What type of protection does conduit provide for wires and cables in aircraft installations?

Conduit provides mechanical protection for wires and cables in aircraft installations. This type of protection is critical due to the various physical stresses and impacts that can occur during flight and maintenance operations. The mechanical integrity of the conduit helps shield the electrical wiring from abrasion, crushing, and environmental hazards, ensuring reliable operation of the aircraft's electrical systems.

Other types of protection, such as electromagnetic or thermal, play different roles in electrical systems but are not the primary functions of conduit. Electromagnetic protection relates to shielding from interference, which is achieved differently through various materials and designs, rather than conduit usage. Structural protection usually pertains to the support these components provide within the airframe or fuselage, but this does not specifically address the safeguarding of wires and cables. Thus, in terms of direct interaction with the wires and cables, mechanical protection is indeed the key function of conduit in aircraft applications.