Which type of conduit is commonly used for outdoor installations?

The choice of rigid metal conduit (RMC) for outdoor installations is widely accepted due to its durability and ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions. RMC is constructed from heavy-gauge metal, which provides significant protection against physical damage, corrosion, and severe weather. This makes it particularly suitable for outdoor applications where exposure to moisture, chemicals, and other damaging elements can occur.

RMC also offers excellent grounding capabilities, which is critical in outdoor settings where electrical safety is paramount. Additionally, it can support heavier loads and maintain structural integrity over long runs, which is often necessary when running electrical systems outdoors.

On the other hand, while flexible non-metallic conduit and liquid-tight flexible conduit may also be used outdoors, they are generally reserved for specific applications where flexibility is required or where moisture protection is paramount. Electrical metallic tubing (EMT), though commonly used indoors, lacks the robust protection needed for outdoor use compared to RMC. Therefore, RMC stands out as the preferred choice in scenarios involving outdoor electrical installations.