IMC, also known as Intermediate Metal Conduits, is the name given to a rigid steel electrical conduit that has been designed for strong connections and for use in exterior locations. It was specifically designed in order to provide protection for cables and insulated electrical conductors. 

IMC conduits perform the same function as rigid metal conduits but weigh almost a third less. The utilization of IMC conduits wherever possible can nearly remove any necessity to use heavier-walled conduits. 

IMC Conduits – The Facts

The exterior of an IMC conduit comes with a hot galvanized coating with the inside featuring a special coating that is resistant to corrosion and has the effect of extending the lifespan of the conduit. 

The size of these conduits ranges from half an inch in diameter to as much as four inches and comes in ten foot lengths either threaded or unthreaded. 

Threaded couplings join an IMC conduit to make certain that connections are both secure and safe. Pipe wrenches or big pliers will generally be required during the installation process, and the pipe’s interior side will have to be filed to ensure any sharp burrs that could damage the wire’s outer coating are removed before it is pulled through the IMC. 

After it has been cut the IMC conduit can then be threaded on that end, enabling the user to create a conduit of any required length. 

Why use IMC Conduits?

IMC has a number of advantages in comparison to rigid metal conduits. As well as the lighter weight, IMC also comes with a bigger interior diameter and the pipe’s interior is smoother, making it much easier for wires to be pulled through it. 

IMC is approved for use in all of the same applications as is the case with rigid metal conduits, which is why the latter has been replaced by IMC in a number of both commercial and residential applications. 

Although IMC is often compared with rigid metal conduits, its weight actually puts it somewhere those and electrical metallic conduits, which are often used for the purposes of branch circuit wiring both in commercial buildings and in residential homes. These conduits are always unthreaded and are not intended for strong connections in the same way as IMC and rigid metal conduits, being more usually used in residential properties. 

Where are IMC conduits used?

IMC can be used in the same places as rigid metal conduits, including both indoors and in a number of outdoor applications such as panel connections and service masts. For your area’s particular requirements you will need to check with the local building authority as well as the power company. 

IMC conduits are also available in a number of different sizes in order to be able to meet all your conduit requirements. It is important to keep in mind that the accessories that may be necessary to finish the project should be included, which can include the likes of threaded couplings, regular or self-sealing bushings and locknuts.