Understanding Conduit Body Types

Without electrical conduits, most industrial facilities would look much more chaotic. By containing and protecting electrical wiring, conduits not only keep spaces organized and neat, but also prevent damage that could result in unexpected shutdowns. One of the most important elements of any electrical conduit system is the conduit body, which serves as a junction point between multiple lengths of conduit pipe.  

Conduit bodies come in a variety of forms and shapes, and it’s important for facility managers and electrical contractors to know them and when they should be used. For cable management that delivers maximum efficiency and safety, selecting the right conduit fittings for the job is extremely important.  

Types of Conduit Bodies and Their Applications 

A conduit body or conduit hub allows electricians to change the direction of wiring by connecting two or more straight lengths of conduit run at different angles. The type of conduit body is determined by the angles it allows as well as the number of connections. All feature a removeable panel that enables technicians to access and feed wiring into the conduit. These units are identified by a letter code. The first letter describes the general shape of the body. If there is a second letter, it denotes the direction of the wire exit in relation to the entry point. Connections may be either threaded or unthreaded, meaning conduits are either screwed into the conduit body or secured with a set screw.  

The various types of conduit bodies are: 

• LR — There are L-shaped, allowing for 90-degree orientation changes for wiring. An LR unit has its exit point on the right.  

• LL — Similar to the LR, only with the exit point on the left side of the unit.  

• LB — Type LB also forms a right angle, but in this case the exit point is in the back of the conduit body, opposite the access cover. An LB conduit body is used primarily for feeding wires through a wall or ceiling.  

• T — Shaped like the letter “T,” these conduit bodies allow for two connections from opposite sides to be routed 90 degrees in the same direction.  

• X — This type has four connection points that allow for two conduits to be routed in a perpendicular fashion.  

• C — Unique in that it does not change the direction of the wiring, C conduit bodies are used to create a convenient access point for electricians in long, straight sections of conduit.  

Materials Used in Conduit Bodies 

In addition to selecting the conduit body type that makes the most sense for the application, it’s also critical to make sure it’s made of the right materials. By and large, conduit bodies are made with two types of materials:  

• PVC — Polyvinyl chloride plastic conduit bodies tend to be the less-expensive option, and their relatively light weight makes them easier and faster to install. They also provide high levels of protection from moisture that could lead to corrosion. However, they are susceptible to intense heat and may not provide the right amount of protection from impacts.  

• Metal — Either steel or aluminum, metal conduit bodies are more robust than PVC units, which makes them a good choice in areas where they may be exposed to rough treatment. They also offer higher resistance to heat and fire than plastic, but they may corrode under the wrong conditions and are harder and more expensive to install.  

Selecting Conduit Bodies  

There are several considerations that go into the choice of conduit body in an electrical installation, including:  

• Direction — The route conduit must take through a facility is the primary factor in which type of conduit body is the best fit.  

• Environment — Conduit that runs through areas subject to extreme heat or excessive amounts of moisture should be made of the materials that offer the most appropriate levels of protection.  

• Physical Threats — From heavy equipment such as forklifts operating nearby to animals potentially chewing through them, conduit bodies must be strong enough to resist damage from impacts and other physical threats.  

Conduit Bodies vs. Junction Boxes 

Although it might seem as though a conduit body serves the same purpose as a junction box, the truth of the matter is that both are quite different in terms of their functions. Junction boxes are used to keep connection points for wire splices and terminals safe and secure, with an emphasis on providing quick access. On the other hand, conduit bodies are intended to be accessed less often, serving primarily to protect wiring from damage. The access panels on conduit bodies are there mainly to allow electricians to pull wiring when needed or thread it through conduit.  

Installation Tips for Conduit Bodies 

• Ensure proper alignment — Make sure the conduit body is installed so that it is level and in the right orientation to prevent undue stress on the rest of the conduit. 

• Secure conduit tightly — Threaded conduit should be connected tightly with the use of a conduit wrench to ensure no loose connections.  

• Plug any unused openings — Holes that are not used for connecting conduit should be plugged using appropriate covers.  

• Use insulated fittings — These ensure wires will be protected from abrasion during installation as well as afterward.  

Every link in an electrical system plays an important role in ensuring its efficiency and safety, and conduit bodies are no exception. Technicians and electricians who don’t pay attention to the various types of components run the risk of impacting the performance of their infrastructure and costing their companies a significant amount of time, effort and ultimately money.