Tips for Working with PVC Electrical Conduit

PVC electrical conduit is not something that most people come in contact with but it is often used for an electrical job such as connecting wires to a post outside of your house. A PVC conduit is also much used in plumbing but it is important to note that the material used for plumbing is colored white while that on an electrical installation is colored gray. A material used for electrical installation should also be listed under the UL standards of safety.

Why Use PVC Electrical Conduit

Using a PVC electrical conduit in power installations is better because it can withstand various kinds of corrosives such as chemical, electromechanical and biological ones. It weighs a lot less than galvanized steel tubing and can be cut easily with just a sharp handsaw. It is also easier to secure electrical connections since they can be glued together and connecting 2 lengths is a breeze with its bell design.

Bending PVC Electrical Conduit

If you are on a hardware store, you will notice that there is a lot of PVC parts that are available, including those that were manufactured bent in the most in demand shapes. However, such pre bent parts may not be as accommodating to your unique needs and you will have to customize them in order to fit the huge number of bends that you will require.

To make sure that your bends are accurate, it is advisable that you bend an electrical metal tubing or EMT first, so that you will have the correct dimensions. You can then use the EMT bend as template for the PVC. When it is time to bend the PVC itself, bear in mind that you can do it only if it is hot. Always wear gloves for the purpose to avoid getting burned. Get a bucket of water first and soak your heavy duty gloves in it. Once the PVC conduit is hot enough, put on the pair of soaked gloves and make the necessary bends. It is fast easy and painless.

Fitting PVC Electrical Conduits

To make sure that your PVC electrical conduits are cut appropriately, measure the distance from the electrical box to the next electrical box or outlet first before making a cut on the material. If bends are along the route, measure for each section in the bend first and cut the PVC accordingly. If there are outlets that are larger than the PVC conduit, use an adapter to connect them together.

Sliding the Wires through the Conduit

To make it easier to pull wires through the PVC conduit, group them together first and wrap a tape around the tips. Get a cable puller through the PVC conduit and tape the wires to its end. You can then pull them through.

Securing PVC Electrical Conduit in Place

To secure sections of your PVC electrical conduits in place, get a PVC adhesive and brush it around the exterior walls of the PVC and push it into the adapter or electrical box. You can then clip the PVC conduit to the pipe. You can also nail it on the wall.