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 it possible to utilize PVC conduit for irrigation?
Irrigation systems can use a variety of pipes, but PVC Schedule 40, Pressure-rated PVC, and black roll pipe are all appropriate options. Due to its low pressure rating, drain, waste, and vent (DWV) PVC is not suited. Other piping types in the terrain are either too expensive or too difficult to work with.
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.
Is it possible to utilize Schedule 40 PVC for water supply?
White PVC pipe with a National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) classification for potable water is the most common schedule 40 PVC found in homes and offices.
The disadvantages of this type of PVC pipe are that it will decay when exposed to short-wave UV light (such as those found in sunshine) and will soften at higher temperatures. PVC piping is not normally approved for use in dwellings for potable (drinking) water because of these difficulties. When PVC (and other polymers) are heated, chemical molecules begin to outgass and migrate out of the material. With quantities as low as one part per trillion, some of the component chemicals that seep into the water supply can harm living cells.
Which irrigation pipe is the best?
The sort of pipe you use may be determined by the climate you live in. The success of each variety is primarily controlled by its environment. Consider our schedule 40 and 80 PVC pipe options when selecting which type is right for you. They function well in warm winter climates. The environment also has a significant role. For unusual scenarios requiring flexibility in sprinkler and irrigation systems, polyethylene is the ideal option. Both types of pipe are tough and can endure a variety of elements in the areas in which they thrive.
Sprinkler irrigation is made of what kind of material?
Portable systems often employ aluminum or PVC pipes, while center-pivot laterals typically use steel pipes. For subterranean laterals and main lines, asbestos, cement, PVC, and wrapped steel are commonly employed.
Is it possible to utilize PVC conduit outside?
PVC conduit is the finest option for outdoor applications among the several conduit types available. 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.