Schedule 80 pvc usage

[rick ortega]

QUESTION! Is there any code exceptions or variances that would allow us to install schedule 80 pvc above ground. At work, we have pipe chases that have collected water over years and all of the plumbing pipe as well as the electrical ridgid galvanized pipe, boxes and fittings have completely rusted away. Wire is hanging freely that used to be in pipe. With the continuous wet and damp nature of the pipe chase, we were wondering if we could install pvc? Help...............Rick

 

[raider1]

PVC can be used above ground for wet locations and corrosive locations.

Keep in mind that there are special strapping requirements and thermal expansion requirements when using PVC above ground.

Take a look at Article 352 for the rules regarding using PVC conduit.

Chris

 

[cowboyjwc]

Also remember that schedule 40 and schedule 80 are not mentioned in the code.

 

[roger]

Also remember that schedule 40 and schedule 80 are not mentioned in the code.

But their uses are described in the UL White Book and Schedule 80 is as follows.

Schedule 80 conduit has a reduced cross-sectional area available for wiring
space and is suitable for use wherever Schedule 40 conduit may be
used. The marking ??Schedule 80 PVC?? identifies conduit suitable for use
where exposed to physical damage and for installation on poles in accordance
with the NEC.

Roger

 

[jxofaltrds]

also remember that schedule 40 and schedule 80 are not mentioned in the code.

300.5(d)(4).

 

[iwire]

QUESTION! Is there any code exceptions or variances that would allow us to install schedule 80 pvc above ground.

Yes but along with what has been mentioned keep in mind that schedule 80 PVC has the smallest inside diameter of any raceway so the conductors that were fine in RMC could be a violation in the same size PVC 80.

 

[cowboyjwc]

300.5(d)(4).

Remember, "where subject to physical damage" is a lot like "workmanship like manner".

 

[jxofaltrds]

Remember, "where subject to physical damage" is a lot like "workmanship like manner".

Is that in the code?

 

[mjf]

Yes but along with what has been mentioned keep in mind that schedule 80 PVC has the smallest inside diameter of any raceway so the conductors that were fine in RMC could be a violation in the same size PVC 80.

Could he use sch 40 if the pipe chase is protecting the conduit from physical damage?

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Could he use sch 40 if the pipe chase is protecting the conduit from physical damage?

If the conductors are protected by fuse or breakers 40 is fine but still the magic words SUBJECT TO DAMAGE. Everything is subject to damage. I would ask the inspector his opinion first. Best to stay on the winning side of him from the beginning

 

[jxofaltrds]

Could he use sch 40 if the pipe chase is protecting the conduit from physical damage?

I never know of an inspector turning it down.

Most fittings available are sch 40.

 

[cowboyjwc]

Is that in the code?

It's right there in the section you quoted. If that were the case I would never allow exposed Sch 40 PVC.

 

[iwire]

Could he use sch 40 if the pipe chase is protecting the conduit from physical damage?

I think he could, I would also check the fill on that.

If I recall starting for any given trade size from the smallest inside diameter and working up:

1. PVC 80
   
2. PVC 40
   
3. RMC
   
4. IMC
   
5. EMT

 

[LarryFine]

The interior of 1/2" Sched 80 looks too small for even 3 #12's.

 

[dkidd]

The interior of 1/2" Sched 80 looks too small for even 3 #12's.

It's only 18.3% fill.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Will be fun geting fish tape in it and makeing a head. Add 4 90's and I don't want to be there.

 

[Hendrix]

Remember, "where subject to physical damage" is a lot like "workmanship like manner".

I would have to dissagree. Workmanship like manner is almost uninforceable where as physical damage is more obvious

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

I would have to dissagree. Workmanship like manner is almost uninforceable where as physical damage is more obvious

IS IT ?????????????? What is not subject to damage ? Will it hold up to a fork lift ?

 

[Hendrix]

IS IT ?????????????? What is not subject to damage ? Will it hold up to a fork lift ?

It might, on the moon

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

It might, on the moon

I refuse to work that far out of town even if getting travel time LOL
Seriously almost any install is subject to dmage of some kind. Even rigid steel can be damaged. Ever seen a bent riser ? A tree can damage them fast.
I would say this is pretty much up to the inspector. Are cars likely to hit it ?