Top 10 Questions to Answer Before Ordering Conduit and Fittings

Last updated: August 4, 2026

TL;DR: Before ordering conduit and fittings, confirm the specified raceway type, trade size, material, fitting function, connection style, installation environment, enclosure entry, product listing, quantity, and required date. Similar-looking fittings are not necessarily interchangeable. Use the approved project requirements and manufacturer information, then ask a qualified professional when the application is unclear.

Why the Details Matter

A request for “three-quarter-inch conduit fittings” is rarely enough information to identify the correct product. The counter still needs to know the conduit type, fitting function, environment, connection style, material, and any required listing or approval.

Gathering those details before ordering helps reduce wrong products, incomplete quotes, unnecessary returns, and extra trips to the supply house.

1. What Type of Conduit or Raceway Is Specified?

Start with the exact raceway type shown in the approved plans, specifications, material list, or existing product markings.

Common descriptions include:

• Electrical metallic tubing, commonly called EMT
• Rigid metal conduit, commonly called RMC
• Intermediate metal conduit, commonly called IMC
• Rigid nonmetallic conduit, often identified as PVC conduit
• Flexible metal conduit, commonly called FMC
• Liquidtight flexible metal conduit, commonly called LFMC
• Electrical nonmetallic tubing, commonly called ENT

Do not identify the raceway by appearance alone. Similar products may use different fittings and have different permitted applications.

2. What Trade Size Do You Need?

Record the exact trade size for every section of the run. If the project changes from one size to another, identify both sizes and confirm whether an approved reducing or transition fitting is specified.

Do not assume the box opening, conduit, fitting, and accessory are all the same size. Check each connection point separately.

3. What Material or Finish Is Required?

Conduit and fittings are available in several materials and finishes. The correct choice depends on the approved design, product listing, environment, and project specification.

Possible product descriptions include:

• Steel
• Aluminum
• Zinc-plated steel
• Die-cast zinc
• Stainless steel
• PVC or another nonmetallic material

For replacements, bring the existing manufacturer name, catalog number, and product markings whenever possible.

4. What Does the Fitting Need to Do?

Identify the fitting by its function instead of asking for a general “conduit fitting.”

• Connector: Connects conduit or tubing to a box, cabinet, or enclosure
• Coupling: Joins two sections of compatible conduit or tubing
• Elbow or sweep: Provides a manufactured change in direction
• Conduit body: Provides an accessible point within the raceway route
• Adapter: Connects compatible but different component types
• Bushing: Provides protection at an entry where required by the approved design
• Expansion or deflection fitting: Accommodates movement when specified

A photo of the connection point can help, but it should be accompanied by measurements and product information.

5. Is the Fitting Listed for That Raceway?

A fitting must be intended and marked for the conduit or tubing with which it will be used. A connector designed for EMT should not be assumed suitable for rigid conduit, flexible conduit, cable, or another wiring method.

UL identifies multiple fitting categories under standards including UL 514B, depending on the product and intended use. Review the product markings, manufacturer documentation, and listing information before ordering. See UL’s overview of conduit, tubing, and cable hardware.

6. Where Will the Product Be Used?

Describe the environment clearly. Useful details include:

• Indoor or outdoor location
• Dry, damp, or wet conditions
• Exposed or concealed location
• Corrosive or coastal exposure
• Temperature extremes
• Vibration or movement
• Risk of physical damage
• Washdown or sanitation requirements

Do not assume a standard fitting is suitable outdoors or in a corrosive area. The product documentation must support the specific environment.

7. What Connection Style Is Specified?

Depending on the raceway and product, fittings may be threaded, set-screw, compression, squeeze-type, or solvent-cemented. These descriptions are not interchangeable.

Provide the connection style shown in the project documents or approved by the qualified professional responsible for the work. If replacing an existing fitting, photograph the complete fitting and all visible markings.

8. What Box, Cabinet, or Enclosure Is Being Connected?

Identify the equipment receiving the conduit. Include:

• Box, cabinet, panel, or enclosure type
• Entry or knockout size
• Enclosure rating when applicable
• Threaded or unthreaded entry
• Manufacturer and model number
• Any required hub, locknut, gasket, or accessory

A fitting that physically fits the opening may still be wrong for the enclosure rating or intended use.

9. Do You Need a Conduit Body?

Conduit bodies are commonly identified by letters such as LB, LL, LR, T, and C. The letters describe the opening arrangement, so orientation matters.

Before ordering, confirm:

• Conduit trade size
• Required opening direction
• Body material
• Cover and gasket requirements
• Environmental rating
• Manufacturer or series if matching existing material

Final placement, accessibility, conductor capacity, and use must be determined from the approved design and applicable requirements.

10. How Much Material Is Needed, and When?

Provide quantities for the complete approved material list rather than ordering conduit first and discovering later that the required fittings are unavailable.

Include:

• Conduit type, size, and quantity
• Connectors and couplings
• Elbows, sweeps, and conduit bodies
• Bushings, adapters, and approved accessories
• Required manufacturer or approved equal
• Needed-by date
• Preferred Revco branch
• Pickup, transfer, or delivery preference

Large sizes, stainless products, special-radius sweeps, transition fittings, and specialty-rated components may require additional sourcing time.

What to Bring to the Revco Counter

Bring as much of the following information as possible:

• Approved material list or specification
• Conduit or raceway type
• Trade size
• Material and finish
• Indoor or outdoor environment
• Fitting function and connection style
• Box, cabinet, or enclosure information
• Manufacturer names and part numbers
• Clear photos of existing products and markings
• Quantities and required date

Browse Revco’s conduit and conduit fittings, review available conduit fitting categories, or bring the information to a Revco electrical supply counter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can different conduit-fitting types be mixed?

Only when the products are specifically listed, marked, and approved for the proposed transition. Physical fit alone does not establish compatibility.

Can Revco select the complete raceway system from a photograph?

No. A photograph can help identify an existing product, but final product selection requires the approved design, measurements, environmental details, and qualified professional review.

Does every outdoor fitting work in wet or coastal conditions?

No. Confirm the exact environmental rating, material, listing, and manufacturer limitations for the intended location.

Should I order extra fittings?

That depends on the approved material plan, company purchasing practices, return restrictions, and product availability. Confirm the required quantities before placing the order.

Final Takeaway

The fastest way to get the right conduit and fittings is to provide complete information. Confirm the raceway, trade size, material, fitting function, connection style, environment, enclosure, listing, quantity, and deadline before requesting a quote.

Disclaimer

This article provides general product-identification and ordering information. It is not electrical design, installation, engineering, code, or inspection advice. Final product selection and installation must follow approved project documents, manufacturer instructions, applicable requirements, and qualified professional guidance.

About Revco Lighting & Electrical Supply

Revco Lighting & Electrical Supply has served Long Island trade professionals since 1978. Through six Suffolk County branches, Revco helps customers source lighting and electrical products, review manufacturer information, request quotes, and coordinate pickup or eligible delivery. Visit Revco’s locations page to find a nearby branch.