Press Release: Steel Conduit Use to Remain Strong in 2018
GLENVIEW, Ill. (January 31, 2018) — The Steel Tube Institute is preparing for another year of high demand for steel conduit. To this end, the Institute has added a director for steel conduit, Dale Crawford, because of his vast experience in the electrical distribution industry. Crawford is responsible for activities, strategies and programs involving North America’s leading steel conduit manufacturers.
The strong outlook for steel conduit is based on discussions at recent meetings with industry leaders, contractors and engineers.
At the December 2017 meeting of the Construction Sustainability Council, the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) presentation showed that ongoing U.S. economic improvement will continue to boost growth in jobs and business investments throughout 2018. Predictions also showed an increase in the use of steel, as well as a 2 percent increase in nonresidential building construction. These trends signify that the demand for and use of steel conduit will remain strong, specifically in the construction of new buildings.
Presenters at the 2017 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo and other industry gatherings have noted a growing trend in designing more resilient buildings. The Industry Statement on Resilience from top design and construction associations, co-authored by the American Institute of Architects and the National Institute of Building Sciences, defines resilience as “the ability to prepare and plan for, absorb, recover from, and more successfully adapt to adverse events.” Electrical systems are, of course, a significant component of any building design, and steel conduit is the most resilient solution for protecting physical conductors. Logic suggests engineers and architects will continue to specify steel conduit in the coming year as part of the push to improve community resilience.
As construction grows and resilient building design becomes more prevalent, Crawford looks forward to helping steel conduit users and specifiers with their project-related questions. “At STI, we’re proud to serve as the go-to resource for steel conduit,” he said. “Our involvement in the first draft review of the 2020 National Electrical Code this month is just one of the ways we’ll help ensure that our nation’s electrical systems are as safe and efficient as possible.”
“Regarding steel conduit, our only mission is education for the purpose of promoting safety,” said Joseph Anderson, executive director of STI. “Not just the safety of the construction crew, but of every single person who comes into contact with the installed conduit throughout its long life. We want everyone to know that steel conduit is one of the safest, most resilient materials in modern buildings. Demand for steel conduit is strong for good reason.”