Which type of raceway has the smallest cross-sectional area among 11/4 trade sizes?

Schedule 80 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is recognized for having a smaller cross-sectional area than the other raceways when comparing the 1¼ inch trade sizes. The purpose of raceways is to provide a protective pathway for electrical wiring, and different materials and designs influence their dimensions and cross-sectional areas.

Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT) is designed for light-duty applications and has an internal diameter that generally allows greater amounts of wiring within its walls. Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) is built for more robust applications and has thicker walls, which adds to its overall cross-sectional area. Flexible Metal Conduit (FMC) is made for areas requiring some flexibility; however, its diameter is similar to EMT and RMC, resulting in a greater cross-sectional area as well.

Schedule 80 PVC, on the other hand, is intended for environments where pressure ratings are necessary, leading to a thicker wall than Schedule 40 PVC. However, when comparing the performance and dimensions among the 1¼ trade sizes of various types of raceways, Schedule 80 PVC can provide the smallest usable internal cross-sectional area due to its design, making it more efficient for applications where space is a premium.