What is the primary reason to use conduit in electrical installations?

The primary reason to use conduit in electrical installations is to protect wires from physical damage. Conduit serves as a robust casing that shields electrical conductors from various potentially harmful environmental factors, such as impact, moisture, and corrosive elements. The physical protection provided by the conduit helps to prevent degradation of the wire insulation and potential electrical shorts, ensuring the longevity and safety of the electrical system. Additionally, conduit can also provide a pathway for wires in a tidy manner, which indirectly contributes to safety by organizing and securing the electrical conductors. This makes the use of conduit a critical consideration in both residential and commercial electrical work to maintain compliance with safety regulations and standards.

While aesthetics and insulation may have some relevance in certain contexts, they do not represent the primary purpose of using conduit. Reducing electrical consumption is also not a function of conduit, as its role is focused on physical protection rather than energy efficiency.