with higher strength.
- Temperature and fire resistance – in fire-prone areas or high-temperature environments, non-flammable conduits are a better choice.
- Flexibility – if the installation requires many bends, flexible conduits make cable routing easier.
3. Built-in Pilot – Easier Cable Installation
Our conduits come with a built-in pilot wire that significantly simplifies pulling cables through the pipe. How does it work?
- Attach the wire – simply tie the cable to the pilot wire.
- Pull it through the conduit – gently pull the pilot wire to guide the cable through the entire length of the pipe.
- Complete the installation – after pulling the cables through, the pilot wire can be cut and removed.
This solution prevents cables from getting stuck inside the conduit, even in longer installations.
4. How Many Cables Should Be Placed in a Conduit?
The number of cables that can be placed inside a conduit depends on its diameter and cable cross-section. To ensure proper ventilation and prevent overheating, it is recommended to fill up to 40% of the conduit’s diameter. Examples:
- 16 mm conduit – max. 3-4 cables (1.5 mm² cross-section).
- 20 mm conduit – max. 5-6 cables (1.5 mm² cross-section).
- 25 mm conduit – max. 8-9 cables (2.5 mm² cross-section).
- 32 mm conduit – used for larger numbers of cables, mainly in industrial installations.
Overloading the conduit can make future modifications difficult and negatively affect cable cooling. Wires inside the conduit should also have some movement flexibility to facilitate maintenance work.
5. Common Mistakes When Choosing a Conduit
- Insufficient durability – improper selection may lead to cable damage.
- Lack of resistance to external conditions – using PVC conduits outdoors may cause faster wear.
- Incorrect diameter – too small a conduit may make cable routing and future replacements difficult.
- Overfilling the conduit – excessive cables can cause overheating and complicate future upgrades.
6. Conclusion
Selecting the right conduit is a key element of every electrical installation. It should be tailored to working conditions, mechanical load, and safety requirements. A well-chosen conduit not only protects cables but also extends the durability of the installation and improves its functionality. The built-in pilot simplifies installation and significantly reduces working time.
Check out our range of conduits at Eurobox.en and find the best solution for your installation!
