PVC vs Metallic Conduits & Trunking
PVC vs Metallic Conduits & Trunking – What You Need to Know
Choosing the right conduit or trunking system is essential for safe, compliant, and efficient cable management. At PLS Electrical, we help landlords, homeowners, and contractors across Chislehurst, Lewisham, Kent, Surrey & Sussex select the best solution for each environment—whether it’s a domestic rewire or an industrial installation.
Types of Metallic Conduits
1. Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC)
- Thick-walled steel, stainless steel, or aluminium
- Excellent impact protection and EMI shielding
- Often used in industrial and commercial buildings
- Can serve as a grounding conductor in short runs
- Galvanised or PVC-coated for corrosion resistance
2. Flexible Metal Conduit
- Thin-walled, spiral-wrapped metal tubing
- Ideal for tight spaces and moving machinery
- Allows easy routing and repositioning
- Can be used for grounding
3. Liquid-Tight Flexible Metal Conduit
- Similar to flexible conduit but with a sealed outer layer
- Protects against moisture, oil, and chemicals
- Common in outdoor or wet environments
4. Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC)
- Thinner than RMC, thicker than EMT
- Combines strength and flexibility
- Suitable for commercial and industrial use
5. Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)
- Lightweight steel tubing
- Easy to bend and install
- Can serve as a grounding path
- Better heat tolerance than PVC
- Used in residential and commercial wiring
6. Rigid PVC Conduit
- Made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Available in Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 wall thicknesses
- Joined using glue or threaded fittings
- Resistant to environmental degradation
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Not fire-resistant—emits toxic fumes when burned
Cable Trunking Systems
Metal Trunking
- Heavy-duty galvanised steel or aluminium
- Excellent protection and fire resistance
- Suitable for industrial and outdoor use
- Available in various sizes and cross-sections
- Requires precise installation and alignment
Plastic Trunking (PVC, UPVC, ABS, Polyamide)
- Lightweight and cost-effective
- Resistant to acids, alkalis, pests, and moisture
- Can be installed under concrete, plaster, or lime
- Available in rigid and flexible formats
- Common in offices, skirting boards, and dado rails
PVC vs Metallic Trunking – Pros & Cons
| Feature | PVC Trunking | Metallic Trunking |
| Cost | ✅ Economical | ❌ More expensive |
| Installation | ✅ Easy to install | ❌ Requires precision |
| Durability | ❌ Prone to cracking | ✅ Highly durable |
| Fire Resistance | ❌ Emits toxic fumes | ✅ Fire-resistant |
| Corrosion Resistance | ✅ Moisture-resistant | ⚠ May corrode in harsh environments |
| Weight | ✅ Lightweight | ❌ Heavier |
Need Help Choosing the Right Conduit or Trunking?
PLS Electrical offers expert advice, installation, and fault finding across Lewisham and surrounding areas. Whether you’re upgrading your consumer unit or designing a commercial system, we’ll help you select the safest and most compliant solution.
📍 Serving Chislehurst, Lewisham, Kent, Surrey & Sussex 📞 02036330009 🌐 www.plselectrical.co.uk 📧 info@plselectrical.co.uk