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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Fixed Type Conduit Fitting

Author: Daisy

Apr. 29, 2024

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EMT Conduit Fittings: The DIYers Ultimate Guide

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Fixed Type Conduit Fitting.

Structural Pipe Fittings is the Way

Like the code and ideals of a Mandalorian, Structural pipe fittings is the way for us DIYers. They are designed to make the building process straightforward and accessible to individuals regardless of their skill level in construction or DIY projects. Here’s why they represent the easiest way to build:

1. No Specialized Skills Required:

Unlike traditional construction that may require welding, cutting, or threading, structural pipe fittings are designed for simple, bolt-together construction. This means anyone can use them effectively with minimal training or experience.

2. Versatile and Reconfigurable:

These fittings are highly adaptable. They can be used to build a wide variety of structures, from furniture to storage solutions to garden setups. Plus, if you make a mistake or want to change your design, you can easily disassemble and reconfigure the parts.

3. Strong and Durable Connections:

The fittings create strong joints that can handle significant weight and stress, making them suitable for both light- and heavy-duty applications. The reliability of the connection is as robust as traditional methods.

4. No Need for Complex Tools:

Most structural pipe fittings can be tightened and secured with simple hand tools like an Allen wrench or a T-handle wrench. There’s no need for power tools or expensive equipment.

5. Time-Saving:

Because they are so easy to work with, structural pipe fittings greatly reduce the time it takes to assemble a project. You can go from concept to completion much faster than with traditional construction methods.

6. Accessible and Easy to Source:

Structural pipe fittings are widely available in hardware stores or through online shop like tinktube. This availability makes it easy to start a project quickly without long lead times for materials.

7. Aesthetically Pleasing:

With a range of styles and finishes, structural pipe fittings not only provide strength and functionality but can also add an industrial or modern aesthetic to your project.

8. Expandable and Modular:

As your needs grow or change, structures built with pipe fittings can be easily expanded or modified. This modularity ensures that your project can evolve over time without the need for complete reconstruction.

Using structural pipe fittings, virtually anyone can undertake a DIY project with confidence, knowing that they can achieve professional results with ease. Whether it’s for a custom desk, a shelving unit, or an art installation, structural pipe fittings provide an accessible pathway to turning your ideas into reality.

Get inspired by our community projects with our EMT Structural Pipe Fittings

Here is a list of applications and projects using EMT or tinktube structural pipe fittings which can be used to build a variety of DIY structures. 

Structural Pipe T-Connector

The T-Connector is one of the most used connector. Ideal for joining two tubes to make a perpendicular connection. A must-have for all your structures.

HJ-1 Connector Set

Getting Started with the T-Connector

3-Way Cross Joint

This fitting is used where three tubes meet at the same point, but not necessarily at the same angle, allowing for a T-structure with an additional connecting point on the same plane or at a right angle​​.

HJ-2K Connector set

4-Way Cross Joint

Useful when you need to connect four tubes at a single point, providing stability and options for multi-level or multi-axis structures, such as shelving units or complex framework​​.

HJ-3 Connector Set

5-Way Cross Joint

When you have a need to connect five tubes at one point, which can be central to creating complex multi-plane structures or bases for objects like lamps or stands​​.

HJ-5 Connector Set

90 degree Structural Elbow Pipe Connector

These are used to connect two tubes at a right angle and are essential for frames, legs, or any structure that requires a sharp bend​​.

HJ-90 Connector Set

45 degree Fix Angle Joint

Suitable for creating angled connections between tubes, which can be useful for bracing or for structures that require a slope, like a bike rack or an angled stand​​ like a solar panel support.

HJ-17 Connector Set

Flat Clamp Connector

Allows you to attach a tube to a flat surface, which could be used for mounting a structure to a wall or joining a pipe to a flat base​​.

HJ-15 Connector Set

Pivot T-Connector

Gives the ability to create adjustable angles between tubes, adding versatility to structures that may need to change angles or be collapsible​​. Adjustable from 0 degrees up to 180 degrees, this connector is very versatile.

For more information, please visit rotating type conduit fitting china.

HJ-6 Connector Set

Flat Anchor Connector

Can be used to anchor a structure to the floor or another flat surface, providing a stable base for things like outdoor fixtures or furniture​​.

HJ-9 Connector Set

Why use tinktube connectors?

Flexibility! We have created many connectors, available in a black or chrome finish, that will enable you to build just about any DIY construction project. 

Ease! Even though they were designed to assemble tinktube tubes, our connectors can also be used to assemble 3/4″ EMT conduit, thanks to the EMT adapter. There is no discrimination here! Just select “For 3/4″ EMT conduits” option on a connector or accessory product page before adding it to your cart.

Budget-friendly options! Our EMT conduit-compatible connectors can be used to build any project, without having to mortgage your home. As our connectors are very affordable, they’ll save you from having to go through the family’s board of directors before carrying out your DIY project!

Choosing between classic EMT conduit fittings and tinktube’s structural pipe fittings boils down to the scope and requirements of your DIY project. 

Still deciding which fittings you need?

If your project demands cost-effectiveness and straightforward, linear or angular structures, such as simple frames or supports, classic EMT fittings might be the ideal choice due to their affordability and wide availability. These are particularly suitable for projects that do not require frequent reconfiguration or complex designs.

On the other hand, if your project is more complex, requires high customization, or if you desire a more modern aesthetic with the flexibility to reconfigure, tinktube’s structural fittings would be more advantageous.

They are designed for ease of assembly and structural integrity, accommodating a wide range of designs from furniture to elaborate frameworks. The initial investment might be higher compared to classic EMT fittings, but the ease of use, time savings, and versatility can justify the extra cost, especially for multi-functional or dynamic DIY projects.

