ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS

ENGINEERING
(POWER)

Level 6
2025
NOTES: Install Conduit System

Mr. Nicholas Robert

MICHUKI NATIONAL POLYTECHNIC
9/9/2025
Install Conduit System Notes
Introduction
Conduit installation is an important part of electrical work. A conduit is a protective tube, either metallic or
plastic, used to carry and protect electrical wires. It prevents damage from moisture, heat, and mechanical
impact while also keeping wiring neat and safe. A well-installed conduit system reduces risks such as electric
shock and fire, and it makes future maintenance or upgrades easier.
Different types of conduits are used depending on the environment and requirements. Common types
include rigid metal conduit (RMC), electrical metallic tubing (EMT), PVC conduit, and flexible metallic or
non-metallic conduits. Each type is suited for specific conditions, such as outdoor areas, wet locations, or
spaces that require flexibility.
Installing conduit systems requires both planning and practical skills. The process involves reading
drawings, marking routes, cutting and bending conduits, and securely fixing them in place. Proper alignment,
neatness, and correct jointing methods must be observed to ensure safety and durability. Installers also need
to follow safety rules by using the right personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling tools correctly.
In addition to physical installation, careful planning is essential. This includes selecting the right conduit size,
considering the number of wires to be carried, and ensuring the system allows for future adjustments.
Good planning saves time, reduces waste, and improves efficiency.
Learning conduit installation gives trainees key skills for the electrical trade, ensuring reliable, safe, and
professional wiring systems in residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

Element 1: Identify Conduit Accessories

1.0 Importance of Workplace Safety:

Workshop rules, PPEs (helmet, gloves, goggles, boots, overalls, ear protection), housekeeping (tool
management, waste disposal, surface cleaning).

Basic Workshop Rules:

a) Wear Proper PPE – Always wear safety boots, gloves, safety goggles, and overalls to protect
against cuts, sparks, or falling materials.
b) Inspect Tools Before Use – Check that hand tools (hacksaws, pliers, benders, screwdrivers) and
power tools are in good working condition before starting work.
c) Keep Work Area Organized – Avoid clutter by arranging tools, conduit pipes, and materials neatly
to prevent tripping hazards.
d) Handle Conduits Carefully – Carry conduit pipes properly to avoid hitting others or damaging
workshop property.
e) Use Correct Tools – Only use the appropriate tool for each task (e.g., conduit bender for bending,
not makeshift methods).
f) Secure Workpieces – Clamp conduits firmly when cutting or threading to prevent slipping and
injuries.
g) Follow Electrical Safety – Ensure the work area is free of live electrical connections when installing
conduits to prevent shocks.
h) Maintain Good Posture – Use safe lifting techniques when handling long or heavy conduits to
avoid back injuries.
i) Report Hazards Immediately – Inform the trainer or supervisor of any unsafe conditions, damaged
tools, or accidents.
j) Observe Fire Safety – Keep flammable materials away from sparks and cutting areas, and know the
location of fire extinguishers.

Types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

 Safety helmet – protection from falling objects.

 Safety goggles – protection from dust and flying particles during drilling/cutting.
 Gloves – protection against cuts and abrasions.
 Safety boots – protection from sharp objects and electric shock.
 Overalls/aprons – protection of clothes and body.
 Housekeeping Practices:
 Clear the workplace after each activity.
 Return tools to the tool board/rack.
 Dispose of waste in designated bins.
 Ensure cables and conduits are not left lying around to avoid accidents.
2.0 Conduit Types (as per IEC Standards)

