When selecting electrical conduit elbows, both metallic and nonmetallic options are available, with galvanized rigid steel conduit (GRC) and fiberglass (reinforced thermosetting resin conduit, or RTRC) among the most common. While steel has long been the standard in industrial environments due to its durability, advancements in materials have made fiberglass an increasingly attractive alternative—offering reliable performance along with cost and handling advantages.
Why Fiberglass Is Gaining Ground
Steel was once the default choice in demanding applications for its strength and protection. However, its heavy weight and difficulty in the field often created challenges, especially when large quantities of conduit and elbows were involved. Today, fiberglass conduit provides a compelling solution that addresses many of those challenges:
- Comparable strength without burn-through
- Lighter weight for easier handling
- Significant savings in material, labor and shipping
In fact, contractors switching from GRC to fiberglass for high-volume applications—such as data centers or utility installations—can reduce project costs by nearly 80%. Here’s an estimate based on 100 feet of 6-inch medium wall conduit:
| GRC | Fiberglass | |
| Materials | $5,267 | $1,148 |
| Installation | $4,800 | $900 |
| Total Installed Cost | $10,067 | $2,048 |
Champion Fiberglass conduit calculator, May 2025
Practical Benefits on the Job
Champion Fiberglass® conduit elbows are UL-listed and engineered for performance. They offer:
- High dielectric strength (up to 550V)
- Low coefficient of friction, minimizing wire-pulling resistance
- No burn-through, even in demanding cable pulls
Even more, with a wall thickness of 0.25 inches, Champion Duct XW can carry transmission lines up to 125 kV (or more if wall thickness is increased).
Because utility installations can span miles of conduit, durability and consistency are essential. Unlike PVC, fiberglass elbows resist breaking and maintain structural integrity throughout long cable pulls—especially valuable in data center builds and major infrastructure projects.
Safer, Simpler Repairs
One of the key benefits of fiberglass conduit is its behavior under fault conditions. GRC can cause conductors to weld to the conduit’s interior if a cable fault occurs, complicating repair work. Fiberglass conduit eliminates this concern entirely. The conductor does not melt or weld to the inside of the conduit, so cables can be easily pulled through for replacement. Fiberglass' insulation properties also reduce electrical risk to installers during handling and maintenance.
Lower Project Costs and Safer Installations
By using fiberglass elbows instead of GRC, contractors benefit from:
- Reduced material and freight costs
- Lower installation rates per NECA due to easier handling
- Increased job site safety thanks to nonconductive, lightweight material
These factors are driving more engineers and project managers to specify fiberglass elbows in place of steel, especially in high-volume and high-voltage settings.
Download the No Burn-Through Elbow eGuide to explore more details on performance specs and application scenarios.
