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Plastic Cable Conduit

Plastic Cable Conduit

Plastic Cable Conduit

There are several great options for cable conduits, but the plastic conduit system is the most versatile. These PVC systems are flexible and work well in multiple locations. 

Despite their PVC material, these can protect wiring against multiple hazards, including corrosion. If you opt for a PVC system, here are all the essentials you need to remember about cable conduit plastic. 

 

What Are Plastic Cable Conduits?

To understand how cable conduit plastic works, we need to see how they work. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, which is a chemically resistant synthetic material. You can find this material in power lines and telecommunication cables. 

A PVC cable conduit is typically used for threading and protecting wiring from electrical leakage and corrosion. Nowadays, there are also conduits made from this material. These conduits are durable and tough to withstand pressure and any other impact. 

PVC conduits are also great at repelling moisture and sunlight, making them an excellent option for outdoor installations. Cable conduits come in various sizes, shapes, materials and styles To fit various installations and demands.

With so many options, many electricians classify cable conduits according to their wall thickness, the type of material used and the mechanical stiffness. This makes it easy to recognise which conduit is needed.   

All cable conduits should meet the national electricity requirements before installation to ensure the material works best for your wiring system. Most cable conduit materials are chosen for their corrosion resistance, mechanical protection and overall cost of the installation process. 

A great thing about cable conduits is that they reduce the need for an electrical box or similar equipment. If you go for a metal conduit, you can carry out the function of a grounding wire without needing a separate component. 

 

What Is The Best Cable Conduit Plastic?

With so many options to choose from, it’s difficult to narrow down the suitable plastic conduit. If you want to browse all high-quality options in one place, visit Meteor Electrical

Here you will find a wide range of excellent plastic conduit systems that protect your wiring and improve functionality. Here’s a look at some of the best PVC conduits Meteor offers. 

 

  1. Decoduct 32mm Flexible PVC conduit

This Decoduct 32mm PVC is a great option if you're looking for flexible conduit systems. Manufactured with a high-quality PVC coating, this system can work well in multiple installations, whether they are outdoors or indoors. To prove this versatility, this PVC meets local and international electrical standards to maintain safety.  

The 32mm diameter of this conduit is ideal for larger wiring needs. It provides ample space for multiple cables or larger diameter wires to be routed through, making it a versatile solution for various electrical applications. 

The flexible design of the conduit allows it to be easily bent and manipulated to fit around corners and through tight spaces. This conduit is rated for use in temperatures ranging from -5°C to 60°C, making it suitable for use in various environments. 

PVC conduits are UV stabilised, providing additional protection against the harmful effects of sunlight and ensuring they will not degrade over time.

 

  1. Cablecraft’s Betaflex 25mm PVC Conduit

For a durable PVC conduit with superior hazard protection, choose Cablecraft’s Beteflex conduit. These high-quality conduits are designed to work well in almost any location due to their excellent protective properties. 

Cablecraft has designed its PVC conduits to be self-extinguishing and halogen-free to remove toxins over prolonged use. These incredible qualities make Betaflex an ideal option for residential and industrial properties. 

These are a few options available at Meteor, as you can browse through many more varieties on your site. Visit today to find the right PVC conduit for you. 

 

What Are Plastic Cable Conduits Used For?

Cable conduits are great for storing wiring and cables, but they can do so much more than that. Here are some great ways to make use of cable conduits.

 

  • Meet Codes and Regulations: In most cases, conduits are a requirement according to building safety standards and codes.  Following these regulations for new constructions is crucial, but even if you’re replacing worn-out old conduits, you need to meet the standard. 
  • Protect Wiring From Damage: One of the main reasons many electricians prefer a cable conduit is because they provide all-around protection to your cabling. These conduits can offer protection against moisture, fire, chemicals, impact and other such hazards. While most wires and cables have some form of insulation, a conduit can add to that protective layer. 
  • Eliminate Interference: Cable conduits are a great way to reduce electromagnetic interference to help cables and wiring perform better. 
  • Keep Wiring Organised: If you have a ton of wires and cables that are hard to make, add them in a conduit to keep things organised. Disorganised wiring can also harm the outer sheathing of your components, so using a conduit here is crucial. In addition, a manageable space makes it easy to simplify installation, move around, and conduct maintenance. 

 

What Is The Difference Between A PVC Pipe And Conduit?

While these two seem similar, they work in different ways. PVC pipes and conduits are made from the same material but perform different functions and should not be used interchangeably. Always use them in the appropriate setting and for the right application. 

PVC pipes are generally used for plumping requirements, while PVC conduits work best in electrical installations. To get a better understanding of these components, here’s a look at five different ways they differ.    

  

Pressure Capacity

One common way to distinguish between the two is by looking for a pressure rating. All PVC pipes are tested for pressure, and this rating is typically printed on the pipe itself. Since water runs through this component, it’s crucial they are tested and rated to handle pressure.  

On the other hand, PVC conduits don’t need a pressure rating as they deal with electrical wires and cables. This means PVC conduits are not approved for plumping installation due to the lack of pressure testing.  

 

Colour

The quickest way to differentiate between PVC conduits and pipes is through their colour. Most PVC pipes tend to be white, while PVC cable conduits tend to be black or grey. 

 

Wall Thickness

PVC pipes have a higher wall thickness compared to cable conduit plastic. The extra thickness in piping ensures that the pipe is strong enough to withstand any bending and that it will remain intact and undamaged even during high pressure. 