1. Electrical Conduit
An electrical conduit is a tube used to protect and route electrical wiring in a building or structure. It
safeguards wires from mechanical damage, moisture, chemical exposure, and enhances safety by reducing
risks of fire and electric shock.
2. Classification Based on Flexibility
a) Rigid Conduit
 Definition: Thick-walled, strong conduits that provide maximum protection to electrical wiring.
 Examples: Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC), Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT), Rigid PVC.
 Advantages:
o High mechanical protection.
o Durable and resistant to physical damage.
o Can be used in harsh environments.
 Limitations:
o More difficult to install (requires bending equipment).
o Heavier and costlier compared to flexible types.
b) Flexible Conduit
 Definition: A bendable conduit that allows easier routing of wires in tight spaces or around
obstacles.
 Examples: Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC), Liquid-tight Flexible Non-metallic Conduit (LFNC).
 Advantages:
o Easy installation in complex wiring layouts.
o Suitable for vibrating equipment (e.g., motors, machines).
 Limitations:
o Lower mechanical protection compared to rigid conduit.
o Less durable in outdoor/underground conditions.
3. Classification Based on Application Location
a) Indoor Conduits
 Used within buildings for wiring protection.
 Materials: EMT, PVC, or flexible conduits.
 Characteristics:
 Protection from accidental impact.
 Lightweight, easier to install.
 Not designed for heavy mechanical or weather exposure.
b) Outdoor (Above Ground) Conduits
 Designed for wiring exposed to sunlight, rain, and temperature changes.
 Materials: Rigid Metal Conduit (galvanized), UV-resistant PVC.
 Characteristics:
 Weatherproof and corrosion-resistant.
 Stronger mechanical protection compared to indoor types.
c) Underground Conduits
 Installed below the ground surface for cables in direct burial applications.
 Materials: Rigid PVC (specially rated), HDPE, or coated steel conduits.
 Characteristics:
 Resistant to moisture, soil pressure, and corrosion.
 Must comply with burial depth and standard codes.

4. Classification Based on Material

a) Metallic Conduits
 Types: Steel, aluminum, or galvanized iron conduits.

Metallic Conduit (Steel or Aluminum):

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 Provides mechanical protection.

 Offers excellent earthing continuity.
 Suitable for industrial and outdoor installations.
 More durable but heavier and harder to cut/bend.
 Conduit Sizes: 20mm² (light runs), 25mm² (medium runs), 32mm² (industrial/heavy).
 Rule: conduit fill ≤40%.
 Conduit Accessories: Switches, sockets, lamp holders, junction boxes, saddles, bushes, couplers, ceiling
roses, circuit breakers, CCU, energy meters, earth rods, fuses.
 Electrical Symbols: IEC symbols for switches, sockets, lights, earth, DBs; essential for reading wiring
diagrams.
 Advantages:
 Strong and highly durable.
 Provides excellent grounding for electrical safety.
 Resistant to rodents and high mechanical stress.
 Limitations:
 Heavier and harder to cut or bend.
 Susceptible to corrosion (unless treated).
 More expensive than non-metallic.

b) Non-Metallic Conduits
 Types: PVC, HDPE, fiberglass conduits.

PVC Conduit (light, corrosion-resistant, indoor)

Conduits are protective tubes for routing and protecting electrical cables.
Polyvinyl Chloride conduit is one of the most widely used types of non-metallic conduits due to its
versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation.
Made from plastic, it provides excellent protection for electrical wiring, especially in environments
where moisture, chemicals, and UV exposure are concerns.
Same as metal conduit, plastic conduit have rigid electrical conduit and flexible conduit.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) conduit is a non-metallic plastic piping system used to protect and route
electrical wiring in various settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial applications. It offers
significant advantages over metal conduits, such as being lightweight, corrosion-resistant, chemically
resistant, and easy to install. PVC conduit provides excellent electrical insulation, flame retardancy, and is
durable for both above-ground and underground installations, ensuring the safety and longevity of
electrical circuits.
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 Key Characteristics and Benefits
 Protection: Shields electrical wires from physical damage, moisture, and chemicals.
 Lightweight: Easier to transport and install compared to heavy metal conduits.
 Corrosion and Chemical Resistance: Ideal for wet or high-moisture environments like
underground, in concrete, and outdoors.
 Electrical Insulation: Does not conduct electricity, providing an added safety layer for wires
inside.
 Durability: Offers long service life and resistance to impacts.
 Flame Retardancy: Self-extinguishing properties enhance safety.
 Versatility: Available in rigid and flexible forms, and in various sizes and thicknesses to suit specific
project needs.
 Common Applications
 Residential, Commercial, and Industrial: Used in a wide array of building and infrastructure
projects.
 Underground Installations: Its rigidity and resistance to crushing make it perfect for buried
circuits and telecommunications wiring.
 Exposed Locations: Suitable for exposed wiring in basements, walls, and other areas where its
protective qualities are needed.
 Concrete Encased Applications: Withstands the harsh environment of being embedded in
concrete.
 Advantages Compared to Metal Conduit
 No Galvanic Corrosion: PVC is non-magnetic and non-galvanic, preventing issues that can occur with
metal conduits in certain environments.
 Ease of Installation: Simpler joining and wire pulls contribute to faster and more cost-effective
installations.
 Cost-Effective: Generally, a more affordable alternative to metal conduit.
 Lightweight and easy to cut/bend.
 Resistant to corrosion and moisture.
 Commonly used in domestic and light commercial wiring.
 Available in medium and heavy-duty types.

