Choosing the Right Conduit for Your Application

When it comes to cable protection, choosing the right conduit is critical—not only for compliance with standards, but also for ensuring long-term performance, safety, and ease of installation. At HP Profiles, we manufacture a range of conduit types designed to suit a variety of installation environments. But with different materials, ratings, and colours available, how do you know which one is right for the job?

Here’s a breakdown to help you make the best choice.

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‍Material Matters: PVC vs. PP vs. Halogen-Free

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Our most commonly used material, PVC conduit is a versatile all-rounder. It's durable, cost-effective, and resistant to corrosion and chemicals, making it ideal for general electrical installations in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Best for:

• Indoor and outdoor use
• General construction
• Underground installations (when appropriately rated)

PP (Polypropylene)

Polypropylene conduits offer enhanced flexibility and better resistance to high temperatures. PP is also less brittle in cold environments and often preferred in situations where movement or vibration is expected.

Best for:

• Installations in tight or mobile environments
• Industrial machinery wiring
• High-temperature areas

Halogen-Free (LSHF) Conduit

Halogen-free conduit is designed for installations where fire safety is critical. In the event of a fire, it emits significantly less smoke and no toxic halogen gases, helping to protect both people and equipment.

Best for:

• Public buildings (hospitals, schools, transport hubs)
• Data centres
• Enclosed or poorly ventilated areas

Understanding Duty Ratings: 320Nt, 750Nt, 1250Nt

The duty rating of a conduit refers to its resistance to compression and impact. It’s important to match this with the mechanical stress expected in the application.

• 320Nt – Light Duty:
  Suitable for protected environments where minimal stress is expected, such as wall cavities or ceiling spaces.
• 750Nt – Medium Duty:
  A solid all-round option for most standard installations, including conduit laid in walls or slabs.
• 1250Nt – Heavy Duty:
  Designed to withstand tough conditions such as underground installations, exposed outdoor use, or industrial environments with risk of impact or crushing.

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