Ever wonder the differences between pvc conduit and pvc pipe? Let’s find the answer here!
In buildings, both commercial and residential, you must use pipes for water lines and also for electrical cable lines.
These two pipes can consist of PVC, and are so different from one and another. Let’s go and unveil those differences only at dimulti.id!
Table of Contents
What Are PVC Conduits?
PVC conduit is a PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) pipe used to protect and organize electrical cables.
It is resistant to corrosion and harsh environmental conditions, lightweight, and flexible, making it easy to install and manage.
In addition, PVC conduit is more economical than metal pipes and does not conduct electricity, adding a layer of safety to cable installations.
These advantages make PVC conduit a popular choice in a variety of applications, from residential homes to commercial buildings.
With its ability to provide extra protection to cables from physical damage, moisture, and chemicals, PVC conduit ensures that cables remain well protected and organized.
Also Read: “Advantages and Disadvantages of PVC Material“
What Are PVC Pipes?
On the other hand, PVC pipe is a pipe made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), a plastic material known for its strength and durability.
It is widely used in various applications, such as water pipe systems, drainage lines, and general plumbing applications.
The advantages of PVC pipe include its corrosion resistance, light weight, ease of installation, and resistance to chemicals and extreme weather.
Differences Between PVC Conduit and PVC Pipes
1. Flexibility
At room temperature, PVC conduit pipes can be bent so that installation does not require a lot of fittings / connections. PVC conduit pipes are designed to facilitate the installation of electrical lines and network cable lines (network).
Meanwhile, PVC pipe has lower flexibility so it is more difficult to bend and must use fittings to change the path of water.
2. Installation
Because PVC conduit pipes do not require special resistance to water pressure, they can be installed easily, either by connecting them directly to the socket at the end of the pipe or with fittings.
In contrast, PVC pipes used for water pipe systems need to be connected using special glue. This is done to prevent water leakage and ensure that the pipe joints remain sealed and watertight.
3. Impact-Resistant
Since PVC conduit pipe is designed to protect cables, it has higher impact resistance compared to plumbing PVC pipe.
On the other hand, PVC plumbing pipes are specifically designed to handle pressure, so they have better resistance to water pressure.
Also Read: “The Applications of PVC Material“
4. Fittings
The variety of PVC conduit pipe connections is more limited and different in design compared to PVC pipe connections used for plumbing.
PVC conduit pipes usually have simpler connections, such as basic connectors and fittings, which are designed for easy cable organization and protection.
In contrast, PVC pipe connections for plumbing tend to be more complex and diverse, including different types of fittings such as elbows, tees, and couplers designed to handle water flow and pressure.
This design is necessary to ensure a strong and tight connection to the water pipe system, so that it can handle various installation situations with more flexibility.
6. Fire Resistant
Usually, PVC conduit pipes are equipped with an additional flame retardant to increase fire resistance.
This feature is important to ensure safety on electrical cable lines, reducing the risk of fire that could be caused by cables exposed to heat or flames.
On the other hand, regular PVC pipe has self-extinguishing properties, which means it can put out its own fire if it catches fire.
Nonetheless, the addition of flame retardant substances to PVC conduit pipe provides extra protection, making it a safer choice for electrical wiring installations in a variety of conditions.
So there you have it! The differences between PVC conduit and PVC pipes!
The applications of PVC are indeed so diverse in a lot of settings, but one thing that is so important is to choose the PVC product that has been tested for its quality and safety.
As in Indonesia, the PVC products are needed to be tested then certified to ensure that it is safe to be sold and distributed in the markets.
The said certification is called the SNI Certification that regulates most if not all of the products and/or services in Indonesia.
And for the PVC itself, the regulations are as diverse as its applications. From the SNI certification for PVC insulated cable that stated in 04-6628.3-2006, 04-6628.4-2006 and 04-6628.5-2006.
And up to the SNI certification for PVC casted boots that is stated in SNI 1547:2017, and everything in between.