PVC conduits have a much lower wall thickness because they are designed to create bends and turns. This quality is important for making electrical installations easier. Despite being less thick, PVC conduit walls are able to provide solid protection to wiring. 

 

UV Degradation

PVC conduits are installed in various locations, including external outdoor spaces. This means they are constantly exposed to UV rays and sunlight, which can ruin the conduit’s exterior without proper protection. 

To avoid this issue, many PVC conduits are tested and rated for UV exposure making them suitable for outdoor applications. 

On the other hand, PVC pipes are typically installed in walls or underground, hidden from sunlight. Therefore, this makes them unsuitable for areas with high UV exposure. If exposed to ultraviolet rays, they can get cracked or become brittle. 

 

Connections And Placement 

Both PVC conduits and pipes are important for creating a seamless network, whether it's electrical or plumbing. But the type of connection used differs in both these components. 

PVC conduits have a flared opening at the end, allowing each pipe to attach easily without using a coupler. Sometimes you might use a special conduit clip that won’t work well with PVC pipes. 

PVC piping often requires couples and cement to combine individual components together. These materials only work well with Plastic pipes and not conduits. 

 

What Are Plastic Conduit Fittings, And How Do They Work?

As mentioned, plastic conduits often need clips and straps for additional connection and support. These are also important for attaching to junction boxes and other such components. 

Conduit fittings are crucial to keep your system in place and maintain functionality. These come in various sizes, shapes and materials depending on your needs. The main purpose of a fitting is to connect conduit ends to electrical devices, enclosures or boxes. 

The main fittings are necessary for establishing and maintaining an electrical connection between the conduit and the electrical box. Other conduit fittings, such as clips and clamps, are vital for giving additional support to conduits and keeping them secure. 

It’s best to install specific types of fittings based on the system’s exposure to vapours, moisture or hazardous conditions. If you install conduits externally, fitting them properly is even more necessary. 

Here are a few of the most important conduit fittings. 

 

Conduit Bodies

Conduit bodies have a tubular structure with openings at both ends, so you can easily place the conduit in them. These fittings come in various sizes and designs to create seamless bends and connections in the system. Since these fittings perform various functions, they come with labels to help you identify the right one. 

 

Conduit Clips

If there are any long runs of conduits and tubing, you need to add more support to keep them from sagging or breaking. 

Conduit clips and clamps are used to mount on walls or ceilings using a bolt or screw. Make sure to check regulatory and safety codes, as this will tell you the right size and dimension for the conduit fitting. 

 

Conduit Couplings

Conduit couplings are essential if you want to combine multiple conduits to create a seamless network. 

Even though PVC tubing has a belled site that can be linked without a coupling, you would still need to use these fittings in sections where the conduit has been cut. 

As with other fittings, conduit couplings are also available in various sizes, some featuring internal threading. 

 

Finding The Best Conduit Fittings

Once you’ve chosen the ideal conduit, you can browse through Meteor to find the appropriate fitting. At Meteor, we all carry various conduit fittings to help you create an integrated tubing system. These additional electrical supplies ensure fluid connectivity throughout your wiring system. 

A well-made supply of conduit clips is essential to purchase a conduit system. Unicrimp’s range of conduit clips features white cable clips for 22 - 26mm round fixtures. 

These conduit clips are made from high-grade Polyethylene, which works well for low-temperature flexibility. Without proper nail clips, your wiring is at a higher risk of damage. 

Unicrimp’s nail in clips will keep your wiring organised and secure from any hazard that could damage the cable’s coating. You can also find nail clips in various sizes to fit any kind of installation. 

How Do You Run Cables And Wiring In Conduits?

Pulling cable and wires through a conduit can be difficult, especially if the wires get caught somewhere. Here are some ways to run cables through conduits to make installation easier.

 

The String Method

The string method is ideal for using a short, straight conduit system. In this process, you push a rod with a string on it through the conduit and tie the wire to this string. You must then pull the rod through the conduit and bring the wire. 

 

A Conduit Piston

A conduit piston or mouse is a special tool that pulls wire through the conduit. Attach the wire to the piston and place it in a vacuum. This will pull the attached wire along the conduit. 

This method works well for conduit systems with bends and twists; however, it might be better for shorter conduits. 

 

The Fish Tape Method

This standard wiring equipment has a long, flat metal wire wrapped around a spool. To pull the wire through, you need to feed the tape through the conduit and attach the electrical wire to the other end of the conduit. 

 

What Type Of Wiring Is Run Through Cable Conduits?

Since cable conduits are designed to store wiring, they can support any kind of cabling. However, they usually work best with THWN or THHN wires. 

THWN wires have thermoplastic insulation and provide resistance to heat and water. On the other hand, THHN wires also have thermoplastic insulation, providing much higher heat resistance. These often have a nylon coating as well. 

These wires make up various popularly used cables, which are ideal for storing in a conduit system. 

If you opt for non-metallic cable, you’ll need to place a grounding wire, but metal conduits can also be used in their place. Modern installations typically require a ground wire, but older fittings can get away with using a conduit to ground the raceway.  

 

See similar blogs:

https://www.meteorelectrical.com/blog/electric-conduit.html

https://www.meteorelectrical.com/blog/cable-conduit.html

https://www.meteorelectrical.com/blog/external-cable-conduit.html

https://www.meteorelectrical.com/blog/outdoor-cable-conduit.html

https://www.meteorelectrical.com/blog/underground-cable-conduit.html