Liquid Tight Flexible Electrical Conduit Fittings: Key Solutions for Protecting Electrical Systems

Electrical wires and cables need protection from dirt, oil, and water along their curved paths to and from components or power supplies. Flexible wires and cables particularly benefit from flexible protection. Liquid tight flexible electrical conduit is commonly used to safeguard wiring during installation, originally designed for protecting wiring in underground burial, concrete embedding, or wet conditions. This type of conduit requires liquid tight terminations, provided by liquid tight fittings to ensure the integrity of the overall system.

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Conduit and fittings work together in cohesive systems to provide end-to-end protection for electrical wiring.

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Such conduit and fittings are widely applied in industrial and commercial sectors, including food and pharmaceuticals, OEM machine building, factory automation, data centers, National Electrical Code (NEC) Hazardous Locations, and more. Below is an overview of what liquid tight fittings are, why they are important, and key considerations for selecting suitable liquid tight conduit fittings for your project.

What Are Liquid Tight Fittings?

Liquid tight fittings are similar to common pipe fittings such as 45° elbows, 90° elbows, or straight pipe connectors. However, specialized conduit fittings feature multiple structural designs to provide durable seals against dust, water, and oil for electrical wires and cables. These fittings offer a high level of ingress protection, complying with international safety standards. Corrosion-resistant fittings keep out moisture, dust, grease, and other contaminants that might damage data and power connections. They are available in materials like galvanized steel, stainless steel, and nickel-plated brass (or plastic for LFNC-B conduit), with industry-standard trade sizes for easy selection and installation.

Why Are Liquid Tight Fittings Important?

Liquid tight fittings not only prevent liquid intrusion but also provide environmental sealing to ensure no harmful substances such as corrosive sprays, combustible dust, or airborne fibers enter electrical connections. This is vital in industries with hazardous materials, as it protects against electrical sparks or resistance heating around the clock.

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Additionally, liquid tight fittings offer strain relief to prevent wires and cables from being pulled or stretched, extending the lifespan and reliability of electrical wiring while reducing downtime caused by maintenance or replacement of damaged components. The seals and outer coatings of the fittings act as barriers against corrosive environments, protecting wiring connections from long-term deterioration.

Common Applications of Liquid Tight Conduit Fittings

Liquid tight fittings are widely used in the following scenarios:

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• Conveyors: Conveyor systems often require liquid tight conduit fittings to protect electrical wires from falling objects and lubricants.
• Automated Lines: In automated or robotic production lines, electrical wiring needs flexible protection against continuous or repetitive motion, moisture, dust, and lubricants.
• Welders: Welding machines operate in harsh environments where liquid tight fittings shield electrical wiring from sparks, heat, and debris.
• Grinders: Similar to welders, grinders generate heat and debris that could damage electrical systems without the protection of liquid tight fittings.
• Pumps: In pump applications, liquid tight fittings prevent water or other liquids from entering and damaging electrical components.
• Presses: Press machinery can generate heat, debris, and moisture, making liquid tight fittings a critical component for protecting electrical systems.
• Blowers: In industrial settings with blowers, high levels of moisture and dust make liquid tight fittings essential for electrical safety.

Key Considerations When Choosing Liquid Tight Conduit Fittings

When selecting liquid tight conduit fittings, focus on the following key factors:

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1. Material: Liquid tight fittings come in various materials with different levels of durability and corrosion resistance. Choose the right material based on the installation environment.

1. Size: Ensure the fitting’s trade size matches the conduit’s trade size. Oversized fittings cannot effectively seal wiring, risking intrusion and contamination.
2. Temperature and IP Ratings: Liquid tight fittings have different temperature tolerances and IP (ingress protection) ratings. Select fittings that can withstand the specific environmental conditions of your application.
3. Certifications: Depending on the industry or environment, certain certifications may be required. For example, NEC-compliant fittings should bear the cULus mark (UL certification). If in doubt, consult your local electrical inspector.
4. Fitting Configuration: Include a service loop in the wiring for future repair, maintenance, or equipment replacement. Choose 45° elbows, 90° elbows, or straight fittings based on the available termination space, and fully tighten the fittings at terminations to ensure a liquid tight seal for the conduit.

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