In Plain English
Quick Answer
A pipe that protects electrical wires as they run through walls, ceilings, and exposed areas.
Definition
Definition
A rigid or flexible pipe or tube used to route and protect electrical wiring in buildings and infrastructure. Common types include EMT (electrical metallic tubing), rigid metal conduit (RMC), PVC conduit, and flexible metal conduit (FMC). Conduit protects conductors from physical damage and allows wire replacement without opening walls.
Context
Why It Matters in Bidding
Conduit is taken off by linear foot per type and trade size, and the labor to bend, run, and support it often exceeds the material cost, so productivity assumptions drive the bid. Estimators must match conduit type to the spec and environment (EMT, RMC, PVC, FMC), count fittings, straps, and boxes, and coordinate with the conductor takeoff so the raceway size carries the required wire fill.
Example
Example
An estimator takes off 2,400 feet of 3/4-inch EMT for branch circuits, adds couplings, connectors, and supports per spacing requirements, then applies a labor rate for bending and installation before pairing it with the matching conductor quantities.
See Also
Related Terms
FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
How is conduit quantified for an electrical estimate?
Estimators measure runs by linear foot for each conduit type and trade size, then add fittings, couplings, connectors, supports, and boxes at spacing the code and spec require. Labor is the larger component, so productivity rates for bending and installation are applied based on conduit type and field conditions.
Which conduit type should a bid use?
The specification and installation environment decide: EMT for typical dry interior runs, rigid metal where physical protection is needed, PVC for underground or corrosive areas, and flexible conduit for equipment connections. Estimators price the type each location requires rather than defaulting to the cheapest, since substitutions can fail inspection.
Why coordinate conduit and conductor takeoffs?
Conduit must be sized for the wire fill it carries, so the raceway and conductor quantities are interdependent. Estimating them together ensures the specified conduit size accommodates the conductors and required derating. Doing the takeoffs separately risks undersized raceway, fill-code violations, or mismatched quantities that surface as costly changes during installation.
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