Metallic conduit is rigid for routing and protecting wire and cable along building walls and floors. It provides crush protection to keep conductors safe from impact damage. Heavy-wall RMC and medium-wall IMC metal conduit are the most crush-resistant and are intended for heavy-duty applications where there is potential for physical damage. Thin-wall EMT metal conduit is easier to bend and cut and helps create smooth, continuous raceways for faster wire pulling than RMC or IMC conduit. Each type of metal conduit also has specific fittings that join pieces of conduit together or join them to enclosures and devices. The fittings are not interchangeable among conduit types. Access fittings have an opening that allows access to the wire or cable inside. They’re commonly used for pulling conductors or changing the direction of a conduit run.