How to Connect Flexible Electrical Conduit

A flexible electrical conduit can be very useful and easy to work with. There are a variety of situations in which it is prudent to use a flexible electrical conduit instead of a rigid electrical conduit. With flexible conduits, you trade off the better protection of the rigid conduit for ease of use and the ability to fit into tight places that a rigid conduit does not offer. These flexible conduit systems can come in a variety of materials, from plastic hosing to a braided metal tube. Their main aspect is that they are both flexible and strong and can protect wiring around tough bends and in hard to reach places. There are a variety of fast, reliable connectors on the market today for connecting a flexible electrical conduit into electrical boxes.

Step 1 - Check Your Conduit Size

Flexible electrical conduits come in many sizes and varieties. Make sure when you purchase your connector that it is made appropriately to fit the size and type of conduit that you have. Most flexible electrical conduits come in either 3/8 inch or ½ inch in diameter, although they can be much bigger for industrial applications. As mentioned before, you will have a variety of choices in the type and material of your conduit. Just make sure that you choose the type and size of the conduit that you feel is correct for the job you are doing and make sure that you buy connectors that match.

Step 2 - Check the Knockout Hole Size

A knockout hole on an electrical box is a partially stamped opening in the electrical box that can be popped out to allow quick access for wires or quick attachment of a conduit connector. Like the flexible electrical conduit, knockout holes can be one of a few standard sizes. Like the conduit, they are most commonly 3/8 inch to ½ inch in diameter. You must make sure you purchase the correct sized connector to connect your conduit to your electrical box.

Step 3 - Attach Connector into Conduit

You will find that one end of your conduit connector is made to be inserted into your flexible electrical conduit. These connectors attach to conduits in several ways. Most commonly they are threaded and will screw into the conduit, or often, they may have a squeeze connector that utilizes a screw to tighten onto a conduit line. You simply insert the connector until the conduit is firmly in place and then use a screwdriver to tighten the screw. As the screw tightens, a metal band will tighten around the fitting and hold the connector firmly in place.

Step 4 - Snap Connector into Knockout Hole

Once you have the connector attached securely to the end of the flexible electrical conduit, it is time to attach the connector to your electrical box. First, you need to punch out the desired knockout hole on the electrical box. To do this, simply use a screwdriver to pop out the metal disc filling the space for the connector. Once your knockout hole is prepared, it is a matter of simply snapping the connector in place inside the knockout hole.