Conduit Fittings FAQs and Buying Guide

Electrical conduit fittings including connectors, adapters and couplings allow for quick and easy RTRC installations. 

Sizing

There are many lightweight fitting types available for both IPS (iron pipe size) and ID (inside diameter) type conduit in a variety of sizes, including:

  • Standard Wall (SW), thickness .070″ 
  • Medium Wall (MW), thickness .096″ 
  • Heavy Wall (HW), thickness .110″ 
  • Extra Heavy Wall (XW), thickness .250”

Customization

All Champion Fiberglass® fittings come standard in black and gray but can be completed with custom colors upon request.  

Quality

Champion Fiberglass fittings are certified and manufactured in compliance with: 

  • UL 2420 (Below Ground) listed 
  • UL 2515 (Above Ground) listed 
  • ISO 9001:2015 Certified 
  • ISO 14001:2015 Certified 
  • ISO 45001:2018 Certified

Types of Conduit Fittings

Box Connector

A box connector creates a separable termination into a box. This connector has straight threads (NPS) and is supplied with a locknut; a sealing O-ring may also be used. Box connectors are available with or without an internal gasket. 

What sizes of straight thread box connectors are available?

Champion Fiberglass box connectors are available in trade sizes 3/4” to 6” for use above and below ground. For more information please refer to the Champion Fiberglass Duct catalog. 

Male Adapters

Male adapters with tapered threads (NPT) are generally used for joining to female threads of rigid steel, Myers-type hubs or terminating into precast iron boxes with female thread entrances. Special adapters for PVC-coated fittings are also available with tapered threads and a straight shoulder so that they can fit under the PVC sleeve of a PVC-coated steel fitting. 

What sizes of male adapters are available?

Champion Fiberglass male adapters are available with or without a gasket in trade sizes 3/4” to 6” for use above and below ground. For more information please refer to the Champion Fiberglass Duct catalog. 

Female Adapters

Female adapters are generally used for joining fiberglass conduit with galvanized rigid steel (GRS) conduit. They have the same threads as GRS conduit and can easily be attached to GRS conduit.

What sizes of female adapters are available?

Champion Fiberglass female adapters are available with or without a gasket in trade sizes 3/4” to 6” for use above and below ground. For more information please refer to the Champion Fiberglass Duct catalog. 

Conduit Couplings

Champion Fiberglass manufactures a variety of coupling types including:

  • Sleeve couplings (with or without gasket)
  • Stop couplings (with or without gasket)
  • 5° double bell couplings (with or without gasket)
  • Custom angle double bell couplings (with or without gasket)
Expansion Joint Fittings

Expansion joints are required when the duct is longer than 50 feet. For duct between 50 feet to 200 feet, one expansion joint should be installed at the midpoint. For duct longer than 200 feet, one expansion joint should be installed every 200 feet apart. Champion Fiberglass manufactures the following duct expansion joint types:

  • Single Expansion Joint Socket X Spigot (with or without O-ring)
  • Single Expansion Joint Socket X Socket (with or without O-ring)
  • Double Expansion Joint (with or without O-ring)
  • Alignment/Expansion Fittings (also known as expansion/deflection joints)
End Bells

End bells are used for creating a permanent termination into a box and have a smooth surface that the cable can be pulled over. Champion Fiberglass end bells are available with or without the gasket.

What sizes of fiberglass end caps are available?

Champion Fiberglass end caps are available in trade sizes 3/4” to 6” for use above and below ground. For more information please refer to the Champion Fiberglass Duct catalog. 

Split Anchor Rings 

Split anchor rings are always supplied in pairs and are used for above-ground installations in order to create fixed points. The split anchor rings are placed around the hanger closest to the midpoint between two expansion joints. One pair of split anchor rings is placed on each side of the hanger. The split anchor rings are bonded with epoxy adhesive to the outside of the conduit. The hanger where split anchor rings are used is called an anchor hanger and is normally braced.

What sizes of split anchor rings are available?

Champion Fiberglass split anchor rings are available in trade sizes 3/4” to 6”. For more information please refer to the Bridge Hangers section of the Champion Fiberglass Duct catalog. 

Thermoplastic Plugs

Thermoplastic plugs are lightweight plastic plugs that “press-fit” into the conduit or elbow ends to keep out debris.

Slip Collars

Slip collars allow unrestricted expansion/contraction movement of RTRC conduit while still providing proper support to the conduit system. The slip collars eliminate the expansion/contraction binding that naturally occurs in traditional pipe clamp installations. Champion Fiberglass slip collars can be used with steel or fiberglass pipe clamps and are available in heavy-duty wall thickness to allow for considerable pipe clamp tightening without any force transfer to conduit.

Split Duct

When the cable cannot be removed for field repairs, Champion Fiberglass offers split duct conduit. The duct is split lengthwise in two halves, making installation easier. The duct is then joined by using thermoplastic H-strips. Cable ties are applied every 2–3 feet for securing the duct. Champion Fiberglass also offers elbows and fittings in split configuration. 

Reducing Adapters

Reducing adapters are used to reduce between different diameters of conduit. They are available in a wide variety of sizes from 3/4” to 1/2” reducers to 6” to 5” reducers. 

Transition Adapters

Transition adapters are used to transition from fiberglass to PVC SCH 40/80. They are available in a wide variety of sizes including 3/4” to 8”.

Wobble Couplings 

Wobble couplings are used for minor vertical and horizontal offsets for above-ground installations.

For more information on any of the fittings types mentioned above please refer to your local Rep, Contact Us or refer to the Champion Fiberglass Duct catalog. 

The company is the world’s best Flexible Metal Conduits supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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