I.

DEFINITION
-

A rigid nonmetallic conduit (RNC) of circular cross section, with integral

connections within an accessible ceiling to luminaire(s) or associated couplings,
connectors, and things for the in other equipment, installation of electrical
conductors and cables.

PVC conduit is the lightest in weight compared to other conduit materials, and
usually lower in cost than other forms of conduit. In North American electrical practice, it
is available in three different wall thicknesses, with the thin-wall variety only suitable for
embedded use in concrete, and heavier grades suitable for direct burial and exposed
work. Most of the various fittings made for metal conduit are also available in PVC form.
The plastic material resists moisture and many corrosive substances, but since the
tubing is non-conductive an extra bonding (grounding) conductor must be pulled into
each conduit. PVC conduit may be heated and bent in the field, by using special heating
tools designed for the purpose.
II.

SIZE
A. MINIMUM: PVC conduit smaller than the designator 16 (trade size )
shall not be used.
B. MAXIMUM: PVC conduit larger than the designator 155 (trade size 6)
shall not be used.

III.

COUPLING AND CONNECTOR

Coupling (or coupler)

used in piping or plumbing is a very short length of pipe or tube, with a socket at
one or both ends that allows two pipes or tubes to be
joined, welded (steel), brazed or soldered (copper, brass etc.) together.
Alternatively it is a short length
of pipe with two female National pipe
threads (NPT) (in North American
terms, a coupler is a double female
while a nipple is double male)
or two male or female British
standard pipe threads- is a family of
standard screw thread types that has
been adopted internationally for
interconnecting and sealing pipe ends
by mating an external (male) with an
internal (female) thread.

If the two ends of a coupling are different (e.g. one BSP threaded and one NPT
threaded), then it is usually referred to as an adapter. Another variation is one plain
socket and one threaded socket. Yet another variation would be 3/4" NPT to 1/2" NPT.
When the two ends use the same connection method but are of a different size, the
terms reducing coupling or reducer are used.
Figure 1. Examples of Reducer

Groove pipe coupling

-

Is up to three times faster to install than welding, easier and more reliable than
threading or flanging, resulting in lowest total installed cost.

The grooved couplings system is designed for roll grooved or cut grooved standard pipe
or roll grooved light wall pipe. Grooved couplings is a clean system whereby there is no
pipe dope or welding slag to contaminate pipes. Each joint is a union and the removal of
two couplings permits removal of pipe section for cleaning or servicing. Grooved
couplings proven joint reliability. Full circumferential engagement of housing into groove
provides end pull strength.

Figure 2. - Examples of Groove pipe coupling.

IV.

SUPPORT

PVC conduit shall be supported. Conduit listed for support at spacings other than as
shown in the list below shall be permitted to be installed in accordance with the listing.
Horizontal runs of PVC conduit supported by openings through framing members at
intervals not exceeding those in the list below and securely fastened within 900 mm (3
ft.) of termination points shall be permitted.

Table 1. - Support of Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Conduit (PVC)

Conduit Size Maximum Spacing Between Supports
Metric Designator

Trade Size

mm or m

ft.

1627

121

900mm

3553

1142

1.5 m

6378

2123

1.8 m

91129

3125

2.1 m

155

2.5 m

V.
-

NUMBER OF CONDUCTORS IN RACEWAY

PVC conduit used exposed in areas of physical dam-tors shall not exceed that
permitted by the percentage II shall be identified for the use.

Cables shall be permitted to be installed where such use areas of physical damage.is
not prohibited by the respective cable articles. The number of cables shall not exceed
the allowable percentage ll.

Table 2. Adjustment factors current carrying conductors in a Raceway or Cable.

Number of Conductors
4-6
7-9
10-20
21-30
31-40
41- above

Percent values adjusted for temperature

80
70
50
45
40
35

TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

TAGUIG CAMPUS

Rigid Nonmetallic Conduit

Group members:
Borja, Ronald Ian T.
De Guzman, Katrina T.
Cardinal, Jonathan Brylle F.
Cruz, Christian Dave

Sir. Hunto
(Prof. Prac3B)