Can schedule 40 plumbing pvc be used instead of gray electrical?

17 years ago

I am replacing my breaker box as well as updating some things that are not to code and wondered if there is a problem with using the white schedule 40 plumbing pvc instead of the gray pvc conduits to cover my main service lines?

My panel and service are 100amp and the only thing I will be adding is a new ground wire (6 gauge stranded) to the entrance pipe with the original 3 wires. The only problem I have with using the gray pipe is that only 3-5 inches of the wires are "uncovered" (still insulated of course but in the open) so that the gray electrical pipe pieces are too large and it would take some finesse and cutting to make something work.

Long story short I just wondered since they were both pvc and both schedule 40 if there was some reason the plumbing stuff that has all the nice small pieces wouldn't be to code.

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Comments (7)

bus_driver
17 years ago
No! The message system here requires a longer answer. The plumbing PVC is not UL Listed. Electrical conduit must be UL Listed.
DavidR
17 years ago
When you try to pull wire through those water ells, you'll find out why electrical sweeps are gradual.

When I see white PVC used as electrical conduit, it screams "uninformed amateur" to me. That would be an instant red flag to an inspector when it's time to sell your home.
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Thanks for the input, but now I'm confused. The schedule 40 PVC pipe I'm using is stamped DWV. But it's pressure rated to 280 psi, and its NSF pw certified (potable water). It's also ASTM D1785, which is the standard for pressure rated PVC pipe. I'm not clear on what is wrong with this. Is it just that I didn't buy it from a pool place? I know the there is a big difference with the fittings, DWV vs. pressure. I have the pressure fittings. Spa flex is rated at 55 psi. Obviously easier, but junk by my standards. I can't get myself to use that, I want to use rigid pipe.
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arichard21
17 years ago
it also needs to be fire rated to run wiring through it.
solarpowered
17 years ago
No.

.

OK, the system won't take a 3-character reply: Hell no!
arichard21
17 years ago
we actually had am electricial do this in our house. and to top it off, it was used, dirty pvc he got from our basement!
bus_driver
17 years ago
The power to my shop to the meter cabinet is in 2 1/2" white PVC, done by the POCO or their contractor, not subject to the NEC. But it is marked as electrical conduit, UL, Sunlight Resistant. The only example of that I have ever seen. It would meet the NEC.
gio17vani
Original Author
17 years ago
Ended up finding some flexible UL listed indoor/outdoor water tight tubing that made it much easier. I kinda figured I shouldn't use the white pvc but I love the fact that this forum is here to keep me from making a stupid mistake for convenience that could have been easily avoided. I have one more question about the ground wire issue that i'll ask here and in another post

After replacing the box I realized there was no grounding wire beyond the meter box and only a rusted out grounding rod that is not connected to anything.

My question is that I want to run 4 guage stranded copper and sink a new ground rod but I'm uncertain where to run it since not only is there no room to run it in the original service entrance pipe with the 3 main wires but then that wouldn't lead me to the grounding rod only back to the meter box which doesn't seem logical.

I can easily run it along side of the service pipe since the hole made is larger than should be in cement wall (can see outside thru it) and then connect it to the grounding rod less than a foot away. the only concern I have with that is I wanted to fill those gaps with the insulating spray foam to seal that up since that is pretty messed up that water can run along that pipe right in.

So if I just run the ground wire from my neutral/ground bar up and out along side of the service pipe can i then still use the insulating foam to seal off the hole and essentially covering and insulating about 25% of the bare ground wire as well?

Can schedule 40 plumbing pvc be used instead of gray electrical?

Comments (7)

bus_driver

DavidR

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Can schedule 40 plumbing pvc be used instead of gray electrical?

Comments (7)

bus_driver

DavidR

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arichard21

solarpowered

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gio17vaniOriginal Author

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