Guía definitiva sobre conductos flexibles: todo lo que necesita saber

19 de enero de 2024

Tabla de contenido

1. Introducción

Running wires in a building is a lot like laying out a roadmap—you need safe, protected pathways that can twist, turn, and fit around obstacles.

That’s exactly what flexible conduit does. It protects electrical wiring while bending easily around tight corners, making it an essential part of modern electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial spaces.

In this post, we’ll break down the main types of flexible conduit, how each one works, where they’re used, and what to consider when choosing the right type for your project.

Whether you’re a contractor, electrician, engineer, or just someone working on a home upgrade, this guide will help you understand how to use flexible conduit safely and effectively.

2. What Is Flexible Conduit?

Most flexible conduits have a corrugated, ribbed outer surface, which gives them extra flexibility and strength.

Some types have a smooth outer jacket, especially when liquid-tight protection is needed. Internally, flexible conduit can be made from a single material (like PVC or metal), or as a composite, with a metal core wrapped in a non-metallic jacket—often used for harsh environments where both durability and sealing are required.

Flexible conduits come in a variety of colors, which may indicate their use (e.g., gray and orange for general electrical, white for communications, blue for data). They’re also manufactured to meet different national standards, such as UL listed, CSA certified, IEC and AS/NZS 2053 Standard and so on.

Choosing the right flexible conduit means understanding not only its shape and flexibility, but also the materials, performance ratings, and regulatory compliance that apply to your specific project or region.

In the following sections, we’ll walk through the most common types of flexible conduit, exploring their structure, key features, and where they’re best used.

3. ENT Flexible Conduit: Lightweight Tubing with Hidden Strength

🧱 Structure and Manufacturing

ENT is extruded from modified polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with built-in flame retardants and stabilizers. What makes ENT unique is its corrugated wall structure, which offers directional flexibility while maintaining crush resistance. It’s engineered with memory—meaning it flexes without kinking and returns to its original shape when released.

Unlike smooth-wall PVC conduit (like Schedule 40 or 80), ENT is not intended for outdoor use or areas exposed to direct sunlight, unless specifically listed for that purpose. It also differs from flexible metal conduit in that it’s non-metallic and non-conductive, making it safer to use around combustible building materials or in situations where galvanic corrosion is a concern.

🔌 Electrical Performance and Wire Pulling

One often overlooked advantage of ENT is its low coefficient of friction, which allows easier wire pulling—especially around long, curved runs. ENT is typically installed empty, and wires are pulled after the tubing is secured, reducing the risk of insulation damage during installation.

ENT is compatible with THHN, THWN, or low-voltage cables, and due to its tight bend radius, it can often reduce the need for elbows and junctions. However, its internal diameter can vary slightly due to the corrugation, so pulling tension limits and conductor fill should always be double-checked per code.

🧩 System Integration and Fittings

ENT is part of a full wiring system and works best when used with matching solvent-weld or mechanical fittings (e.g., snap-in couplings, ENT-specific boxes). These fittings are designed to maintain fire ratings in slab or wall systems. In fire-rated assemblies (such as concrete floor slabs).

📘 Standards and Regulations

ENT se fabrica e instala de acuerdo con normas y regulaciones específicas para garantizar su seguridad y compatibilidad.

In the United States, the National Electrical Code (NEC) provides guidelines for the installation of ENT, specifying the appropriate methods for its use and the types of applications it is suitable for.

UL1653 states the safety and mechanical performance for it, including its fire resistant performance, bending, resistance to deflection, impact, tension, stiffness.

En Canadá, el ENT debe cumplir con el estándar local CSA C22.2 No.227.1, este estándar indica la seguridad y el rendimiento del ENT, comparte el mismo método de prueba con UL1653.

Los códigos eléctricos locales también pueden tener requisitos específicos, por lo que es importante consultar las normas y regulaciones pertinentes para su región.

4. How to Install Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing

When installing ENT, it is important to follow proper guidelines to ensure a safe and effective installation.

Planning: Determine the appropriate size and length of ENT needed for the installation. Consider factors such as the number of wires, the route of the conduit, and the specific requirements of the project.

Cutting and Bending: Use appropriate tools to cut ENT to the desired length. ENT can be easily bent by hand or with bending tools to accommodate the installation path.

Fittings and Connectors: Use compatible fittings and connectors designed for ENT to ensure secure connections. These fittings allow for transitions to junction boxes, electrical panels, or other conduits.

Fastening and Support: Secure ENT at regular intervals using appropriate straps, clips, or hangers. This ensures stability and prevents excessive movement or sagging.

Pulling Wires: Pull electrical wires through ENT using proper techniques to avoid damaging the wires or the conduit. Lubricants specifically designed for wire pulling may be used to reduce friction.

