Benefits and Best Uses of Liquidtight Conduit

What do you do when your electrical wiring is at risk of exposure to moisture, the elements, or in applications with complex bends and routing?

The best answer to avoid hazards and resist corrosion is to use a certain type of electrical conduit called LFMC (Liquidtight Flexible Metal Conduit).

LFMC, including Electri-Flex’s Liquatite® Flexible Electrical Conduit, offers versatility and strength by integrating a high-quality metal core with a polymer jacket. This design creates a strong pathway that protects wire in indoor and outdoor settings. This includes installations with complex bends or where bending electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is not an option.

But many electrical conduit choices exist and making the right selection depends on your application’s specific requirements and the manufacturers’ recommendations.

We discuss the advantages of Liquidtight flexible metal conduit and pinpoint its best applications below.

Simpler Installation

Many people often compare LFMC to rigid metal conduits like EMT. Each variety of conduits has its own strengths and ideal applications.

However, LFMC’s flexibility and ease of use surpass rigid conduits, particularly in applications with complex configurations or where bending rigid conduits is impractical. Installation challenges are also minimal, though mating LFMC with LFMC connectors may require light instruction or training for first-time users.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies requirements for several types of conduits, like LFMC, based on installation conditions. For instance, LFMC’s use in wet locations is detailed under Article 350 of the NEC, considering aspects like grounding needs, mechanical protection and corrosion resistance. The code also addresses sizing, bending and conductor capacity to ensure safety and compliance​.

Easy Customization and Compliance

The protective polymer jacketing of LFMC ensures a Liquidtight raceway and safeguards electrical systems from moisture and corrosive substances.

Liquidtight products offer extensive customization options to suit any application. LFMC products can be personalized with different materials and coatings to suit various conditions they may face. Such customization could include flexible metal core variations, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, bronze, or nonmetallic varieties. These all offer a variety of benefits such as durability, light weight, corrosion-resistant, or high flexibility.

Flexible jacketing varieties also offer various specialty benefits, such as oil-resistant, halogen-free/low smoke, extreme temperature protection, antimicrobial, colored options to identify circuitry, or unjacketed metallic that does not contain a jacketing material over the metal core.

Liquidtight flexible conduit and connectors come in many sizes to fit all electrical installations.

LFMC products and connectors also comply with electrical codes and other regulatory standards, including UL360 and CSA 22.2 No56-17. These standards specify the construction, materials, sizing and performance tests LFMC must pass for registration and approval by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Most LFMC products are made to fit standard LFMC connectors, even if they don’t all get fully listed.

Moreover, a complete Liquidtight system, consisting of LFMC and compatible Liquidtight connectors, is engineered to connect securely, reaching IP ratings up to IP68 and IP69 as per IEC 60529 standards.

Cost-Effective and Durable

LFMC often costs more than rigid conduits, but they save more money and maintenance in the long run by eliminating the costly, labor-intensive work rigid conduits require, such as cutting, threading and bending.

When and Where to Use LFMC

LFMC solutions are often used in industrial and commercial applications like motors and pumps because they are strong and can withstand vibration damage. Specialty LFMC can also be used in mass transit applications to help make safe connections for rail transit in tunnels and in highways for expansion joints.

The application of LFMC is particularly recommended in several scenarios:

• Wet and Moist Environments: Liquidtight conduit is best for wet environments where cables need to handle humidity, dampness, or wetness. Typical applications include rail & transit, healthcare, wastewater treatment plants, utilities and food and beverage processing facilities—all areas where water is used in production or cleanup. Using Liquidtight conduit improves safety, extends cable lifespan and reduces electrical failures when used correctly.
• Corrosive Environments: LFMC excels against corrosive agents that could otherwise damage wires and cables. This feature is particularly advantageous for use in HVAC systems, manufacturing, chemical and energy refineries, steel mills, pharmaceuticals and other locations susceptible to corrosion.
• Dusty and Dirty Settings: Unprotected wires and connections exposed to dirt, dust and small particles can result in short circuits and malfunctioning equipment. But a sealed, Liquidtight conduit offers adequate protection against the intrusion of dust and particulates in these environments, including data centers, and construction.
• Outdoor and Exposed Areas: Electrical installations exposed to outdoor environments—like renewable energy applications, rail & transit, datacomm, and telecommunications—have an increased risk of potential issues. Damage and breakage can result from UV rays and temperature fluctuations, and various other external factors. However, sunlight resistant flexible conduit can safeguard cables and wires against sun damage, extreme temperatures and moisture. In applications subject to intense UV, ensure the polymer jacket is formulated to withstand these conditions and prevent deterioration.

LFMC stands out as a flexible, corrosion-resistant conduit for safeguarding wiring. Its adaptability in both design and application and its reliable performance in demanding settings earn it high regard among electricians, contractors and installers.

But it’s still important to assess the environmental conditions of each application before selecting the appropriate LFMC. The right supplier of flexible Liquidtight electrical conduit can guide you best. Electri-Flex, with decades of experience across various markets, offers a range of UL-listed products, including Liquatite® Flexible Electrical Conduit, to meet all needs.

To learn more about Liquidtight flexible metal conduit and to begin planning your next major electrical project, contact us today.