PVC conduit is the lightest and most adaptable of all conduit kinds. PVC is suitable for direct burial or above ground work and comes in a number of thicknesses and grades. PVC conduit is also used for a variety of electrical applications. This product is flexible, long-lasting, and corrosion-resistant.
Is it possible to run electrical conduit above ground?
- Wiring/cable that is exposed or underground must be listed for its intended use. The most typical nonmetallic cable for residential outdoor electrical runs is Type UF cable.
- With a minimum of 24 inches of earth cover, UF cable can be directly buried (without conduit).
- Wiring buried in rigid metal (RMC) or intermediate metal (IMC) conduit must have a minimum of 6 inches of earth cover, whereas wiring in PVC conduit must have a minimum of 18 inches of cover.
- Surrounding conduit or cables must be backfilled with a smooth granular material that is free of pebbles.
- Low-voltage (less than 30 volts) wire must be buried at least 6 inches deep.
- From the appropriate cover depth or 18 inches (whichever is less) to the termination point above ground, or at least 8 feet above grade, buried electrical runs that transition from underground to above ground must be protected in conduit.
- Electricity supply Overhanging wires over a pool, spa, or hot tub must be at least 22 1/2 feet above the water’s surface or the diving platform’s surface.
Is it permissible to use PVC conduit in certain areas?
In areas of dairies, laundries, canneries, or other wet locations, especially in locations where walls are often cleaned, the complete conduit system, including boxes and fittings used with it, must be constructed and equipped to prevent water from entering the conduit.
How far into the ground must PVC conduit be buried?
- Affect how much digging you’re willing to undertake, as this will determine the sort of wire you’ll need.
- Depending on the type of conduit and wire used, underground cable for running electrical power to a remote location can be put at various depths.
- Use galvanized rigid metal electrical conduit with individual conductors inside for a 6-inch-deep hole.
- Direct-bury GFCI-protected underground feeder cable with a short length of PVC conduit at the home for a 12-inch-deep hole.
- THWN-2 conductors can be used inside a continuous length of PVC conduit that protects the wire all the way through the trench to the home at 18 inches.
- Underground feeder cable can be buried at 24 inches, using PVC conduit to 18 inches below earth only where the wire comes up.
Is it necessary to bury outside electrical conduit?
- Exposed or underground wire must be listed according to its intended use. (The most typical nonmetallic cable for residential outdoor wiring lines is Type UF cable.)
- With a minimum of 24 inches of cover, UF wire can be buried directly (without conduit).
- Wire buried in rigid metal (RMC) or intermediate metal (IMC) conduit must have a ground cover of at least 6 inches; wiring in PVC conduit must have a ground cover of at least 18 inches.
- Wiring with a low voltage (less than 30 volts) must be buried at least 6 inches deep.
- From the required cover depth of 18 inches to the termination point above ground, or at least 8 feet above grade, buried electrical runs that transition from underground to above ground must be protected in conduit.
Tested for Pressure
One of the most significant distinctions between plumbing PVC pipe (here) and PVC electrical conduit is that PVC pipes are pressure tested, but PVC conduit is not. As a result, PVC pipe and PVC conduit are not interchangeable. Pipes that have been tested and rated for pressure must be utilized since plumbing piping systems must be able to handle water pressure in order to be functional and work effectively. Plumbing PVC pipe has a pressure rating printed on it. PVC conduit isn’t permitted for use in plumbing since it hasn’t been pressure tested, increasing the risk of leakage.
Wall Thickness
Another difference you’ll notice between PVC pipe and PVC conduit is the thickness of the pipe’s wall. The wall thickness of plumbing PVC pipe is usually thicker than that of PVC conduit. Because plumbing PVC is utilized in areas where pressure is a factor, the increased thickness assures that the pipe will withstand bending and will remain undamaged and intact. Because conduit PVC isn’t required to endure as much pressure, it doesn’t have thick walls it wouldn’t be cost-effective for manufacturers to do so.
Color
The color of the pipes is the most visible distinction between conventional PVC and electrical PVC. Plumbing PVC pipe is often white, while electrical conduit PVC is typically gray. These are the standard colors, but you may also purchase PVC pipes that have had chemical additives added during the manufacturing process to produce a variety of colors. Schedule 80 PVC piping is gray in color, similar to PVC conduit piping, however it is a plumbing pipe, comparable to the white Schedule 40 PVC piping. As a result, Schedule 80 pipes should not be used as a conduit for electrical wires.
Read our post about the differences between Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 plumbing PVC pipes if you’re interested in learning more.
Weatherproof Tested
Because plumbing PVC is typically used indoors or underground, it is not UV-rated. UV rays are detrimental to this type of PVC, making it unsuitable for use on rooftops or in other situations where it may be exposed to the elements. When exposed to the elements, it can become brittle and break. Electrical conduit PVC, on the other hand, has been tested and rated for UV exposure, making it appropriate for outdoor waterproofing applications such as running electrical cables across rooftops or up the sides of buildings.
Applications
While PVC plumbing pipe and PVC electrical conduit are similar, they are not suitable for each other’s applications. They’ve been designed to fulfill a variety of objectives.
The major purpose of PVC pipe is to be used in plumbing applications, which is why it is pressure tested. It works well in drainage, water, and ventilation systems. PVC pipe is also frequently found in sewage systems. It should not be used in locations where it will be exposed to the weather because it is not UV rated and will be damaged.
Conduit for electricity The primary usage of PVC is as a casing for electrical wires or cables in electrical systems. When electrical lines need to be protected underground or in moist locations, PVC conduit is frequently employed. It can be used in situations where UV rays will be present because it has been tested and rated. Check out this article to discover more about the impact of the sun on PVC piping.
Is there a distinction between PVC conduit and PVC pipe?
PVC conduit and PVC pipe serve diverse purposes. Plumbing and other pressurized systems commonly employ PVC pipe. Electrical systems primarily employ PVC conduit. PVC pipe is used to transport water, whilst PVC conduit is utilized to house electrical.
Is it necessary to bury PVC conduit?
Flexible PVC conduit is also thinner than stiff wall conduit. Flexible PVC should be utilized above ground rather than buried for these reasons.