Why are expansion joints important in conduit installations?

Expansion joints are crucial in conduit installations because they are designed to accommodate the movement that occurs due to thermal expansion and contraction of the materials. As temperatures change, the materials that make up the conduit can expand when heated and contract when cooled. If there is no allowance for this movement, it can lead to various issues such as misalignment, cracking, or even catastrophic failures in the conduit system.

The presence of expansion joints enables the conduit to absorb the stresses caused by these temperature fluctuations, maintaining the integrity of the installation and ensuring that the conduit remains functional and safe over time. This is particularly important for long runs of conduit or in environments that experience significant temperature variations, where the potential for thermal movement is greater.