6 Liquatite® Electrical Conduit Solutions Installers Trust
Table of Contents
Rigid conduit is strong and secure, but real-world installations aren’t always straight or still. Equipment shifts, machines vibrate, and tight panels leave little room for rigid pipe.
Flexible electrical conduit was built for these conditions.
It bends into place, speeds installation, absorbs movement and shields wiring from oil, water and mechanical stress. In high-vibration areas such as motors, pumps and conveyors, electric conduit keeps connections intact. Outdoors, its liquidtight jacket prevents moisture from reaching the wiring inside.
Liquatite® many options—from heavy-duty steel cores to lightweight, nonmetallic designs—allowing contractors to match protection, flexibility and corrosion resistance to the job.
This blog highlights six of the most widely used types—LA, LT, EF, BR, ABR and NM—and gives real-world examples how electricians and facility managers rely on them in the field.
Type LA
Type LA is the go-to liquidtight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) for harsh environments.
Built with a hot-dipped galvanized steel core and a flexible PVC jacket, it resists oils, mild acids, flame and sunlight, outperforming standard UV tests by up to five times.
It’s UL-listed, CSA-certified, and considered “heavy-duty,” approved for direct burial, concrete encasement, and even many hazardous locations.
In practice, LA is trusted for rooftop HVAC hookups, pump rooms and oily mechanical spaces. On rooftops, its UV- and moisture-resistant jacket holds up under constant exposure, while in washdown areas it outlasts lighter-duty conduit.
Facility managers note that switching to LA often eliminates the need for frequent replacements.
Because it’s rated for such a wide range of applications—from service entrances and signage to motors and fire pumps—Type LA remains one of the most reliable choices for designing robust conduit systems.
“At Werner, we proudly stock Electri-Flex’s Type LA Liquatite, among other flexible conduit solutions,” “Type LA consistently exceeds our expectations thanks to Electri-Flex’s unwavering commitment to efficiency, dependability, and uncompromising craftsmanship.”
Ted J. Quick, Werner Electric, a distributor
Learn more about Type LA flexible electrical conduit here.
Type LT
Type LT is a liquidtight flexible metal conduit (LFMC) with a flexible PVC jacket, designed for reliable, general-purpose performance where motion, vibration or bending are required.
The conduit is manufactured to UL 360 dimensions and provides excellent mechanical and moisture protection to enclosed conductors. Its flexible PVC jacket is resistant to oils, mild acids and flame. Type LT is also listed for sunlight (UV) resistance, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments.
On manufacturing floors, it’s often used to connect motors, control panels and other equipment that experience vibration or movement. In commercial buildings, it can be found in mechanical rooms, utility spaces and other controlled environments where flexibility and protection are needed.
Type LT’s combination of flexibility, durability and cost-effectiveness makes it a dependable choice for many everyday conduit installations.
Explore Type LT flexible conduit for general-purpose applications
Type EF
Type EF is a non-UL flexible liquidtight conduit, built as a competitive grade version of Type LT.
It features a corrosion-resistant, plated steel inner core in a square-lock profile (from 3/8″ to 2″) combined with a flexible PVC jacket that resists oils and mild acids. It provides solid mechanical and moisture protection and is compatible with standard liquidtight connectors.
Type EF performs well in machine-tool installations, industrial environments, and wet or oily areas. Due to the inherent UV resistance of its PVC jacket, it is also suitable for some outdoor applications.
But many electricians caution that because EF lacks formal listing, it risks being rejected in jurisdictions that require UL-listed conduit for safety audits or code compliance.
See details on Type EF competitive grade conduit
Types BR and ABR
Type BR and Type ABR are reduced-wall flexible metal conduits designed for lighter-duty applications where flexibility and weight are priorities.
Type BR is constructed from a hot-dipped galvanized steel strip, formed into an interlocked profile that strikes a balance between strength and maneuverability. It’s UL- and CSA-listed, recognized for use in both exposed and concealed locations, and is often chosen for dry commercial interiors.
Electricians value BR for jobs that require threading through tight soffits or around crowded mechanical spaces, where rigid conduit would be impractical.
“Electri-Flex BR Flexible Conduit delivers outstanding reliability and consistency for electrical installations,” “Its robust design ensures dependable performance across diverse applications, maintaining structural integrity without fail. Every roll provides uniform quality, making installations predictable and efficient. Widely available through major suppliers, it’s easy to source for any project size. A top choice for electrical professionals needing a trustworthy conduit.”
Brian, Paulson Electric, a contractor
Type ABR uses aluminum instead of steel, resulting in a nearly 50% reduction in coil weight compared to BR. ABR’s lighter construction offers structural advantages while maintaining durability and flexibility in demanding applications. It provides reliable performance for dry, non-corrosive environments and is UL- and CSA-listed, just like Type BR.
Because both BR and ABR are unjacketed, they are not recommended for wet, oily or corrosive conditions unless paired with additional protection. Their greatest value lies in ease of handling, reduced weight and adaptability in confined or interior conduit systems.
Discover specifications for Type BR conduit – Find out more about Type ABR flexible conduit
Lightweight and Corrosion-Resistant: Type NM
Type NM is a general-purpose, UL- and CSA-listed nonmetallic liquidtight conduit solution that’s easy to handle and install.
This non-metallic liquidtight conduit is constructed of a smooth PVC inner core, a rigid PVC spiral reinforcement and a flexible PVC outer jacket. The result is a conduit that weighs far less than metal alternatives while still delivering strong protection against moisture and many corrosive agents.
Type NM is UL-listed and CSA-certified for use in exposed or concealed locations. It’s approved for direct burial, concrete encasement and installations around pools, spas, pumps, electric signs and outdoor lighting. Its sunlight-resistant PVC jacket ensures dependable performance even in challenging exterior environments.
Contractors often choose NM for rooftop air conditioning hookups, parking lot lighting and outdoor signage where direct burial or frequent exposure to rain is unavoidable.
Rooftop installers value its all-nonmetallic construction, which eliminates the risk of metal components fatiguing or failing over time. Facility managers appreciate its long-term reliability and ease of handling compared to steel conduits, making NM a dependable choice for rooftop and other exposed applications.
Learn more about Type NM non-metallic liquidtight conduit here.
The Bottom Line on Flexible Conduit Installation
Looking across these flexible conduit types, one pattern stands out—no single product fits every job.
The right flexible electrical conduit depends on the environment, code requirements and the labor available for installation. Choosing wisely ensures a system that performs safely and reliably.
Liquatite® has earned its reputation by offering a full range of conduit systems that balance strength, flexibility, corrosion resistance and compliance. From the heavy-duty performance of Type LA on rooftop HVAC hookups to the lightweight handling of Type NM in wet or corrosive environments, each type is built to meet a specific challenge in the field.
With the right flexible metal conduit or non-metallic alternative in place, circuits remain protected, and installations continue to perform well long after the job is done.