Conduits are the channels or pipes through which electrical wiring may be routed. These conduits protect and safeguard the wiring from damage and are also a safety requirement when the electrical cables pass underground, to prevent accidental leakage of dangerous electrical charges, short circuiting and damage by rain, burrowing insects, animals, reptiles, plant roots, water flow etc. Electrical conduits are traditionally made of flexible material, or material that can be bent, such as plastic, metal or other metal-reinforced, waterproof fibers. In older formats, the conduits were made of terracotta or baked clay. These were however, subject to cracking and breakage.

Modern conduits are made of heavy-duty, lightweight PVC, which can withstand great variations in temperature, remain without cracking or splitting, is corrosion resistant and gives years of trouble free service.

The split conduit or duct is a plastic conduit section which has been split down one side. It is used for covering an existing length of conduit if it is damaged or the wiring inside needs to be repaired. This allows easy access to the interior of the existing conduit without having to cut or re-splice the cables and wires, which can be an expensive proposition. The split conduit has an interlocking end design which helps to fit it to the existing one. These split conduits are used to repair the covered underground fiber optic cables when they suffer some damage, and they provide a secure and sealed fit to prevent moisture, dust and soil from entering the interior of the conduit. They also protect the conduit from the effects of weathering and are specially designed for use by power and communications service providers. The interlock design does not need any external glue, tape or sealant to be used. Split conduits which are used for fiber optics applications are additionally treated for great pressure resistance, impact and UV ray resistance.

Some available options are: split conduits made of polypropylene, which can withstand temperature ranging from – 40 to 107C. The flexible material allows easy access to the internal wiring when it has to be installed, removed or repaired. This type of conduit is also used to protect hoses.

Nylon split conduits are useful for fire-resistant applications. These may also come in a dispenser-box format, where they need to be pulled out and retracted. Some split conduit formats may include a split conduit coupling which provides increased grip with assistance from small plastic bolts.

Split conduit or ducting is sold in repair stores or hardware outlets in specified lengths.