When customers contact American Conduit, they commonly ask, “What sizes does aluminum conduit come in?” They’re usually impressed when we tell them all the sizes we carry. Our products can accommodate just about any conceivable electrical installation needs. Understanding the different sizes and their applications can help you choose the suitable conduit for your project.
Trade Sizes
Aluminum conduit is typically categorized by trade sizes, which refer to the nominal inside diameter of the conduit. Standard trade sizes range from 1/2 inch to 6 inches. The choice of size depends on the number and size of the electrical cables to be housed within the conduit.
Diameter
The diameter of the aluminum conduit is a crucial factor in its selection. The diameter must accommodate the required cables and allow easy pulling and installation. The most commonly used diameters include:
- 1/2 inch: Suitable for small residential projects or individual circuit installations.
- 3/4 inch: Commonly used for residential and light commercial applications.
- 1 inch: Ideal for moderate commercial and industrial applications.
- 1-1/2 inch to 2 inches: Used for larger commercial installations, supporting multiple circuits.
- 2-1/2 inches and above: Required for industrial applications and projects with a high volume of cables.
Wall Thickness
Aluminum conduit is available in different wall thicknesses, classified as Schedule 40 and Schedule 80. Schedule 40 has a thinner wall suitable for general-purpose installations, while Schedule 80 has a thicker wall, providing extra protection for more demanding environments.
Lengths
Standard lengths for aluminum conduit typically range from 10 to 20 feet. Longer lengths reduce the number of joints required, minimizing potential points of failure and simplifying installation.
Flexible Aluminum Conduit
In addition to rigid metal conduit, flexible aluminum conduit is available in various sizes. Flexible conduit, such as American Conduit’s PullEase™ aluminum EMT, is ideal for installations that require frequent adjustments or where rigid conduit may be impractical. Standard sizes for flexible aluminum conduit range from 3/8 inch to 4 inches.
Specialty Sizes
Custom sizes of aluminum conduit can be manufactured for unique or specialized applications. These may include non-standard diameters or lengths to meet specific project requirements.
EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing)
Aluminum EMT is a type of conduit with a thinner wall than rigid conduit, making it lighter and easier to install. Our PullEase™ aluminum EMT is available in sizes from 1/2 inch to 4 inches and is commonly used in commercial and industrial applications.
Conduit Bends
Aluminum conduit bends are available in various sizes to match the conduit. These fittings allow for changes in the direction and routing of the conduit without compromising its integrity. Common bend sizes correspond to the standard conduit diameters.
Compatibility with Accessories
When selecting aluminum conduit sizes, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with accessories such as connectors, couplings, and clamps. These accessories are available in matching sizes to provide secure connections and support for the conduit.
Understanding the available sizes and their applications helps select the suitable conduit for residential, commercial, or industrial projects. You can ensure a safe, efficient, and compliant electrical installation by choosing the appropriate size. Let an American Conduit expert help by contacting us online or calling 1-800-334-6825. Whether you want to know, “What sizes does aluminum conduit come in?” or you have any other questions, we’ll gladly answer them.