Electrical Wiring & Circuitry

BUTTON What Is Intermediate Metal (IMC) Conduit? BUTTON

Strong But Lighter Rigid Conduit

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BY TIMOTHY THIELE Updated 01/29/17

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Intermediate metal conduit, or IMC, is a rigid steel electrical conduit designed for
outdoor exposure and strong connections. It was designed specifically to protect
insulated electrical conductors and cables. It does the work of a similar metal
conduit, rigid metal conduit (RMC), but weighs about a third less. By utilizing IMC
in any areas allowed, you can all but eliminate the need for a heavier-wall
conduit.

IMC Conduit Basics

IMC conduit is coated with a hot galvanized coating on the exterior and a special
corrosive-resistant coating on the inside to extend the conduits
lifespan. Common conduit sizes range from to 4. It is sold in 10-foot lengths,
with or without threaded ends. IMC was originally introduced by Allied Tube &
Conduit Corporation. It is manufactured in accordance with UL (formerly
Underwriters Laboratories) safety standard 1242 and ANSI C80.6. The National
Electrical Code book has a specific article about IMC, article 342.

IMC conduit is joined with threaded couplings for safe and secure connections.
These often require large pliers or pipe wrenches for installation. IMC can be cut
with pipe cutters or band saws, but you must file the interior side of the pipe to
be sure the burr doesn't damage the outer coating of the wire as it is being
pulled into the conduit. Once cut, the conduit can be threaded on the cut end,
allowing the user to make whatever lengths are needed.

IMC vs. RMC

In addition to its lighter weight, IMC offers some other advantages over RMC. It
has a larger interior diameter than RMC, and the smoother interior of the pipe
allows for easier wire pulling through the conduit. Allied Tube & Conduit
Corporation has done extensive studies on conduit strength and reliability of
IMC.

On this product data sheet, they outline the testing and guidelines of their
product in making it a viable alternative to RMC. If you have any question of
whether this conduit can stand up to RMC or exceed it, this article paints a
pretty good picture of IMCs strength and reliability.

IMC vs. EMT

IMC is compared to RMC, but regarding weight, it lies between RMC and EMT, or
electrical metallic conduit. EMT is commonly used for branch circuit wiring in
homes (where the wiring runs are exposed) and in commercial buildings. EMT is
never threaded and is not designed for strong connections like IMC and RMC. In
residential wiring, IMC is usually limited to service entrance assemblies and
exposed runs to and from exterior service panels, but otherwise, EMT is the
standard for household installation.

IMC Applications
IMC is allowed anywhere RMC is used, particularly for residential wiring. This
may include service masts, panel connections, and other outdoor applications.
Always check with the power company and the local building authority for
specific requirements in your area.

Don't Forget the Fittings

IMC conduit comes in a variety of sizes to fill your conduit needs. Remember to
include the accessories that you may need to complete the project.

Threaded couplings, locknuts, whether regular or self-sealing and bushings, are

all on this list.

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