Abs plastic

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trey277

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I have recently been informed by my general contractor that the architect is trying to ban the use of PVC on the house we are about to start. They instead want us to use ABS plastic pipe or an equivilent of ABS. The only explenation that I have received is that over time the PVC will emit harmful gases. Are there any alternative materials besides using rigid or IMC?
 
One alternative is EMT. As far as other alternatives it would have to be a listed raceway. IMO this architect is off the wall.
 
trey277 said:
Will EMT work for direct burial. We have a lot of pipe that has to be put in the ground.
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Yes, but I agree with Infinity

I would add that someone is pulling someone elses leg if this is including exterior and underground installations.

Roger
 
I know that they make plumbing pipe out of ABS plastic, but I am not aware of conduit made from ABS....maybe it would be a good idea....I am the onsite contractor at an ABS plant:grin:
 
trey277 said:
The only explenation that I have received is that over time the PVC will emit harmful gases.
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Will EMT work for direct burial. We have a lot of pipe that has to be
put in the ground.
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I just can't figure out how them harmful gasses underground are going to effect what's above ground???
 
trey277 said:
I have recently been informed by my general contractor that the architect is trying to ban the use of PVC on the house we are about to start.
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So can we assume they will also be banning carpet, furniture, appliances, electronics, food containers, and everything else that emits toxic fumes when burned?
 
Have you looked into HDPE conduit for the underground portion of the job?
I have never used it personally and don?t know if it would be appropriate for your application, but am just throwing it out there for you to look in to.
NEC Article 353 does not permitted to be exposed or used inside of buildings though.
 
PVC on the house

PVC on the house

trey277 said:
I have recently been informed by my general contractor that the architect is trying to ban the use of PVC on the house we are about to start. They instead want us to use ABS plastic pipe or an equivilent of ABS. The only explenation that I have received is that over time the PVC will emit harmful gases. Are there any alternative materials besides using rigid or IMC?
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Trey,

Maybe the architect is refering to water line PVC pipe for incoming supply that is a lot different than listed Electrical types. I do not believe that ABS DWV will qualify for electrical raceway plastic used underground or elsewhere.
There is no ABS Sch 80 available either.

Is that requirement spec'd on the drawing? rbj
 
trey277 said:
I The only explenation that I have received is that over time the PVC will emit harmful gases.
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I don't know about the pvc itself, but I have spent some quality time with the glue. :wink:

I suspect the architect has as well. :)


What I would do is have him spec the exact product he wants you to use.
 
trey277 said:
I have recently been informed by my general contractor that the architect is trying to ban the use of PVC on the house we are about to start. The only explenation that I have received is that over time the PVC will emit harmful gases.
I agree with the other guys. That sounds a little cooky, but I guess ultimately if the price is right the customer is right. By the way, sometimes EC's will emit harmful gases.:grin:
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The ban on PVC was listed in the spec book for the job under the electrical section. It is also listed in the plumbing section along with the ban of pex plumbing pipe.The plumber can only use copper for water and ABS for drains and sewer. I would also like to thank everybody for the help.
 
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I think this is one of those "green" things. We had a large client that recently said there would be no PVC used in new construction. It's a nice thought if PVC is really that bad for our planet. But I don't think it is very practacle for electrical work just yet.

Don't tell the architect, but I think THHN/THWN is insulation is also PVC based. (If I wrong, I'm sure someone will correct me.)

STeve
 
steve66 said:
Don't tell the architect, but I think THHN/THWN is insulation is also PVC based. (If I wrong, I'm sure someone will correct me.)
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This is quite right. PVC is applied to the copper and then coated with a polyamide. Cross-linked thermoset-insulated conductors such as XHHW, however, do not have PVC -- though we could claim that thermsets do not decompose as thermoplastics (viz. PVC) do. And rubber-insulated wiring -- well, that filled up all the landfills back in the Eighties. All this clamoring about "the environment" always seems to be to the benefit of some one group and at the expense of another. It reminds me of the old "it's for the children" mantra that was spouted by someone with a cause in order to immediately get his or her way.

Anyway, back on point: I rarely use PVC, unless someone's twisting my arm, so IMC or RMC would definitely be the next choice I offer to the O/P. The use of HDPE may also be an option; as I just brought up in a recent thread, it has many benefits to offer but is very limited by The Code as to where it can be used.

As far as ABS emitting toxic fumes, I have not seen anything to substantiate this. I do know that it burns very easily given the heat provided in a typical house fire scenario, but once a fire gets to pipes concealed in walls and slabs, does it really matter?
 
peter d said:
So can we assume they will also be banning carpet, furniture, appliances, electronics, food containers, and everything else that emits toxic fumes when burned?
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Yeah this would be a much larger hazard then some PVC pipe.
 
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