Final answer:
Compared to EMT, IMC is larger in wall thickness and is designed for use in hazardous areas. Special considerations must be taken into account when using aluminum wires with IMC, including its thermal expansion and oxidation properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Compared to Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT), Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) is larger in wall thickness. IMC is typically used in environments where greater structural strength is needed and is indeed suitable for hazardous areas due to its thicker walls and increased protection. Although a larger diameter is often required to accommodate the same number of conductors as aluminum due to its higher resistance per length when compared to copper, using aluminum can be cost-effective, so this is not generally a major drawback. However, care must be taken when using aluminum wires because they have a higher rate of thermal expansion than copper, which can lead to loose connections and potential fire hazards. Additionally, since aluminum's oxidation layer does not conduct electricity, special measures such as anticorrosive joint compounds and compatible components must be used to ensure safe and reliable connections.