Raceway/Conduit

[construct]

I have an electrical contractor that has used 4" PVC cellcore Drain Waste and Vent pipe for conduit. Article 100 defines a raceway as " An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic materials designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars, with additional functions as permitted in this code." I can't find where the NEC specifically prohibits the use of DWV pipe as conduit. If it is allowed, then I have no problem with it. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[iwire]

110.8 Prevents you from using any wiring method not found in the code.

You will not find DWV pipe in the NEC.

 

[barbeer]

Well, I am not sure how others will view this, but 352.6 specifies that RNC shall be listed. DWV is not listed as RNC for electrical use.

 

[infinity]

Did he pull in individual conductors or cables?

 

[petersonra]

I have an electrical contractor that has used 4" PVC cellcore Drain Waste and Vent pipe for conduit. Article 100 defines a raceway as " An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic materials designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars, with additional functions as permitted in this code." I can't find where the NEC specifically prohibits the use of DWV pipe as conduit. If it is allowed, then I have no problem with it. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

He can't use it as a raceway.

No reason he can't use it as a chase or to protect a cable (such as USE), at least NEC wise.

 

[construct]

Raceway/Conduit

I may have mis-posted my reply. So if I did, wanted to say thanks to all on the forum for your input on my question.

 

[peter d]

Did he pull in individual conductors or cables?

I was thinking the same thing. Cables or conductors rated for direct burial can certainly be installed in non-NEC "raceways."

 

[infinity]

I was thinking the same thing. Cables or conductors rated for direct burial can certainly be installed in non-NEC "raceways."

That's done all of the time under driveways and walks with UF cable.

 

[Bill Annett]

Besides what was already stated, another problem with using DWV pipe is that when someone see it they think that it is used for drains. Down the road someone not knowing that it has electrical wiring in it could cut into it and get hurt.

 

[jamesoftn]

True, When the Power Co. changed from direct burial and insisted on pipe. The requirement was a 3in white DWV pipe with NO MARKER TAPE. While I was digging a water line up to repair a leak I found the 3in electric line. The owner came up and commented on the sewer line I found. When I informed him this was the electric feed he was astonished. This may provide protection for the wire but could be dangerous to the unknowing.