 Limitations:
 Not suitable for high mechanical stress areas.
 Requires additional grounding arrangements.
 Can become brittle under prolonged UV exposure (unless UV-rated).
Element 2: Prepare Conduit Work Pieces
 - Safety Measures: Inspect tools, PPE, clean stable benches, keep area safe.
 - Tools & Equipment: Cutting (hacksaw, cutter), fastening (screwdrivers, pliers), measuring (tape, vernier),
marking (pencil, scriber), instruments (multimeter, test lamp).
 - Measurement: Use diagrams, measure wall distances, add allowances for bends, record in logs.
 - Cutting Conduit: Secure in vice, mark with marker, cut squarely, deburr edges.
 - Housekeeping: Collect offcuts, store tools, clean bench.

Element 3: Mount Conduit Work Pieces

 - Safety: Goggles when drilling, ensure no hidden pipes/wires.
 - Marking: Use chalk line/spirit level, saddles spacing 300–500mm.
 - Mounting: Drill, insert plugs, fix saddles, mount conduit, check alignment.
 - Housekeeping: Collect dust, return drills, store tools.

Element 4: Install Electrical Cables & Accessories

 - Safety: Isolate circuits, PPE, avoid insulation damage.
 - Cable Colour Codes (IEC): Brown (live), Blue (neutral), Green/Yellow (earth).
 - Cable Sizes: 1.0mm² (lighting), 1.5mm² (small loads), 2.5mm² (sockets), 4.0mm² (cookers), 6.0mm² (sub-
mains).
 - Cable Laying: Use draw wire, lubricate, avoid sharp bends (radius ≥6× diameter).
 - Fixing Accessories: Switches (one-way, two-way, intermediate), sockets (radial/ring), appliances
(cookers, heaters), protection devices (fuses, MCBs, RCCBs).
 - Housekeeping: Keep tidy site, dispose of waste.

Element 5: Perform Tests and Inspection

 - Visual Inspection: Straight runs, secure fixings, undamaged cables, correct mounting.
 - Continuity Test: Use multimeter/continuity tester to check conductors end-to-end.
 - Ring Test: Confirm completeness of ring circuits, check resistance balance.
 - Polarity Test: Verify switches on live, socket polarity correct (L, N, E).

Element 6: Apply Entrepreneurial Skills

 - Personal Finance: Budgeting, expenditure control, savings culture.
 - Sources of Funds: Savings, SACCOs, banks, grants, partnerships.
 - Employment: Salaried (stable income, less risk) vs. self-employment (flexible, growth potential).
 - Business Setup: Registration, trade license, tax compliance.
 - Business Planning: Define services, startup costs, marketing strategy, expansion plans.

Learning Checks
 - Identify conduit types, sizes, and accessories.
 - Demonstrate accurate measurement and cutting of conduit.
 - Safely mount conduits per IEC standards.
 - Correctly draw and terminate cables within conduits.
 - Conduct continuity and polarity tests accurately.
 - Draft a basic business plan for a small electrical installation company.