💡 If you want to know more about electrical nonmetallic tubing ENT, you can read this post: The Ultimate Guide to Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing (ENT): Everything You Need to Know.

5. FMC Flexible Metal Conduit: Durability and Flexibility in One Coil

Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC) is a helically wound, interlocking metal conduit designed for applications that demand both mechanical protection and flexibility. It’s often described as the “go-to” choice when wiring needs to move with machinery or bend around structural obstacles—without sacrificing strength.

While ENT is known for its ease in low-risk environments, FMC is built for tougher conditions where abrasion resistance, EMI shielding, or grounding continuity are required.

⚙️ Mechanical Construction: Spiral Strength

FMC is made from a continuous strip of galvanized steel or aluminum, cold-formed into a spiral interlocking profile. This design allows for:

Bending in all directions without tools

Compression resistance from outside force

Torsional stability, which is useful in dynamic or vibrating installations

The number of wraps per inch and the thickness of the strip directly impact the conduit’s flexural rigidity and kink resistance—important considerations when choosing FMC from different manufacturers.

Unlike LFMC, FMC has no outer jacket, which makes it lighter and more flexible, but not liquid-tight.

🔌 Grounding and Electrical Characteristics

One critical functional benefit of FMC is that the metal conduit itself can serve as the equipment grounding conductor (EGC)—provided the connections are tight and approved for grounding use (NEC 250.118(5)). This simplifies wiring in certain commercial or retrofit applications.

Additionally, because it’s a metal body, FMC offers some natural EMI shielding, making it useful in environments with interference-sensitive electronics—though it’s not rated the same as purpose-built shielded systems.

FMC is used with type THHN, THWN, XHHW conductors, and must be properly derated if subject to ambient heat.

6. How to Install Flexible Metal Conduit?

Plan the installation: Determine the length and size of FMC needed for the project.

Cut the FMC: Use appropriate tools to cut the FMC to the desired length.

Bend the FMC: Bend the FMC by hand or with bending tools to fit the installation path. Avoid sharp bends that may restrict wire movement or cause damage.

Install fittings and connectors: Attach compatible fittings and connectors to the ends of the FMC. These fittings allow for connections to junction boxes, electrical panels, or other conduits.

Secure the FMC: Use straps, clamps, or hangers to secure the FMC at regular intervals. Follow local building codes for spacing and support requirements.

Pull the wires: Pull the electrical wires through the FMC using proper techniques to avoid damaging the wires or the conduit. Lubricants designed for wire pulling can be used to reduce friction.

7. Liquid-tight Flexible Conduit: LFMC and LFNC

Liquid-tight Flexible Conduit is a type of flexible conduit that, as the name suggests, provides a liquid-tight seal around the wires it houses. It comes in two main types: LFMC and LFNC.

7. 1 LFMC: Liquid-Tight Flexible Metal Conduit for Harsh Environments

When electrical wiring needs both mechanical strength and protection from water, oil, or dust, LFMC (Liquid-Tight Flexible Metal Conduit) is the trusted choice. It’s built for environments where ordinary conduit would fail—such as machine rooms, rooftops, car washes, or outdoor lighting exposed to the elements.

🧱 Layered Construction for Maximum Protection

LFMC is constructed with two main layers:

Inner core: A helically wound galvanized steel (or sometimes aluminum) strip, similar to standard FMC, providing flexibility and mechanical protection.

Outer jacket: A thick, bonded thermoplastic or PVC sheath that forms a watertight barrier. This jacket is often UV-resistant and flame-retardant, depending on the rating.

What sets LFMC apart from just “FMC + plastic” is that the jacket is compression-formed and tightly bonded, preventing moisture from seeping in—even at bends. Many jackets also feature anti-kink reinforcement ribs, helping the conduit maintain shape under stress.

7.2 LFNC: Liquid-Tight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit—Flexible, Corrosion-Resistant

LFNC (Liquid-Tight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit) is the go-to choice when you need moisture and corrosion protection in non-metal-sensitive environments—and want to avoid the weight, cost, or grounding complexity of metal conduit. It’s especially useful in outdoor or damp applications where flexibility and ease of installation are just as important as durability.

Unlike LFMC, which uses a metal core wrapped in a jacket, LFNC is entirely non-metallic, typically made from PVC or other thermoplastic materials. That gives it unique advantages in terms of corrosion resistance, dielectric strength, and long-term flexibility.

🧱 Construction and Variants

A smooth inner bore, allowing for easier wire pulling with minimal friction

A liquid-tight outer jacket, typically made of flame-retardant PVC or similar polymer

Some variants have spiral reinforcement or fiber braiding inside the wall to improve crush resistance

There are different types of LFNC categorized by flexibility and environmental tolerance.

