If you are wondering how to lower your project costs, aluminum EMT from American Conduit can replace steel tubing in virtually all locations, saving you thousands of dollars on a typical job.
American Conduit is a product brand of Hydro, a fully integrated aluminum company that serves about 30,000 customers globally. We have more than 35 years of experience in the production of aluminum electrical metallic tubing and rigid aluminum conduit, making the products available to nationwide customers in a wide range of lengths and diameters to suit even your most complex applications.
Aluminum EMT and Its Uses
Electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is an unthreaded, thin-walled tubing, generally made of galvanized steel or aluminum. Although often called “conduit,” it is technically considered tubing. It is used to protect electrical wiring from moisture, chemicals, and even from pests that can chew through wiring and cause a short.
EMT is connected using clamp-type fittings that slide onto the tubing and are secured with a set-screw. It is popular in commercial and industrial applications because it is lighter and thinner than rigid metal conduit and is relatively easy to bend and cut.
EMT can be installed outdoors, as long as all fittings, supports and fasteners are made of corrosion-resistant materials such as aluminum. Aluminum EMT, however, cannot be directly embedded in concrete since the metal reacts with the alkalis in cement, but it can be coated to prevent incidental contact.
While steel EMT is used more commonly, aluminum EMT is generally used in applications that require a higher resistance to corrosion, such as in food processing plants, where large amounts of water and chemicals make galvanized steel EMT unsuitable.
Aluminum EMT also helps block the electromagnetic radiation emitted by electrical circuits that causes unwanted interference and noise. And, when installed with proper fittings, it provides greater protection from fire and explosions by preventing the flow of flammable gases and fumes from volatile substances.
- Aluminum EMT provides other important advantages, including:
- Lower cost than steel EMT
- One-third lighter than steel and easier to maneuver
- Inherent EMI shielding
- Better thermal and electrical conductivity
- Natural oxide film provides tremendous corrosion resistance
- Non-magnetic; protection for sensitive environments
- Non-sparking; non-combustible
- Non-toxic even at high temperatures
- No rust, streaking or discoloration
- Virtually maintenance free
- UL Listed
- Adheres to ANSI C80.3
- National Electric Code® (NEC) compliant
- Readily available and in stock
Aluminum EMT conduit can be easily cut and bent on the job site, resulting in neater installations, and does not require many manufactured fittings. Although it cannot be threaded, threaded fittings can be clamped to it. This is a major advantage, particularly when following irregular or curved building profiles.
When your project calls for electrical metallic tubing, take advantage of aluminum EMT from American Conduit. We are committed to providing you with exceptional service, superior durability and lower cost. Call us at 1-800-334-6825 to learn more, or request a quotation today.