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When you’re running new wiring or upgrading outdoor fixtures, conduit and housings are the unsung heroes that protect wires from moisture, pests, and mechanical damage. Picking the wrong type can lead to a frustrating redo, premature failure, or code headaches. Think of conduit like the piping system for your electrical “plumbing”: if the pipes are wrong, the flow — and safety — suffer. Choosing the right conduit keeps your home safer, your installation neater, and can save time and money down the line.
There are a handful of common conduit types you’ll see at major US retailers, and each one has strengths. Rigid PVC is cheap and weatherproof, EMT is lightweight and great indoors, flexible liquidtight conduit is perfect where movement or tight bends are needed, and flexible metallic conduit provides a balance between protection and flexibility. Knowing which fits your project is half the battle.
Rigid PVC conduit, often called Schedule 40, is popular for underground or exterior conduit runs because it’s corrosion-resistant and inexpensive. It’s easy to cut with a handsaw and joins with solvent cement or threaded fittings. For many outdoor lighting or irrigation control runs measured in feet, PVC gets the job done without breaking the bank.
EMT is the thin-wall metal conduit you’ll see in basements and garages; it’s light, inexpensive, and fast to install with compression fittings. EMT is ideal when you need metal protection indoors but don’t want the weight or cost of rigid metal conduit. Keep in mind it’s not rated for direct burial unless sleeved in PVC.
Flexible liquidtight conduit is a go-to for runs that require tight bends or must resist moisture, such as connections to outdoor pumps, HVAC condensers, or control panels that sit outside. A common retail example is the Thomas & Betts LTC050 Xtra Flex liquidtight non-metallic conduit in a 50 ft length, which you can find at retailers like Walmart; that 50 ft reel is handy for medium-length runs where flexibility and weather resistance matter most.
Flexible metallic conduit (FMC) and armored cable (MC) give you metal protection with flexibility for appliance and equipment connections. FMC is often used where vibration or movement would damage rigid conduit, while MC combines conductors and armor in one assembly for easy installation in some commercial and residential situations.
If you’re shopping for conduit or housings, several national retailers stock a wide selection and accessories. Each store has strengths, from big-box availability to professional-grade options. I’ll walk through the most common choices so you can decide where to start your search.
Walmart carries consumer-friendly electrical supplies and frequently stocks flexible liquidtight products like the Thomas & Betts LTC050 Xtra Flex 50 ft conduit. For simple yard runs, garage projects, or small remodels, Walmart’s mix of affordable options and one-reel lengths in feet is very convenient — especially if you want a quick in-person pickup or to check fit and flexibility before buying a larger quantity.
Home Depot is a top pick if you want a wide selection that spans DIY to pro-grade. They carry PVC conduit in various diameters and lengths, EMT, flex conduit, and housings for outdoor fixtures. Home Depot also stocks many of the major brands like Southwire, Carlon, and Thomas & Betts, and their in-store associates can help match conduit size to wire gauge for common residential projects measured in feet and inches.
Lowe’s offers a similar assortment to Home Depot, often carrying pre-cut conduit lengths and the fittings you’ll need for a neat installation. If you prefer browsing aisles and comparing brands side-by-side — or need a specialty conduit coupling or weatherproof housing — Lowe’s is a reliable stop for home projects and contractor jobs alike.
For specialty sizes or bulk reels that aren’t on store shelves, Amazon and other online marketplaces can be great. You’ll find long reels measured in feet, brands that cater to contractors, and customer reviews that help you judge durability. Online shopping shines when you need a specific length, diameter, or a less-common housing style shipped to your door.
Grainger is usually where pros go for industrial-grade conduit and approval-listed housings, while Menards combines home improvement options with seasonal promotions. Harbor Freight can be a value play for tools and some conduit accessories, and Ace Hardware is great for localized stocking of common conduit sizes and last-minute fitting needs. Each has a niche: Grainger for specs and approvals, Ace for neighborhood convenience, and Menards for competitive pricing in certain regions.
Picking the correct conduit diameter and length is not mysterious once you know the rules. Conduit sizes are given in trade sizes like 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, and 1 inch, and wire fill capacity is measured by percentages in the National Electrical Code (NEC). Measure your run in feet, add a small allowance for bends and slack, and pick a conduit that keeps the conductor fill under the allowed percentage. If you’re using a common 50 ft reel like the LTC050, plan your run so that you won’t need splices mid-run unless you have approved splice boxes.