8. HDPE Conduit: Flexible Protection for Long-Distance and Outdoor Use

Though not always grouped with traditional indoor wiring systems, HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) conduit is also a form of flexible conduit, especially valued for long-distance underground and outdoor installations. It offers exceptional tensile strength, impact resistance, and smooth inner walls, making it ideal for pulling fiber optics or power cables over extended distances with minimal friction.

Unlike PVC or LFMC, HDPE is heat-fused rather than glued or mechanically connected—making it seamless and watertight, but requiring specialized tools and techniques for joining.

We’ve covered this topic in more detail in another article. If you’re interested in the differences between HDPE and PVC conduit—including strength, flexibility, and installation methods—feel free to check out: PVC Conduit vs HDPE Conduit: What’s the Difference?

9. How to Choose the Right Flexible Conduit?

Choosing the right flexible conduit for your specific application requires considering several factors.

Application Requirements: Understand the specific requirements of your application. Consider factors such as the environment (indoor or outdoor), exposure to moisture, chemicals, or extreme temperatures, and the level of flexibility and mechanical protection needed.

Material Compatibility: Asegúrese de que el material de conducto flexible elegido sea compatible con los cables que desea instalar. Hay distintos conductos diseñados para tipos de cables específicos (por ejemplo, metálicos o no metálicos) y tienen diferentes clasificaciones de temperatura, resistencia a sustancias químicas, exposición a rayos UV y sustancias corrosivas. Verifique que el material del conducto pueda soportar las condiciones ambientales de la instalación.

Flexibility and Bend Radius: Assess the flexibility requirements of your installation. Determine if you need a conduit that can bend easily around obstacles or tight corners. Consider the minimum bend radius specified by the manufacturer to ensure the conduit’s flexibility aligns with your project needs.

Conduit Sizing: Determine el tamaño adecuado del conducto en función de la cantidad y el tamaño de los cables que planea instalar. Asegúrese de que el conducto pueda acomodar el cableado necesario y deje espacio para futuras ampliaciones o ampliaciones, si es necesario.

Code Compliance: Familiarícese con los códigos y las normas eléctricas locales. Asegúrese de que el conducto flexible elegido cumpla con las normas y los requisitos para su aplicación específica. El cumplimiento de los códigos es fundamental para la seguridad y para evitar problemas legales o reglamentarios.

Durability and Protection: Evalúe el nivel de protección que ofrece el conducto flexible. Considere factores como la resistencia al impacto, la resistencia a la corrosión, la resistencia a los rayos UV y la capacidad de soportar peligros ambientales. Elija un conducto que proporcione la protección adecuada para los cables o alambres en la aplicación en cuestión.

Consideraciones de instalación: Evalúe la facilidad de instalación del conducto flexible. Considere factores como la disponibilidad de accesorios y conectores compatibles, el método de instalación (por ejemplo, a presión, compresión o adhesivo) y el proceso de instalación general. Elija un conducto que se ajuste a sus requisitos y capacidades de instalación.

Budget: Tenga en cuenta el presupuesto asignado para el proyecto. Si bien el costo no debería ser el único factor determinante, es esencial encontrar un equilibrio entre calidad y asequibilidad. Compare diferentes marcas y tipos de conductos flexibles para encontrar la mejor opción que se ajuste a sus necesidades dentro de su presupuesto.

📘 Want a more detailed breakdown for outdoor environments? Check out our post Choosing the Right Flexible Electrical Conduit for Outdoor Use: A Comprehensive Guide

10. Conclusión

Flexible conduit plays a critical role in modern electrical systems by offering the versatility, protection, and ease of installation that rigid systems often can’t match. From lightweight ENT to rugged LFMC, from corrosion-resistant LFNC to infrastructure-grade HDPE, each type of conduit is engineered for a specific set of demands.

En Tubo C, we specialize in the development and manufacturing of high-quality PVC conduit systems—including a wide range of flexible conduit solutions. Our products are tested to meet international standards like UL, CSA, IEC, and are widely used across residential, commercial, and industrial installations.

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide is helpful. If you have questions, need product specs, or want to request samples, feel free to contact us.

Wishing you success with your next installation. Let the right conduit lead the way.

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Tubo C

Fábrica de conductos de PVC: envío rápido y personalización. Cumple con las certificaciones ISO 9001, ISO 14001 e ISO 45001

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Como fabricante líder y profesional de conductos y accesorios de PVC en China, Ctube se especializa en el desarrollo y la producción de productos innovadores de conductos y accesorios de PVC para la gestión y protección de cables. Todos los productos están certificados por UL, AS/NZS 2053, CSA, CE, ROHS, IEC y más. Ctube se compromete a entregar productos y servicios de alta calidad de manera eficiente y rápida a nuestros clientes de los mercados globales. ¿Busca un fabricante y proveedor confiable de conductos eléctricos de PVC? Seremos su mejor socio. Contáctenos hoy para analizar sus requisitos.

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