Raceway vs. Conduit — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 27, 2024
Raceway is a broad term for enclosed channels designed to protect and manage wires and cables, while conduit specifically refers to tube-like structures used for the same purpose.
Difference Between Raceway and Conduit
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Raceway encompasses a variety of enclosed channels, including conduits, ducts, and troughs, designed to protect and securely house electrical wires and cables. It serves as a general term for any pathway that electrical wiring can follow within a building or structure. Conduit, on the other hand, is a specific type of raceway, typically cylindrical in shape, made from metal, plastic, or fiber, and used to protect and route electrical wiring through walls, floors, and ceilings.
While raceways can be of various forms and materials, providing a wide range of solutions for cable management and protection in different environments, conduits are known for their rigidity and are often used where wires need to be protected from damage or environmental factors. Conduits are a choice for applications requiring a high degree of protection and durability, whereas other types of raceways, like wireways or ducts, might be selected for easier access or for accommodating a larger number of cables.
The installation of raceways, including conduits, is governed by regulations and codes to ensure safety and efficiency. These codes specify the types of raceways and conduits that can be used in different scenarios, such as hazardous environments or residential buildings. This highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate type of raceway for specific electrical wiring needs.
One key difference between the broader category of raceways and conduits is the flexibility offered. Some raceways, such as cable trays and baskets, provide more flexibility for installing and removing cables. In contrast, conduits, particularly rigid types, offer less flexibility but greater protection. This makes conduits ideal for permanent installations where cables are unlikely to be changed or updated frequently.
While all conduits are raceways, not all raceways are conduits. The choice between using a specific conduit or another type of raceway depends on the requirements of the electrical installation, including the level of protection needed, the environment, and the potential for future changes to the wiring system.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Broad term for enclosed channels that protect and manage wires and cables.
Specific type of raceway, typically a tube-like structure for protecting and routing wires.
Types
Includes conduits, ducts, troughs, and more.
Types include rigid metal conduit (RMC), electrical non-metallic tubing (ENT), and others.
Materials
Can be made of metal, plastic, fiber, or other materials.
Commonly made from metal, PVC, or fiberglass.
Flexibility
Varies by type; some offer easy access and flexibility for cable management.
Ranges from rigid to flexible, with specific types suited for different needs.
Protection Level
Depends on the type of raceway; some offer higher protection than others.
Generally offers a high degree of protection against physical damage and environmental factors.
Usage
Used for a wide range of cable management and protection needs.
Used where high protection and durability are required, such as in walls and hazardous areas.
Installation Codes
Governed by regulations and codes to ensure safety and efficiency.
Must comply with specific codes, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC), for installation.
Compare with Definitions
Raceway
Enclosed channels that provide a path for electrical wiring.
Raceways were used throughout the building to manage and protect the wiring.
Conduit
Offers high protection against physical and environmental damage.
The outdoor wiring was encased in conduit to protect against weather.
Raceway
Can be flexible or rigid, accommodating various installation needs.
Flexible raceways made it easier to navigate cables around corners.
Conduit
A tube or trough for protecting electrical wiring.
Conduit was installed under the floor to route the electrical wires safely.
Raceway
Designed to facilitate safe and organized cable management.
Using raceways, the data center organized thousands of cables efficiently.
Conduit
Can be rigid or flexible, depending on the application.
Flexible conduit allowed for easy installation in tight spaces.
Raceway
A protective covering for electrical wires and cables.
The electrician installed a raceway along the wall to conceal the cables.
Conduit
Made from materials like PVC, metal, or fiberglass.
PVC conduit is popular for its ease of installation and corrosion resistance.
Raceway
Available in different materials and sizes for diverse applications.
Metal raceways were chosen for their durability and fire resistance.
Conduit
Used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Rigid metal conduit was used in the industrial plant for extra protection.
Raceway
A water channel, especially an artificial one of running water in which fish are reared.
Conduit
A channel for conveying water or other fluid
Nearby springs supplied the conduit which ran into the brewery
Raceway
A track for trotting, pacing, or harness racing.
Conduit
A tube or trough for protecting electric wiring
The gas pipe should not be close to any electrical conduit
The cable must be protected by conduit
Raceway
A course or track for racing, especially harness racing.
Conduit
A pipe or channel for conveying fluids, such as water.
Raceway
A tube that encloses and protects electric wires.
Conduit
A tube or duct for enclosing electric wires or cable.
Raceway
See race2.
Conduit
A means by which something is transmitted
An arms dealer who served as a conduit for intelligence data.
Raceway
A place where races are held; a racetrack.
Conduit
(Archaic) A fountain.
Raceway
An easily-accessible conduit or tray for organizing runs of data or power cabling.
Conduit
A pipe or channel for conveying water etc.
Raceway
The canal for the current that drives a water wheel.
Conduit
A duct or tube into which electrical cables may be pulled; a type of raceway.
Raceway
A canal for a current of water
Conduit
(figurative) A means by which something is transmitted.
The medium considered herself a conduit for messages from the spirit world.
Raceway
A course over which races are run
Conduit
(finance) An investment vehicle that issues short-term commercial paper to finance long-term off-balance sheet bank assets.
Conduit
A structure forming a reservoir for water.
Conduit
A narrow passage for private communication.
Conduit
A passage (a pipe or tunnel) through which water or electric wires can pass;
The computers were connected through a system of conduits
Common Curiosities
What is the main purpose of a raceway?
The main purpose of a raceway is to protect and manage electrical wires and cables, ensuring they are organized and safe from damage.
Are there regulations that govern the use of raceways and conduits?
Yes, the installation of raceways and conduits is governed by national and local codes, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC), to ensure safety and efficiency.
Can raceways be used for non-electrical purposes?
While primarily used for electrical wiring, raceways can also manage other types of cables, such as telecommunications or data networking cables.
How does the choice of material affect the performance of conduits and raceways?
The material affects durability, flexibility, resistance to environmental factors, and suitability for specific types of installations.
How does one maintain raceways and conduits?
Maintenance involves regular inspections for damage, ensuring they are not overloaded, and keeping them free from obstructions.
How does conduit differ from other types of raceways?
Conduit is a specific type of raceway designed as a tube-like structure, known for its rigidity and high level of protection, differing from other raceways that may offer more flexibility or access.
What factors should be considered when choosing between conduit and other raceways?
Factors include the level of protection needed, the environment (indoor vs. outdoor), potential for future cable changes, and compliance with codes and regulations.
Can raceways or conduits be installed in any type of building?
Yes, but the choice of raceway or conduit must comply with building codes and be suitable for the building’s construction and use.
Is it possible to retrofit a building with raceways or conduits?
Yes, buildings can be retrofitted, but it requires careful planning to meet safety standards and minimize disruption.
Can conduits be buried underground?
Yes, certain types of conduit are designed for direct burial, offering protection against moisture and soil conditions.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