For household circuits, 1/2 inch conduit often handles a single cable or a couple of THHN conductors, 3/4 inch is common for multi-wire runs to outdoor panels or subpanels, and 1 inch is used for heavier feeder runs. Always check fill tables and consult local codes — but as a rule of thumb, measure your total wire cross-sectional area in square inches and compare it to the conduit’s capacity.
Conduit is sold in fixed lengths and reels, commonly 5 ft or 10 ft sections for rigid and 50 ft or 100 ft reels for flexible. When planning, add a few extra feet for routing around obstructions and for making clean connections; a 50 ft reel is often perfect for a long exterior run, while pre-cut pipe is easier for short indoor runs.
Good installation habits reduce headaches later. Use the right tools for cutting and deburring, support conduit at regular intervals, and maintain gentle bends where possible. Don’t force wires through over-bent runs, and always use fittings rated for the conduit type and environment.
Flexible conduit needs less formal bending tools than rigid conduit, but you still want to avoid sharp kinks. If a run requires a tight turn, use a longer sweep or a factory-made elbow. Cutting flexible conduit is usually done with a sharp utility knife or conduit cutter; keep your cuts square and deburr if required so wires pull smoothly in feet and inches.
For outdoor connections, use housings and junction boxes rated for wet locations and apply appropriate gaskets or sealant. A weatherproof housing protects connections from rain and insects — and a little silicone at the lid gasket can make a big difference over the years. If you’re using liquidtight flexible conduit, ensure the connectors compress the jacket properly to maintain the seal.
Support conduit at code-required intervals; for example, many flexible conduits need support every 4 ft to 6 ft depending on type and size. Proper strapping prevents sagging that can stress conductors and fittings. Treat support like the backbone of your run — a little extra attention here saves frustration later.
Conduit and housings show up in a surprising number of domestic settings. Outdoor lighting circuits, pool equipment, garage and workshop power, HVAC condensate pumps, security cameras, and new subpanels all commonly use conduit runs. Flexible liquidtight is handy for equipment that vibrates or sits outside, while PVC is often used for buried cable runs to exterior fixtures.
Safety should always be the top priority. Follow the NEC and your local amendments for conduit fill, allowable locations, and the type of conduit permitted underground or in exposed outdoor locations. Use the right fittings and bonding methods for metal conduit to maintain grounding continuity, and always de-energize circuits before working on them. If you’re unsure about a particular installation affecting a main or subpanel, it’s smart to consult a licensed electrician.
Price varies widely by material, brand, and length. A 50 ft reel of flexible liquidtight conduit from a reputable brand will cost more than a few pre-cut rigid PVC pipes, but it saves labor where bends are needed. Compare unit price per foot when buying online or in bulk, and consider the cost of fittings, straps, gland connectors, and weatherproof housings — those extras add up. Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s balance price and availability, while Grainger may cost more per foot but offers industrial-grade options for long-term durability.
Some brand names are worth knowing: Thomas & Betts (now part of ABB) makes contractor-grade liquidtight conduit and fittings; Southwire and Carlon are big in PVC and flexible solutions; Panduit and Allied Moulded specialize in housings and enclosures. If you spot a product like the Thomas & Betts LTC050 Xtra Flex 50 ft reel, you’re looking at a widely used item for flexible, weather-resistant conduit runs. Try to match brand quality to the job — critical outdoor runs deserve premium parts.
Before you purchase, measure the run in feet, list all fittings and lengths required, choose the conduit type based on exposure and flexibility needs, and check code requirements for wire fill and burial depth if the run is underground. Add 10% to 20% extra material for mistakes and unexpected bends — it beats a middle-of-the-night run back to the store.
With the right planning, conduit and housings make electrical work cleaner, safer, and longer lasting. Whether you pick up a 50 ft reel at a big-box store or order a pro-grade reel online, focus on fit, protection, and compatibility with the conductors you plan to pull.
Conclusion: When you invest a little time choosing the right conduit and housings, your electrical project will look better, last longer, and perform safer. Match the conduit type to the environment, buy a slightly longer length than you think you need, and pick reputable brands available at major US retailers to ensure reliability.
| Conduit & Housings | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas & Betts Ltc050 Xtra Flex Liquidtight Non-metallic Conduit 50 Ft Length | $ 165,17 |
