Conduit bodies exist for one simple reason: access.
They give you a place to pull wire, change direction, split a run, or service conductors later without fighting bends or tearing conduit apart. If you’ve ever tried to muscle wire through a long run with too many turns, you already know why they matter.
They’re not about looks.
They’re not about “nice-to-have.”
They’re about making conduit runs buildable, pullable, and serviceable.
This guide breaks down the six conduit body types you’ll see most often: LB, LL, LR, T, X, and C — what they are, when to use them, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Conduit bodies, at a glance
Here’s the quick-reference version before we go deeper.
| Type | Full Name | Shape | Typical Use | Access Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LB | Line Box | L-shaped | 90° turn with rear access | Back cover |
| LL | Line Left | L-shaped | Left-hand 90° turn | Left-side cover |
| LR | Line Right | L-shaped | Right-hand 90° turn | Right-side cover |
| T | Tee | T-shaped | Three-way branch | Top cover |
| X | Cross | X-shaped | Four-way distribution | Center cover |
| C | Straight Through | Inline | Mid-run access | Center cover |
The L-family: LB, LL, and LR
(The fittings you see everywhere)
Most conduit layouts turn corners. That’s why L-style conduit bodies make up the bulk of what gets installed.
The difference between LB, LL, and LR is not subtle once you think in terms of where the cover ends up.
LB conduit body (Line Box)
The LB is the most common conduit body for a reason.
- Used for 90-degree turns
- Access cover is on the back
- Often mounted flat against a wall or structure
When it works best
- You want access behind the turn
- The conduit is running along a wall
- You need a clean profile with predictable access
Common mistake
- Installing it where the back cover is blocked by framing, masonry, or finished surfaces
Rule of thumb: If you want the access cover facing the surface you’re mounting to, LB is usually the answer.
LL conduit body (Line Left)
LL bodies are for left-hand turns when the cover needs to open on the left side.
- Conduit enters from the back and left
- Access cover opens on the left side
When you need it
- Turning left around a corner or obstruction
- Panel or equipment layout dictates left-side access
- Tool clearance matters
If the run turns left and the cover needs to be accessible on that side, LL saves you from awkward installs or blocked covers.
LR conduit body (Line Right)
LR is simply the mirror of LL.
- Right-hand 90-degree turn
- Access cover opens on the right side
Used when
- The conduit turns right
- Left-side access would be blocked
- You need clean service access on the right
Quick recap you can remember under pressure:
- LB = back cover
- LL = left cover
- LR = right cover
Branching and distribution bodies: T and X
Sometimes the run doesn’t just turn — it splits. That’s where T and X conduit bodies come into play.
T conduit body (Tee)
A T body connects three conduits.
- Left, right, and bottom entries
- Access cover typically on top
Where it shines
- Branch circuits
- Splitting a main run into two directions
- Feeding multiple areas from a single path
Instead of stacking boxes and offsets, a T body keeps the layout compact and pull-friendly.
Watch out for
- Installing it where the top cover can’t be opened later
- Overcrowding conductors at the branch point
X conduit body (Cross)
X bodies are for four-way intersections.
- Conduit enters from all four sides
- Center-mounted access cover
You won’t see them everywhere, but when you need one, nothing else really substitutes.
Common uses
- Central distribution points
- Large commercial or industrial layouts
- Complex routing where multiple runs meet
Because everything converges here, sizing and access planning matter more than usual.
C conduit bodies: straight runs still need access
Not every problem comes from a turn. Long straight runs can be just as painful to pull, especially once friction adds up.
C conduit body (Straight Through)
A C body is installed inline with no change in direction.
- Straight-through conduit entries
- Access cover in the middle
Why they’re used
- Midpoint pull access on long runs
- Easier maintenance or future wire replacement
- Cleaner than tearing out conduit later
If you’ve ever said “this pull should’ve had an access point halfway,” you already understand why C bodies exist.
How to choose the right conduit body (without overthinking it)
Ask these questions in order.
1. Does the run turn?
- Yes → LB, LL, or LR
- No → consider C for long runs
2. Does the run branch?
- Three directions → T
- Four directions → X
3. Where does the cover need to be accessible?
- This matters more than the shape. If you can’t open the cover after the job is done, it’s the wrong fitting.
4. What environment is it in?
- Indoor vs outdoor
- Wet or dry location
- Corrosion exposure
Gasketed covers and appropriate materials are not optional outdoors.
5. Are you allowing enough space?
- Undersized bodies create bad pulls, damaged insulation, and callbacks.
Installation tips that prevent future headaches
- Always plan for access after walls, ceilings, and equipment are installed
- Seal outdoor bodies properly with gaskets and thread compound
- Support the body, don’t let it hang on conduit alone
- Label access points in large facilities to save time later
Common questions that come up
Can conduit bodies replace junction boxes?
Sometimes, depending on listing and use. They’re primarily access and pull points, not universal junction boxes.
Can conduit bodies be used outdoors?
Yes, if they’re rated for it and properly sealed.
Do straight runs really need conduit bodies?
Long ones often do. A C body is cheaper than fighting a bad pull or rework later.
Do conduit bodies need grounding?
Metal raceway systems typically maintain continuity, but bonding requirements depend on the system and installation.
Final takeaway
Conduit bodies are simple parts that solve very real problems.
- L bodies manage turns
- T and X bodies manage branches
- C bodies manage long pulls
- Access and orientation matter more than shape
- Planning them correctly saves time, labor, and frustration
If you’re ever unsure which one fits a layout, the fastest way to figure it out is to describe:
- The direction of the run
- Where the access cover needs to face
- Indoor or outdoor environment
That’s usually enough to land on the right body the first time.