PVC Indoors, Good Idea?

[Sparky MJ]

I have heard that PVC conduit is not a good idea when used indoors due to the poison gas released if it burns. Any one have dirt on this?

 

[stickboy1375]

I have heard that PVC conduit is not a good idea when used indoors due to the poison gas released if it burns. Any one have dirt on this?

You plan on hanging around when the building is on fire? What about everything that the building contains? All the lead painted items from china blazing away....

 

[don_resqcapt19]

The amount PVC materials used as a part of the electrical or mechanical systems is very small when compared to amount of those same types of materials used in the building furnishings and finishes...so much smaller that I would not even waste any time thinking about the issue.

 

[quogueelectric]

Obviously not fireman. Give them a break.

 

[peter d]

Obviously not fireman. Give them a break.

They are wearing air packs...I don't see your point.

 

[1stYearElectrican]

Rumor has it that PVC is good for dirt use

Plastic gives off Toxic gases when on fire but as pointed out there more than a Lil plastic gas you got to worry about when fire is consuming things. I don't think PVC is thought of in that light when installing indoors. When I think of installing conduit indoors I tend to think of PVC 1st as it way easier and faster to install IF it is permissible by code to do so.


~FyE~

 

[ultramegabob]

I have always heard that, but thought it was a funny idea, because plumbers install pvc drains and vent pipes all over the place and houses are typically full of all kinds of plastics that Im sure give off toxic fumes, such as Televisions, stereo equipment, hair dryers, toys, computer equipment.

 

[iwire]

Obviously not fireman. Give them a break.

Actually I think Don is, or was involved with firefighting.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

There is a whole lot of nm cable in a residence as well as the already mentioned plastic plumbing-- drains as well as water lines. When I was a volunteer firefighter one of the main concerns were propane tanks and butane lighters.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Obviously not fireman. Give them a break.

Actually I am a certified firefighter III and I stand by my answer.

 

[peter d]

Actually I am a certified firefighter III and I stand by my answer.

I stand by your answer too.

 

[EBFD6]

I am a firefighter and PVC conduit is only one of many toxic hazards involved with a structure fire. We wear SCBA so it's not even an issue. Regular everyday items found in every home, such as mattresses, couch cushions, etc.., are just as (if not more) dangerous.

Here is an excerpt from an article written on Firehouse.com:

Smoke that is present during a structure fire is composed of several irritating, toxic and asphyxiant chemicals, depending on the materials that are burning. These chemicals may include hydrochloric acid, ammonia, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide. According the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), smoke is the killer in 60% to 80% of all fire deaths. Recent research has revealed that hydrogen cyanide present in smoke generated at building fires may play a more significant role in injuries and deaths of firefighters and civilians than once thought.

Smoke generated in structural fires from products composed of carbon and nitrogen contains various concentrations of hydrogen cyanide. Commercial products made up of materials such as wool, paper, cotton, silk and plastics may produce hydrogen cyanide when they burn. Hydrogen cyanide is formed when natural fibers, such as wool and silk, and synthetic polymers, such as polyurethane and nylon, are not completely consumed during a structure fire. These materials are used in insulation, floor coverings, and other construction materials and furnishings that may be present in a building.

The USFA estimates that approximately 20,800 residential building fires occur annually involving fuels such as mattresses, pillows and bedding materials. Synthetic components of these fuels have a tendency to burn hotter and faster than conventional materials, which results in room temperatures reaching flashover sooner. Flashover promotes the degradation of synthetics resulting in the release of hydrogen cyanide and other toxic gases.