When is PVC not allowed indoors?

[petersonra]

I wonder why?

 

[anbm]

The PVC conduits will sag over the time, doesn't look good indoor if run exposed.

 

[jap]

Many legit concerns being expressed, although, most none of which are actual code violations.

JAP>

 

[mtnelect]

Two years ago. I completed a service upgrade and a new 5Ton HVAC system replacement in a basement of a residential home built in 1920's, located in the City of Los Angeles. I installed a new overhead 200-amp service and fed to a new 200-amp sub panel in the basement. All the existing conduits to the basement were rusted out. So, I install pvc from the new service to the new sub-panel in the basement. It all passed inspection, and no more rusted conduit to deal with.

 

[kwired]

PVC not prohibited indoors by general factors, usually has to be specific factors like in the already mentioned environmental air spaces.

Places of assembly is another one.

Patient care areas in health care facilities though not specifically prohibited, non metallic wiring methods simply don't meet the so called redundant ground rules needed for wiring methods allowed in those locations.

500-513 Hazardous locations would prohibit PVC for the most part.

PVC is a good choice for high corrosive environments, wash down areas and similar. If PVC can't take the potential physical abuse in one those applications then PVC coated rigid or stainless rigid are other options, or somehow provide additional protection/guards when necessary.

 

[sparky1118]

I’ve never had an issue with using PVC indoors. For years I used to install a 2” PVC chase from the basement to attic and had a cap on each end. Never failed or was questioned on it. Maybe it’s a Massachusetts thing?


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[petersonra]

I’ve never had an issue with using PVC indoors. For years I used to install a 2” PVC chase from the basement to attic and had a cap on each end. Never failed or was questioned on it. Maybe it’s a Massachusetts thing?


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Why would anyone care about an empty pipe?

 

[LarryFine]

Why would anyone care about an empty pipe?

The concern is toxic smoke from a fire. (Not that any kind of smoke is good to breathe.)

Plus, building codes may have a problem with a vertical fire pathway penetrating floors.

 

[letgomywago]

The concern is toxic smoke from a fire. (Not that any kind of smoke is good to breathe.)

Plus, building codes may have a problem with a vertical fire pathway penetrating floors.

Never had an issue on non fire rated assemblies. Even carlon cheap pvc boxes are 2 hour rated. Pvc schedule 80 might even be

 

[hbiss]

In NYC, looks like PVC is permitted in residential buildings above 3 stories or commercial buildings (of any height) within non-plenum walls, floors, and ceilings that have a one hour rated assembly.

PVC is permitted in residential buildings above 3 stories...

How does that make any sense? Is the fire rating for residential different below 3 stories?

This is all because of plumbers not wanting to use cast iron or copper.

-Hal

 

[kwired]

The concern is toxic smoke from a fire. (Not that any kind of smoke is good to breathe.)

Plus, building codes may have a problem with a vertical fire pathway penetrating floors.

That has been an issue brought to my attention ever since I was in trade school by an instructor.

NM cables, or other plastic wiring methods that are often prohibited in other than dwellings kind of makes no sense if smoke producing characteristics is the only reason. They are saying it is ok to have these in our homes where we sleep all night but not in public buildings where people are working, eating, or doing other activities and are likely to be alert should a fire occur.

On top of that there is plenty of plastics in most any building that aren't otherwise prohibited that can easily create more smoke than these wiring methods that usually have a certain amount of flame resistance engineered into them.

 

[petersonra]

This is all because of plumbers not wanting to use cast iron or copper.

Do you blame them?

 

[hillbilly1]

Around here, I generally see pvc used because they install the wire as it’s put together, because they don’t know how to pull wire in a complete run. Seldom will they have more than two 90’s. On occasion, they might even use a conduit 90 instead of a plumbing 90! LOL!