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Electrical Conduit Types Explained: KBG, JDG, SC, EMT, IMC
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Electrical Conduit Types Explained: KBG, JDG, SC, EMT, IMC
KBG, JDG, SC, EMT and IMC are all steel electrical conduit, but they come from two naming systems and differ in wall thickness, how they join, and where they are allowed. KBG, JDG and SC are the names used in Chinese standards and projects. EMT and IMC are North American types. In short: KBG, JDG and EMT are thin-wall conduit for dry indoor routes, IMC and SC are heavier conduit with threaded joints for tougher locations, and the right choice depends on your project's standard, environment and need for mechanical protection. This guide explains each type, how they compare, and how to specify them when you order.
Quick Comparison
Type | Naming system | Wall | Joining method | Typical use |
KBG | Chinese | Thin | Snap-press (compression) fittings | Concealed or exposed indoor routes, dry locations |
JDG | Chinese | Thin | Set-screw fittings | Concealed or exposed indoor routes, dry locations |
SC | Chinese | Thick | Threaded, or welded in some applications | Outdoor, buried, and mechanically exposed routes |
EMT | North American | Thin | Set-screw or compression fittings | Exposed and concealed indoor routes |
IMC | North American | Medium | Threaded | Indoor and outdoor routes needing more protection than EMT |
The Two Naming Systems
Much of the confusion comes from the fact that the same job has different names in different markets. KBG, JDG and SC are Chinese designations, common on projects in China and on export projects that follow Chinese practice. EMT and IMC are North American designations, defined in US standards and used across North America and wherever those codes are adopted. Rigid metal conduit (RMC) is the heavy-wall North American type that sits above IMC, and it is the closest counterpart to SC. The types are not exact equivalents, so check the standard named in your specification instead of swapping names.
KBG Conduit
KBG is thin-wall steel conduit joined with snap-press (compression) fittings. The fitting is pressed onto the pipe, which locks it in place without threading. It is quick to install and suits dry indoor routes, both exposed on surfaces and concealed in walls and ceilings.
Choose it when
- The route is indoors and dry
- You want fast installation without threading
- Light mechanical protection is enough
Think twice when
- The route is outdoors, buried, or exposed to impact
- The location is damp, unless the fittings are made for it
JDG Conduit
JDG is also thin-wall steel conduit, but it is joined with set-screw fittings, where a screw tightens onto the pipe. Its uses are close to KBG: dry indoor routes, concealed or exposed. The main practical difference is the fitting. Set-screw joints are quick to make and easy to inspect, but they are not sealed against water by themselves.
Choose it when
- The route is indoors and dry
- Your project specifies set-screw fittings
- You want joints that are easy to inspect
Think twice when
- Water may reach the joints, since set-screw joints do not seal on their own
- The conduit will be exposed to heavy mechanical impact
SC Conduit
SC is thick-wall steel conduit, generally joined by threading. The heavier wall gives much better mechanical protection, so it is the usual choice for outdoor routes, buried routes, and places where the conduit could be struck or crushed. Threaded joints also give a stronger and more tightly closed connection than snap-press or set-screw joints, and a sealing compound or gasket can be added where the route needs it. The trade-offs are weight, installation time, and cost.
Choose it when
- The route is outdoors, buried, or exposed to impact
- You need strong mechanical protection
- Joints must be tight and secure
Think twice when
- The route is indoor and dry, where a thin-wall type is enough and costs less
- Installation time and weight are a concern
EMT Conduit
EMT, short for electrical metallic tubing, is thin-wall steel conduit from the North American system. It is joined with set-screw or compression fittings and is not threaded. It is widely used indoors, both exposed and concealed, and is the closest North American counterpart to KBG and JDG. Because the wall is thin, it gives less mechanical protection than IMC or RMC, and where it may be used is set by the electrical code that applies to your project.
Choose it when
- Your project follows a North American specification
- The route is indoors and does not need heavy protection
- You want light, easy-to-bend conduit
Think twice when
- The route may be struck or crushed
- The conduit will be buried or in a wet location, unless the code and the fittings allow it
IMC Conduit
IMC, short for intermediate metal conduit, is a threaded steel conduit with a wall thicker than EMT but lighter than RMC. It is used where more protection than EMT is needed, indoors and outdoors, and its threaded joints give a firm connection. It is often chosen as a lighter alternative to RMC where the code allows it.
Choose it when
- Your project follows a North American specification
- You need more protection than EMT without the weight of RMC
- The route is exposed, indoors or outdoors
Think twice when
- The route is indoor and dry, where EMT is usually enough
- The specification calls for RMC
How to Choose: 5 Questions
- Which standard does the project follow?
- Is the route indoors and dry, or outdoors, damp or buried?
- Could the conduit be struck or crushed?
- How will it be joined?
- Which fittings are needed?
Finish and Material
Most of these conduits are made of carbon steel with a zinc coating. The type of zinc finish matters outdoors and in damp areas, because the coating is what protects the steel from rust. Tell us the environment and we will recommend a suitable finish. For routes that must keep water out, the joints and fittings matter as much as the pipe, so confirm the sealing method when you order.
What to Specify When You Order
- The conduit type and the standard it must meet
- The nominal size and wall thickness
- The length of each pipe and the total quantity
- The finish, such as pre-galvanized or hot-dip galvanized, and the coating requirement
- The fittings and boxes needed, and the joining method
- The test reports or documents needed with the shipment
Conclusion
KBG, JDG, SC, EMT and IMC cover a range from light thin-wall conduit for dry indoor routes to heavy threaded conduit for harsh locations. Match the type to the standard your project follows, then to the environment, the mechanical risk, and the joining method. Many projects use more than one type, with thin-wall conduit inside and a heavier type outdoors or where it can be struck. Final selection should follow your project specification and the applicable standards.
FAQ
What is the difference between KBG and JDG conduit?
Both are thin-wall steel conduit for dry indoor routes. The main difference is how they are joined: KBG uses snap-press (compression) fittings, and JDG uses set-screw fittings. Which one you use usually depends on the project specification and local practice.
Is EMT the same as JDG?
They are similar, but not identical. Both are thin-wall steel conduit joined by fittings, not threads, and both are used mainly indoors. EMT is a North American type, and JDG is a Chinese one, so they follow different standards. Check which standard your project requires before substituting one for the other.
Which conduit type is best for outdoor use?
Heavier, threaded types such as SC, IMC or RMC are the usual choices outdoors, because the thicker wall and the tight threaded joints give better protection. The finish and the sealing of the joints also matter, so confirm them with the specification.
Not sure which conduit type fits your project? Browse our GI conduit range, or email admin@wananelectric.com with your standard, environment, size, and quantity, and our team will recommend a type and finish.
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Shenzhen Wanan Industrial Co., Ltd. is a China-based manufacturer of Cable Tray Systems and GI Electrical Conduits, established in 2004.
We manufacture perforated cable trays, cable ladders, cable trunking, galvanized and ZAM cable trays, and EMT, IMC and rigid steel conduits. With 22+ years of manufacturing experience, we provide factory-direct supply, OEM/ODM customization, and technical support for EPC contractors, MEP contractors, distributors, and industrial projects worldwide.
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