What is the purpose of a conduit body?

A conduit body serves a critical function in the installation and maintenance of electrical raceways. Its primary purpose is to allow access for splicing and making directional changes within the conduit system. This access is crucial during installation when wires need to be connected or modified, as well as for future maintenance or troubleshooting when accessing the wiring becomes necessary.

Additionally, conduit bodies facilitate smooth transitions and turns in the raceway, which can prevent damage to the conductors and maintain the integrity of the electrical system. By providing access points, conduit bodies minimize the need for disassembling long lengths of conduit, making the management of electrical connections safer and more efficient.

While options like strengthening the raceway structure, reducing the number of fittings, or providing aesthetic appeal might have some relevance in different contexts, the essence of a conduit body's role is fundamentally about access and manipulation of the wiring inside the conduit system, which aligns perfectly with the concept of splicing and changing directions.