6 Best Conduit Fittings For Electronic Strike Wiring

Running low-voltage strike wires through a door frame requires a precise balance of protection and flexibility. If the conduit isn’t chosen for the specific environment, movement will eventually snap the wire, rendering the access control system useless. This guide breaks down the essential hardware needed to ensure a durable, code-compliant installation for any security project.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Seco-Larm SA-025Q Armored Cord: Best Door Loop

The door loop is the most vulnerable point in any electronic strike installation. It bridges the gap between the door frame and the door itself, enduring constant opening and closing cycles.

The Seco-Larm SA-025Q features a stainless steel armored cable that resists physical tampering and prevents the wire from being pinched or severed. Its flexible design allows it to withstand thousands of cycles without fatiguing the internal conductors.

Avoid using rigid tubing in high-traffic commercial settings. Opt for this armored cord to prevent downtime and frequent maintenance calls.

RACO Set Screw Connector: Your Go-To EMT Fitting

When running Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) indoors, the RACO set screw connector is the industry standard for efficiency. It is designed to grip the conduit firmly while providing a reliable ground path through the metal raceway.

These connectors shine in dry, climate-controlled environments where mechanical protection is the only concern. The set screws bite into the conduit, ensuring it stays connected even if bumped or brushed against in a busy hallway.

Remember that set screw fittings are not intended for wet locations. Use them strictly for interior walls or protected ceiling runs to keep the installation up to code.

Appleton Squeeze Connector for Flexible Conduit

Flexible metal conduit (FMC) is often the preferred choice when navigating tight headers or irregular framing. The Appleton squeeze connector ensures this flexible path remains secure at the termination point.

The clamping mechanism provides excellent strain relief for the low-voltage wires inside. By tightening the side screw, the connector compresses the flexible conduit against the junction box, preventing it from pulling out during installation or structural shifts.

This fitting is essential for clean, professional termination in tight spaces. Keep a variety of these on hand when working with BX or Greenfield-style conduit.

T&B Liquidtight Connector: For Exterior Runs

Outdoor electronic strikes face the elements head-on, making moisture intrusion the primary enemy of the wiring. Thomas & Betts (T&B) liquidtight connectors provide a hermetic seal that prevents water from traveling down the conduit into the strike housing.

These fittings feature an internal ferrule that threads into the conduit, paired with a sealing gland that tightens against the outer jacket. This setup is mandatory for perimeter gates or exterior-facing doors where rain and humidity are constant threats.

Never substitute standard fittings for exterior work. The small cost increase for a liquidtight connector is far less than the cost of troubleshooting an oxidized wire connection later.

Bridgeport Offset Nipple: Fix Box Misalignment

Misalignment is common when trying to enter a junction box from a narrow metal door frame. The Bridgeport offset nipple provides the perfect solution by shifting the conduit entry point without requiring a tedious, messy conduit bend.

This small component creates a transition between a knockout and the conduit. It is particularly helpful when the punch-outs do not line up perfectly with the strike plate or the wire access hole in the door frame.

Keep a handful of these in the kit. They save hours of frustration when the framing doesn’t provide the perfect geometry for a straight run.

Carlon LB Conduit Body: For Making Tight Turns

Navigating around door corners requires rigid conduit to make 90-degree turns without kinking the delicate low-voltage wires. The Carlon LB (Long Body) conduit body provides an access point that makes pulling wires around these corners significantly easier.

The removable cover allows for a “straight-through” pull, which is much kinder to low-voltage cabling than forcing it through a tight elbow. This is essential for preventing insulation nicks during the installation process.

Always ensure the conduit body is accessible. Placing it behind finished drywall is a code violation that creates a headache for future repairs.

EMT, FMC or Liquidtight: Picking Your Conduit

The choice of conduit depends entirely on the location of the strike. EMT is the gold standard for long, straight runs in commercial walls where physical security is a priority.

FMC, or flexible metal conduit, offers the necessary give for doors that may experience slight sagging or vibration. It is easier to fish through complex framing but offers less protection against intentional damage.

Liquidtight non-metallic or metallic conduit is non-negotiable for exterior applications. Always evaluate the environmental risks before committing to a conduit type, as replacing a failed run is labor-intensive.

Sizing Conduit for Low-Voltage Strike Wires

Overfilling conduit is a common mistake that leads to damaged insulation. While low-voltage wires are thin, the aggregate diameter of the conductors must allow for a 40% fill ratio to ensure wires don’t bind during the pull.

Consider the diameter of the connectors at the end of the run. A large connector on a small conduit creates a bottleneck that can shred the wire sheath.

When in doubt, step up one trade size in conduit. It is much easier to secure a slightly larger pipe than it is to deal with a binding, overstuffed run that won’t pull through.

Tips for Fishing Wire Through Door Frames

Fishing wire through a door frame is an exercise in patience and preparation. Use a high-quality fish tape and start by verifying the path is clear of debris, insulation, or stray screw points from the door hardware.

If the path is long or has multiple bends, utilize a non-conductive fish rod or a pull string. Lubricating the wire with a pull-lube specifically designed for low-voltage cable can reduce friction and prevent stretching.

Avoid sharp edges inside the frame. Use plastic bushings at the entry and exit points to protect the wires from abrasion caused by the metal edges of the frame.

Key Code Considerations for Strike Wiring Jobs

Always verify local building codes, as they dictate the fire rating of the materials used. In many commercial projects, plenum-rated cable is required if the wiring runs through space used for air handling.

Pay attention to bonding and grounding requirements. Even low-voltage systems often require that the metal conduit system be properly bonded to the building’s grounding electrode system.

Adhering to the National Electrical Code (NEC) ensures that the building remains safe and insurable. If the project involves fire doors, consult the manufacturer’s listing to ensure the strike and the wiring method do not void the door’s fire rating.

Choosing the right conduit and fittings is just as critical as selecting the electronic strike itself. By matching the hardware to the environment and following proper installation practices, these systems will provide reliable performance for years to come.