Yes, Rigid Aluminum Conduit meets the UL6A Safety Standard (Steel UL6 Equivalent) and Aluminum EMT meets the UL 797A Safety Standard: Electrical Metallic Tubing – Aluminum & Stainless Steel. Aluminum conduit may be used in virtually all applications.
No, the Aluminum extrusion process used to produce Aluminum conduit, along with the use of recycled Aluminum, provides a lower-cost end product. This, combined with the lighter weight and non-corrosive characteristics of Aluminum conduit, results in a total installed cost savings over galvanized steel conduit.
Absolutely. Because of its lighter weight – 1/3 that of galvanized steel conduit – Aluminum conduit helps make installation faster and easier. Aluminum conduit reduces labor requirements and costs because it’s easier to ship and carry, and also because it makes onsite fabrication (cutting, bending and threading) faster and easier. That means projects get done faster with the same amount or even fewer people.
Yes, Aluminum is one of the most recyclable materials on Earth. Penn Aluminum conduit is produced from recycled Aluminum. In addition, the production process of extruding Aluminum is a much more environmentally sound practice than galvanizing steel. Aluminum jobsite scrap also maintains recycling monetary value.
Yes. Every product we manufacture, including our Rigid Aluminum Conduit and Aluminum EMT, is proudly made in America’s heartland in Murphysboro, Illinois. We even source our raw Aluminum billet from US domestic producers. That’s why all of our conduit products are fully compliant with the Buy American Act.
At Penn Aluminum, quality is our number one priority. We’ve invested in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment to ensure consistency and reliability, and we also maintain a program of continuous improvement, which helped us earn our ISO/IATF 16949 certification. That combination allows us to produce the finest quality Aluminum products available anywhere.
Aluminum is a naturally non-corrosive metal. When Aluminum oxidizes, a thin layer of protective coating is produced that stops corrosion. When steel oxidizes, it causes rust. That’s why Aluminum conduit provides outstanding wiring protection in most applications where water or other corrosive elements are present.
Definitely. Working with Aluminum conduit is far safer than steel conduit because of its significantly lighter weight. So, injuries can be reduced, particularly those resulting from lifting and carrying heavy weight, as well as drop-related injuries. Lifting and carrying less weight also means less fatigue for workers, which is one of the most common causes of injury.
Yes, using the same cutting equipment as steel conduit, Aluminum conduit offers efficient and rapid cuts, while also allowing tooling to last longer.
Yes, Penn Aluminum EMT is produced using processes to improve the bending characteristics for consistent and easy bending in the fab shop or at the jobsite. Standard EMT bending equipment may be used. We recommend maintaining consistent foot pressure when using hand benders and to use the arm as a guide only. Penn Aluminum EMT requires less force to bend than galvanized steel EMT.
Yes, as referenced in the National Electrical Code Handbook, 2017 Edition, Section 358.14 and UL514B, galvanized steel and zinc die cast fittings are permitted to be used with Aluminum EMT when not subjected to severe corrosive environments.
It is recommended that round fiberglass fish tape be utilized for smaller wire bundle sizes. Polypropylene rope may be considered for larger bundle pulls.
Penn Rigid Aluminum Conduit is the most durable type of Aluminum conduit, making it a good choice for demanding industrial and heavy commercial electrical raceway applications. Aluminum EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) has thinner walls and is lighter weight, offering easy handling and installation in a wide range of commercial applications. Both provide significant advantages over comparable steel conduit products.
Penn Rigid Aluminum Conduit is available in standard trade sizes of 1/2″ through 6″. Our Aluminum EMT is available in standard trade sizes of 1/2″ through 4″. Our Rigid Aluminum Couplings are available in all of our Rigid Aluminum Conduit sizes – trade sizes 1/2″ through 6″.