Is it mandatory to provide the Google Product Category for conduits?

No, it is optional. However, if you omit it, Google will try to categorize the product automatically, which may lead to inaccuracies that could negatively affect your ad performance.

Should I use the ID or the full path in my feed?

Google accepts both. The numeric ID is preferred because it is language-independent and less prone to errors during the file upload process.

Can I use the product_type field instead of google_product_category?

No. The product_type attribute is for your internal classification, while google_product_category is specifically for Google's taxonomy, which helps their system understand your items.

Google product category

Conduit & Housings

Category ID499768

Full path for the feedHardware > Power & Electrical Supplies > Conduit & Housings

All deeper subcategories

Electrical Conduit499770
Heat-Shrink Tubing3797

Product examples in this category (US market)

Real products found in Google Shopping, shown as examples.

Carlon Flex-Plus Blue ENT
Schedule 40 PVC Conduit
Cantex Schedule 40 PVC Conduit
Southland EMT Steel Conduit
Southwire Ultratite Flexible Conduit
Allied Tube & Conduit Non-Metallic Conduit
Aluminum Conduit
Southwire Reduced Wall Galvanized Steel Flexible Wiring Conduit
HydroMaxx Non Metallic Flexible PVC Liquid Tight Electrical Conduit

Understanding Conduit & Housings Category

The Conduit & Housings category, identified by Google Product Taxonomy ID 499768, is located under the path Hardware > Power & Electrical Supplies > Conduit & Housings. It is used for specialized products designed to protect and route electrical wiring within buildings or outdoor installations.

What Belongs in This Category

This category is specifically for protective pathways and tubing for electrical conductors. Based on data from the US market, typical items include:

Rigid metallic and non-metallic conduits, such as PVC or aluminum piping used for electrical protection.
Flexible metallic and non-metallic wiring conduits, including liquid-tight variants.
Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT).

What Does Not Belong Here

Do not include products belonging to the parent category or sibling departments. Items that belong elsewhere include:

Electrical Mount Boxes & Brackets: Used for housing terminations rather than routing wires.
Electrical Wires & Cable: The actual conductors themselves.
Wire Terminals & Connectors: Fasteners used for joining wires.
Wall Plates & Covers: Decorative or protective hardware for outlet openings.

When to Use a Subcategory

If your inventory consists exclusively of Heat-Shrink Tubing or specifically categorized Electrical Conduit, please utilize those more granular subcategories for better precision in your feed.

Feed Implementation

In your feed, use the numeric ID 499768 or the full string path: Hardware > Power & Electrical Supplies > Conduit & Housings. While the category is optional, providing it prevents Google from misclassifying your products, which ensures better visibility. Remember that product_type remains a separate, free-form field for your internal organization.

Frequently asked questions

Is it mandatory to provide the Google Product Category for conduits?: No, it is optional. However, if you omit it, Google will try to categorize the product automatically, which may lead to inaccuracies that could negatively affect your ad performance.
Should I use the ID or the full path in my feed?: Google accepts both. The numeric ID is preferred because it is language-independent and less prone to errors during the file upload process.
Can I use the product_type field instead of google_product_category?: No. The product_type attribute is for your internal classification, while google_product_category is specifically for Google's taxonomy, which helps their system understand your items.

This category in other languages

ru: Оборудование и технические изделия > Товары для систем электроснабжения > Кабелепроводы и коробы
uk: Обладнання та технічні вироби > Товари для систем електропостачання > Кабелепроводи та короби