Could I get some opinions on Aluminium or steel conduits. When ordering 2" rigid conduit for a job I ordered steel. The conduit run will be outdoors on an overhead rack at a chemical facility. 1/2 the guys are complaining that steel is to heavy but they are straight runs and I always felt steel was easier to pull through. could I get some thoughts? Thanks

The main consideration that I'm aware of(besides weight, and Code requirements) for steel (Fe) v. Al is atmospheric considerations. Are there vapors which would affect Fe v. Al, or vice versa? If there are no atmospheric concerns, I guess it boils down to personal preference (As well as the AHJ, of course )

I remember years ago seeing Fe, PVC, CPVC, Al, Stainless Fe, and some sort of bronze alloy conduit. Where there's a market, I guess...

[This message has been edited by DougW (edited 12-22-2003).]

Isn't aluminum conduit significantly more expensive?

Tell your guys to eat their Wheaties and get to work.

Sorry not much sympathy, we run a fair amount of 4" RMC, I have run 5" RMC and some of our guys have had to run a lot of 6" RMC.

That's what I told them. Love Your outlook IWIRE!

In my opinion aluminum while being lighter than steel is much harder to work with. If you over bend a 90 you can't take the bend out. It just makes another bend in the pipe below the 90. The first time some one walks on your pipe rack, the pipe will bend making the job look like a hack installed it. Even when using thread lube, the threads often "gall" up at fittings. It is too smooth inside and makes wire pulling harder than in steel conduit. It costs too much. I would only use it when it is required because of corrosive issues in the area.
Don

Surprisingly last time I bought Aluminum in small sizes(1/2 3/4) it was less expensive. For the life of me couldn't figure that one out. This was years ago not sure about today

From tank-farm and dairy days, aluminum conduit will tie itself into knots from routine exposed expansion and contraction.

Seems to me it's one of those "looks good in the catalog" items, but you hate it a year later.

["Relton A-9" aluminum cutting fluid smells and looks like 1950’s Aqua Velva shaving lotion.]

Iwire;


Double LOL!!!

Bjarney;


Must have seen / smelled this a few times myself - sometimes in the stock room Conduit racks, where short sections of Conduit "Remnants" (sp???) end up laying until the Sun collapses upon its self.

Me... Scott35

What about using al conduit in earth? What is considered supplementary protection?

I have an oppurtunity to purchase some 2" and 4" al conduit (roughly 200' of each), real cheap (excess from a big job close to my location). Would it be worth it do get these?

I can see a use up a pole (riser), or maybe even as a mast(it is a strong as a GRC mast, isn't it?). Underground lateral into a meter socket, would eliminate the need for a PVC expansion fitting.

Any thoughts?

Rick Miell

I don't believe you can use it for a mast to support the service drop. I've used it as a service riser mounted to the building surface. In Chicago you couldn't bury it because minerals in the soil will corrode it. Definitely not in concrete. I never really hear of people burying it at all.

..Is IMC,generally aluminum or a steel alloy?? I've never used it....yet.
AR

IMC is steel, but just thinner. The OD is the same as RMC, but the ID is bigger.