Which component is used as a guide for cables entering a conduit?

The component used as a guide for cables entering a conduit is a sheave. A sheave is a mechanical device with a wheel or disk that has a groove along its edge for guiding and supporting a cable as it enters or exits the conduit. This helps to prevent damage to the cables due to sharp edges or tight bends that could occur at the entrance of the conduit.

In addition, sheaves are often utilized to manage the alignment of multiple cables, ensuring that they are fed smoothly into the conduit without tangling or stressing the cables. This is particularly important in settings where cables may be pulled through the conduit over long distances, as it helps maintain the integrity of the cables.

The other components, while useful in various aspects of electrical installations, do not serve this specific purpose of guiding cables entering a conduit. An elbow is typically used to change the direction of the conduit, a coupling joins two sections of conduit, and a connector is primarily used to attach a cable to a fitting or device. None of these fulfill the role of smoothly guiding cables into a conduit like a sheave does.