pvc conduit for power line

[Ben Im]

It looks not OK with this PVC conduit installed along the garage exterior door jamb. This power line is from main panel to portable spa in the back yard. what is the regualation of PVC conduit for power line which is not underground ?

[Jerry Peck]

The PVC would be okay if it was Sch 80, not if it was Sch 40.

The reason is that Sch 80 PVC is rated and listed for use as protection from physical damage while Sch 40 is rated or listed for that use.

An easy solution may be to take some Sch 80 PVC a couple of sizes larger, split it lengthwise (but not in half, just so it can be heated and 'opened up') and slip it over the Sch 40 PVC. Then install some clamps to hold it together.

The Sch 80 is only for protection from physical damage, not as the raceway, that it what the Sch 40 inside is for.

[Frank Norman]

Around here the different sizes of grey PVC pipe used for electrical conduit are marked "Sunlight-resistant rigid PVC electrical conduit 75ºC FT4 C22.2 .." I have not yet seen any examples where Schedule 40 or 80 water pipe was used for electrical. Maybe just lucky this has not been an issue so far.


condui
The PVC would be okay if it was Sch 80, not if it was Sch 40.

The reason is that Sch 80 PVC is rated and listed for use as protection from physical damage while Sch 40 is rated or listed for that use.

An easy solution may be to take some Sch 80 PVC a couple of sizes larger, split it lengthwise (but not in half, just so it can be heated and 'opened up') and slip it over the Sch 40 PVC. Then install some clamps to hold it together.

The Sch 80 is only for protection from physical damage, not as the raceway, that it what the Sch 40 inside is for.

[Jerry Peck]

Around here the different sizes of grey PVC pipe used for electrical conduit are marked "Sunlight-resistant rigid PVC electrical conduit 75ºC FT4 C22.2 .." I have not yet seen any examples where Schedule 40 or 80 water pipe was used for electrical. Maybe just lucky this has not been an issue so far.

CSA C22.2 is a flame and smoke test standard
FT4 is one of the Vertical Flame Test components of C22.2

Neither represents whether the PVC is Sch 40 or Sch 80 ... the typical marking for either will be shown as "Sch 80" or "Sch 40".

The sunlight resistant is a labeling to show that it is listed and labeled for being installed exposed to sunlight (outdoors).

If it is not marked (identified) with either Sch 40 or Sch 80 then I would not presume that it is listed PVC as unlisted, unmarked, unidentified PVC has been found in the country (at least some has been found here in Florida, so I presume that it is likely the distribution was not limited only to Florida)

Sch 80 is required for protection from physical damage, which is from minimum 18" below grade to (for conduit emerging from grade) 8 feet above grade or to the first enclosure, whichever is first. After 8 feet or after the first enclosure Sch 40 is permitted to be used.

Whenever you see NM cable or any wiring method and think "that is exposed to physical damage and needs to be protected by PVC" ... add into that thinking "and not Sch 40 as Sch 40 is not listed for protection from physical damage".