Top 10 Questions Electricians Have About Conduits and Fittings

Updated August 12 2025

~7 min read • ~1,100 words • Flesch 60

Why this guide exists

You’re knee-deep in a job and conduit questions keep slowing things down. You don’t need a fluffy essay about theory. You need a practical, contractor-focused roadmap that helps you pick the right parts fast, avoid re-work, and stay compliant. This guide does exactly that: no filler, just real-world advice from seasoned pros at Revco.

Key definitions / jobsite fundamentals

• Conduit: A protective tube—metal or PVC—that shields wiring from damage, moisture, and corrosion, while ensuring you meet safety codes.

• Fittings: Connectors such as couplings, elbows, and connectors that keep conduit runs locked in and transitions tight.

• Conduit body: An LB, T, or C-style enclosure you can pull wire through or splice in, without tearing everything apart.

What’s at stake

Getting conduit and fittings right saves time, cuts re-work, and keeps crews safe.

Types, ratings, or categories

• Metal conduit

  • Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT): Lightweight and budget-friendly for indoor use. See NEC 358 for full requirements.

  • Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC): Heavy-duty and non-combustible—excellent for exposed or industrial runs. See NEC 344.

• PVC conduit

  • Corrosion-resistant and wallet-friendly. Use UV-resistant PVC outdoors, and always prime and solvent-weld joints following NEC 352 and manufacturer instructions.

• Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC / LFMC)

  • Ideal for confined spaces, vibration zones, or retrofit work. Check NEC 348 for FMC and NEC 350 for LFMC.

• Conduit bodies (LB, C, T, etc.)

  • Choose based on pull requirements and accessibility. See NEC 314.

How to choose the right product (step-by-step)

• Start with your application
  Indoors? EMT or FMC. Outdoors? RMC or properly rated PVC—with seals and primer.

• Map your run
  Count bends, locate pull points. When direction changes stack up, use conduit bodies or large-radius elbows to protect conductors.

• Match fitting to conduit
  EMT → compression or set-screw couplings listed for EMT.
  RMC → threaded connectors with locknut and bushing.
  PVC → fittings listed for PVC (compression or solvent-weld) with appropriate UL listing.

• Check the environment
  Wet, corrosive, or exposed runs require corrosion-resistant materials and wet-location-rated conductors.

• Code first
  Reference the NEC articles above and confirm with your AHJ for local amendments.

• Plan pull and support
  EMT and RMC must be secured within 3 ft of terminations and at intervals not exceeding 10 ft. FMC and LFMC must be secured within 12 in of terminations and at intervals not exceeding 4.5 ft.

Installation / commissioning tips

• Align conduit and fittings before tightening to avoid stress.

• Use a proper bender with the correct shoe for EMT—or opt for pre-formed elbows where bending space is tight.

• PVC solvent welding: Prime and cement, fully seat, then hold under pressure for at least 30 seconds (longer in cold weather) following manufacturer cure-time guidance such as Oatey’s instructions.

• Use durable tags or markers to label long runs or hidden junctions.

• Test with fish tape before pulling conductors; resistance means checking bends and fittings.

Troubleshooting or common pitfalls

• Fish tape jams → Missing pull points, excessive bend degrees, or debris.

• Water in conduit → Verify listed wet-location fittings. Drainage is only allowed in boxes or conduit bodies per listing—never drill raceways. Use listed drain fittings.

• Sagging conduit → Re-secure per support spacing rules.

• Wire damage at ends → Install bushings.

• Mismatched fittings → Only use fittings listed for your raceway type and environment.

FAQ (contractor-style)

• Can I bend EMT on-site or just use prefab elbows?
  Yes—with the right bender and shoe. Prefab elbows are quicker for tight or finished spaces.

• How do I handle condensation in outdoor raceways?
  Use wet-location-rated fittings and slope runs to drain into approved boxes or conduit bodies with listed drains.

• Do PVC joints need special handling in cold?
  Yes—use low-temperature-rated primer/cement and extend cure times.

• What connector should I use for rigid conduit to a box?
  Threaded connector with locknut and bushing listed for the environment.

• How much conduit fill is too much?
  Per NEC Chapter 9 Table 1: 53% (one conductor), 31% (two), 40% (three or more).

• How far apart must I support flexible conduit?
  Within 12 in of terminations and at intervals not exceeding 4.5 ft.

Code & compliance quick hits

• EMT – NEC 358: 3 ft from terminations, 10 ft max spacing.

• RMC – NEC 344: Same spacing plus vertical riser specifics.

• PVC – NEC 352: Expansion, weather, sealing.

• FMC / LFMC – NEC 348, NEC 350: 12 in from terminations, 4.5 ft max spacing.

• Conduit fill – NEC Ch. 9 Table 1: 53%, 31%, 40%.

Procurement tips or checklist

• Confirm trade size and thread type match fitting SKUs.

• Order all run materials together: conduit, fittings, bushings, bodies.

• Stock spares: compression couplings, elbows, bushings, wet-location connectors.

• Check lead times for stainless RMC, large LB bodies, or specialty PVC.

• For cold-weather PVC installs, include low-temp primer and cement.

Key takeaways

• Select materials based on application, environment, and code.

• Plan pull points, supports, sealing, and labeling early.

• Follow NEC and manufacturer requirements—don’t guess.

• Clean installs save time, re-work, and callbacks.

Revco help CTA

Need parts that meet code and keep your project moving? Head over to Revco’s Conduit & Fittings and Accessories categories to grab what your crew needs right now.

About Revco Lighting & Electrical Supply

Since 1978, Revco Lighting & Electrical Supply has been helping professionals bring their projects to light—literally. As a go-to source for lighting and electrical products across Long Island, NY and nearby areas, we specialize in supporting contractors, builders, and industry experts with practical solutions and dependable service. Whether it’s a complex commercial build or a simple residential upgrade, we’re here to make sure you have what you need, when you need it.