How Corrugated Conduit Is Tested
Corrugated conduit is a tubular product that is used for electrical installations in a wide variety of applications. It is flexible and easy to install, which makes it an ideal option for installations in tight spaces or those with a lot of obstacles. It also protects wires from heat and cold, as well as helping to ensure that they are correctly routed.
The conduits are available in a range of sizes and are suitable for both above-ground and underground use. They are made from a variety of materials, and some of them come with a range of options such as locators or preinstalled cables. Additionally, they are typically marked with a range of colors that help to indicate the type of cable that is contained within them, as well as their suitability for specific environments.
One of the most important features of any conduit is its ability to flex. This flexibility allows the conduit to easily curve around corners and crowded areas while still protecting cables. This feature is a key benefit for electricians and contractors, as it can greatly reduce installation times.
In order to guarantee quality, manufacturers of corrugated conduit must meet a number of requirements in terms of dimensional, visual and mechanical tests. These tests are carried out by companies authorized to display the NF quality mark. In particular, a test to determine the compression strength of the conduit is conducted. This is done by placing the conduit on a flat surface and applying a standardized load to it. It is then re-measured to determine the amount of compression the conduit has suffered.
Another important test is the permeability of the conduit. This is measured by placing a piece of wire through the conduit and then measuring the diameter of the hole in the conduit wall. A conduit that has been properly installed will not have a hole in the wall after this test.
Other tests that are often performed on electrical conduits include the ability to resist tensile and torsional stresses. In addition, the NF tests require that the electrical conduit be tested for its ability to prevent the ingress of water and dust.
Lastly, it is important that electrical conduits are compatible with air-assisted placement systems. If the conduit has a corrugated exterior, it may create air turbulence that could decrease the distance that can be blown with air-assisted placement tools.
If you are looking for a conduit that is compatible with air-assisted placement, consider the PFLITSCH Betaflex 1 corrugated conduit solutions. These conduits are designed with this in mind and offer the same high tread resistance, corrosion protection and weather resistance of other PFLITSCH products. They are also highly versatile and can be used in a range of applications including mechanical and plant engineering, automation and robotics, and rail vehicles. In addition, these conduits can be equipped with special cable glands based on the UNI Dicht modular system to realise customised solutions. In this way, the conduit can be fed easily and safely into and out of walls or roofs of machines or vehicles.