According to NEC 352, Schedule 40 PVC Conduit is used in walls, floors, and ceilings. It can also be buried straight into the ground, encased in concrete, and used in places exposed to direct sunlight, according to NEC 352.
What’s the difference between PVC electrical conduit Schedule 40 and Schedule 80?
The following are some downloadable reference sheets for Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 PVC that provide further information about the different dimensions and pressure ratings:
Water Pressure for Sch 40 vs Sch 80
PVC in schedules 40 and 80 is widely used around the world. Each has its own set of advantages in different situations. Due to its thinner walls, Schedule 40 pipe is best suited for situations with low water pressure.
Schedule 80 pipe has stronger walls and can handle greater PSI pressures (pounds per square inch). It’s great for industrial and chemical applications because of this. To give you a sense of the size difference, 1″ schedule 40 PVC pipe has a.133″ minimum wall thickness and 450 PSI, whereas schedule 80 has a.179″ minimum wall thickness and 630 PSI.
Sizing & Diameter
Both schedule 80 and schedule 40 PVC pipe have the same outer diameter, as previously stated. Because the increased wall thickness of schedule 80 is on the interior of the pipe, this is conceivable. This means that, despite having the same pipe diameter as an identical schedule 40 pipe, schedule 80 pipe will have a somewhat reduced flow. This means that schedule 40 and schedule 80 pipe can be used together if necessary.
The only thing to keep in mind is that the lower pressure handling schedule 40 parts must fulfill your application’s pressure requirements. Even one schedule 40 item put in a higher pressure schedule 80 line might cause catastrophic damage because your pipe line is only as strong as its weakest portion or joint.
Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 Color
Schedule 40 pipe is often white, whereas schedule 80 pipe is commonly gray to distinguish it from 40. However, PVC comes in a variety of hues, so check the labels before buying.
Which Schedule PVC do I Need?
So, what PVC schedule do you require? If you’re planning a home improvement or irrigation project, schedule 40 PVC is definitely the best option. Even schedule 40 PVC can withstand a lot of pressure, making it more than enough for most home applications.
Sticking with schedule 40 will also save you money, especially if you anticipate on employing large diameter parts. Schedule 80 should be used if your job will be industrial or chemical in nature. Because these applications are likely to put more pressure and stress on the material, thicker walls are required.
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What’s the difference between PVC for electrical applications and PVC for water applications?
Electrical PVC is not designed to withstand high pressures, such as those found in water lines, and it is not rated for use with high-pressure air. On the other hand, plumbing PVC is often rated to a high pounds-per-square-inch pressure level, which is stated on the pipe’s side.
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.
What is the purpose of Schedule 40 PVC pipe?
Drainage and low-pressure water flow applications call for PVC Schedule 40 pipe. Schedule 40 PVC pipe can withstand temperatures of up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Pipes are available in typical lengths of 10′ or 20′. PVC schedule 40 pipe comes with either a plain or a belled end and does not require coupling to install.
Is Sch 40 PVC rated for pressure?
The pressure rating of fittings used in PVC Schedule 40 and PVC Schedule 80 systems is one of the more complicated topics in the plastic pipe and fittings business. Despite the fact that these fittings are utilized in pressure systems, they are not pressure rated.
Electrical conduit is made of what kind of pipe?
PVC pipe and PVC conduit are both formed of polyvinyl chloride, which is a vinyl-plastic blend. Chlorination of PVC pipe and conduit is done to prevent corrosion and boost temperature and fire resistance. CPVC is the name for this type of PVC pipe (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride).