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PVC electrical installation pipe. Technical characteristics of PVC pipes for electrical wiring. Smooth hard PVC pipes

PVC pipes are the optimal solution when installing electrical wiring, since their plastic casings can reliably protect electrical cable from unwanted damage, and thereby prevent the occurrence of fire in the event of a short circuit.

Advantages and disadvantages

For a long time, metal tubes were used to perform electrical work, performing a protective function, but as time shows, products made of polyvinyl chloride are much more suitable for this purpose.

PVC pipes for electrical installations have the following advantages:

low level of flammability that can prevent fire;
no corrosion;
complete protection of wires from deformation;
risk of injury electric shock excluded even if the cable is damaged;
no need for grounding and welding;
it is possible to lay the wire in any conditions, including high humidity;
the material is light in weight;
installation is simple;
polyvinyl chloride is resistant to low temperatures;
during installation, the material bends easily due to its plasticity;
Increased strength and elasticity of the product ensures a long service life.

At the same time, PVC pipes have more low cost than similar material made of steel or copper. No special skills are required to operate these versatile products, and additional protection electrical wires. Despite the fact that these products are the most fire resistant and are optimally suited for electrical installation work, they have their drawbacks. Compared to polyethylene products low pressure they are less resistant to ultraviolet radiation, and the lightest ones, due to their small thickness, the pipes are quite susceptible to mechanical stress.

In this regard, both are more often used for indoor installation or in places where strong pressure is not applied to them.

Types of material

PVC pipes are available in several versions. It is worth noting that soft and hard tubes are used for walls made of different materials In addition, they are used for screeding floors.

Smooth

Smooth (straight) materials are ordinary hollow cylinders made of slightly flammable polymers that are used on open areas of walls. Thick-walled products are the most durable, their use mainly relates to production premises where there is a high risk of mechanical damage to the cable. The most popular product of this type is the smooth electrical pipe D20 made of polyamide, which is used for indoor and outdoor installations indoors. This is a white or gray tube with a diameter of 20 mm, halogen-free, moisture-resistant with increased elasticity and flame retardant. Installation and operation of this product can be carried out at temperatures from -15 to +90 degrees.

The flexible material has a large bending radius (160 mm), high impact and tensile strength.

Corrugated

A special place is occupied by corrugated, flexible materials, which are convenient for connecting cables on uneven surfaces, as well as in hard-to-reach places. Such electrical installation pipes contain a special wire (broach) inside and are packaged in coils of 15, 20, 25, 50, 100 m. The main purpose is the external laying of electrical wires. Based on the diameter of the material, entire bundles of wires can be placed in pipes and, thanks to such capabilities, electrical networks of increased complexity can be installed. In this regard, it is worth taking a closer look at the technical characteristics of these products.

Corrugated PVC pipe complies with GOST standards, like other polyvinyl chloride pipes intended for carrying electrical cables.

Such pipes have the following technical characteristics:

guarantee a high degree of protection (GOST 14254);
equipped with a special broach;
thick-walled materials make it possible to lay flooring under a cement screed;
installation can be carried out at a temperature range from -50 to +50 degrees;
the material is self-extinguishing.

The double-walled corrugated pipe has a smooth layer on the inside and a corrugated outer layer. The material is not afraid of mechanical impact, high and low temperatures, vibrations. Additional accessories in the form of a broach make installation quick and easy. The standard product is used for laying in floors and walls, ceilings, in residential premises and industrial workshops, in outdoor conditions. Products can be stored for up to two years if the packaging is intact.

Reinforced PVC pipe is a spiral frame with soft polyvinyl chloride. This is a material with increased ductility, making it possible to use it under high vibration, in places with significant bends of surfaces. Such pipes can be light or heavy with thick walls, with or without broaching.

However, all products are waterproof and wear-resistant. The diameter of these products can range from 16 to 63 mm.

uPVC

Pipes for electrical wiring made of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride are smooth products that can be used for both hidden and external cable wiring.

These products are classified according to the following criteria:

the type is normal - “N” and reinforced “U”, when laying in concrete foundations is required;
by appearance - with and without a bell;
according to wall thickness dimensions.

Any products have a length from 3 to 6 m according to GOST. Installation of products with sockets is carried out by connecting straight ends into sockets. When performing electrical installation work, it is recommended to fill the gaps with a special adhesive base based on polyvinyl chloride resin. PVC-U pipes are made of non-flammable material polymer material, are light in weight. The lifespan of the product is 50 years.

Wiring installation

For electrical wiring using PVC pipes You will need additional components designed for each type and model, namely:

box for connection to the distribution box;
holder with a latch for attaching pipes to walls;
fastener with clamp;
corrugated coupling;
transparent coupling;
polyethylene staples;
elbow (square) for connecting at right angles;
tee for T-shaped connections;
special coupling for wet areas and streets.

You will also need hardware such as clips, turns, dowel ties, and crosses. To correctly and accurately position the electrical network, you will need a building level during work.

Installation is carried out as follows:

First of all, you should make markings for placing pipes with wires. To prevent the cable from heating up, it is necessary to protect them from any heating elements with an indentation of 0.5 meters;
every 10–15 cm of pipes must be secured, so it is necessary to think in advance what fasteners will be used;
Next, the branch boxes (PVC components) are installed and the location of the clips and fastening clamps is marked;
it is necessary to ensure that the voltage does not exceed 15000 V;
after this the cable is leveled, the inside of the PVC pipes must be clean;
Fasteners are placed on the marked areas, and the tubes are cut into pieces of the required sizes;
the tubes are placed in clips with fasteners adjusted to their diameter;
the electrical wire is pulled through the pipe elements using a special broach, individual sections are connected to each other, including bends and turns;
Cables can be routed several at a time directly into the junction box, and then connected to specific objects.

It is important to ensure that all connections are as reliable and tight as possible.

It doesn’t matter whether a smooth or corrugated PVC pipe is used, the following nuances must be taken into account when installing the wiring:

if cable installation involves pulling it from the wall to the floor, then it is better to use corrugated connectors;
It is always better to connect two different points using a whole piece of polyvinyl chloride;
you should not let the broach go inside the protective profile when cutting it with a side cutter, in the future this will force you to waste time getting it out;
some pipe models do not require the presence of wire - in this case, you can use nylon or a metal broach;

Polyvinyl chloride is one of the first polymers discovered and produced. Today, a lot of different products are made from it, including insulating cable-supporting systems. Its use in electrical engineering is due to its good dielectric and insulating properties. Modern electrical PVC pipes are produced in various configurations, each of which is designed for use in special conditions and has distinctive properties.

Rigid and flexible pipes

Smooth or rigid electrical PVC pipes have greater longitudinal rigidity, which ensures rigidity of the entire system. To install such pipes, fewer fasteners are required than in the case of corrugated pipes. However, special accessories must be used to make bends and turns in the highway.

A corrugated or flexible plastic electrical pipe is an alternation of circles of different diameters. This design provides a certain margin of flexibility. To install corrugated cable support systems, more fastenings are required, but there is virtually no need for additional accessories (with the exception of mounting boxes and adapters).

Use strengths Both types of electrical PVC pipes are helped by combining them within one system, which optimizes not only the installation time, but also the price of the finished cable support system. Thus, smooth pipes with longitudinal rigidity are used for constructing long straight sections, and flexible pipes are used for sections with a complex configuration.

Heavy and light pipes

This typical division arose due to the presence different ways laying cable support systems. Thus, light series pipes are designed for open installation. They are cheaper and have a sufficient margin of safety. Heavy pipes with thickened walls are used where increased resistance to static mechanical influences is required, that is, when laying a hidden channel in concrete or under plastering finishing materials.

Variety of diameters

Most electrical PVC pipes (excluding products special purpose) is available in diameters from 16 to 50 mm. This diversity is necessary to comply with safety regulations. The selection of a suitable diameter is made based on the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the conductor to the cross-sectional area of the pipe. The minimum acceptable value is 3 to 7, where 3 is the cross-sectional area of the conductor.

Thus, type variety electrical pipes allows you to assemble reliable and inexpensive cable support systems. Combination different types pipes depending on the laying conditions of a particular section - an advanced and rational approach to installing insulation.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has excellent technical characteristics, making pipes made from it extremely popular in construction. PVC pipes for electrical wiring fully comply with the requirements for this type of product when laying electrical networks: they provide simple installation, the ability to replace the cable if necessary, reliable insulation and even aesthetics. What other advantages do PVC pipes have for laying cables, what types are on the market, and how to install them when arranging power supply, you can find out from our article.

Characteristics of electrical PVC pipes

The electrical pipe is made of self-extinguishing polyvinyl chloride and high and low pressure polyethylene. These materials are endowed with technical characteristics that allow the installation of pipes of this type to create cable support systems. In addition to this, the pipe PVC electrical serves as an additional layer of insulation for the cable, provides fire resistance and protects the wiring from mechanical damage.

Advantages

PVC pipes have a number of undeniable advantages:

durable: they have original strength, are not subject to corrosion, are resistant to humid and aggressive environments, and to ultraviolet radiation;
hygienic and environmentally friendly;
easy to install: lightweight, easy to saw, glue, solder;
have a low deformation coefficient;
do not bear a significant load on the structure;
provide (with appropriate accessories) complete tightness, in which the cable is reliably protected from the penetration of dust and moisture;
practical: they have low price, during operation they do not require painting or other maintenance.

In addition, cable installation with their use is carried out quickly and efficiently, this is facilitated by the absence of roughness on the inner wall of the pipe. Such systems are practical to use, since the electrical wiring in them is replaced without the need to open the trench and dismantle the ceiling.

Due to these qualities, PVC pipes for cable laying have no alternative today. They are an indispensable component of power supply systems and are successfully used in the construction of residential, industrial and administrative facilities.

PVC electrical pipe is non-flammable, it has the highest category in terms of fire safety among polymer analogues.

Varieties

Electrical PVC pipes are usually divided into two main categories:

smooth hard (smooth-walled);
corrugated (flexible corrugated pipes).

Rigid PVC pipe for cable is mainly used in outdoor building structures, corrugated pipe - when laying electrical supply systems inside ceilings (under plaster, in a floor screed, etc.).

Also, their classification is determined according to GOST 18599-83, which distinguishes 4 categories of electrical pipes:

T – heavy;
C – average;
SL – medium-light;
N – non-standard.

They can be produced with different diameters: 8 ÷ 250 mm; with different wall thicknesses and different colors.

The corrugated PVC pipe with a probe for cable pulling deserves special attention. The advantageous feature of this model is the presence of a special rigid steel wire, which greatly facilitates the process of installing the wire inside the cable support system.

The corrugated pipe is attached to the supporting planes using special latches-clips, which are easily detached if it is necessary to change the direction of the cables or move part of the wiring to another place.

Installation of cable in PVC pipe

Use of components

The advantage of laying cables in PVC pipes (compared to metal ones) is obvious:

PVC electrical pipe is cheaper;
does not require grounding;
under normal use it can last up to 50 years;
can be operated at temperatures from –25 to + 70 0 C;
do not form or accumulate condensation;
do not require expensive welding;
do not require maintenance.

In addition, when using these pipes, the cost of the project is significantly reduced; insulation for PVC pipes is not needed, it itself plays the role of protection, therefore the cable can be used in a lightweight design.

For open wiring (walls, ceilings), according to current standards, a smooth PVC pipe is used for cables; for laying cables inside structures made of fireproof materials, a corrugated pipe is used.

When arranging power supply on wooden and other combustible bases, you should use only metal pipes or a metal hose!

To implement high-quality installation It is recommended to use additional components, which are selected based on the diameter and model of the pipe. These include tees, connectors, turns, crosses, dowel-ties, clips, etc. Pick all necessary details Consultants from the Electrical Installation Products Department will help you.

Installation technology

The installation process looks like this:

Mark the future placement of pipes with electrical cables. In this case, the distance from the heating elements must be at least 0.5 m so that the cables do not heat up. The locations of the panel boxes are also noted.
Define required quantity fastening elements at the rate of 1 fastener for every 10-15 cm of pipe.
Prepare all the necessary elements and check that the voltage in the electrical network does not exceed 1500 V.
If necessary, cut the products into sections of the required length.
They prepare the products - straighten the wires, and, if necessary, clean the inner surface of the pipes.
Pull the cable through the pipeline elements, and then install its sections in accordance with the diagram.

Installation of the PVC pipeline must be carried out with a slope in order to avoid the accumulation of condensate in it.

The pipeline is fastened at regular intervals in accordance with the markings.
Panel boxes are installed in which the cables being laid are connected into nodes.
Check the reliability of the insulation between the laid wires.

Installation subtleties

A smooth or corrugated pipe for electrical wiring is laid taking into account the following important points:

When installing pipes in the floor or brick wall use metal brackets; you can fill the system only after it is securely fastened.
When a pipe passes from the floor to the wall or when it enters a slab cavity, use special corrugated connectors.
Do not allow any creases to form, as this will make it difficult to pull the cable later.
Always use solid pieces of pipe to connect two points in a straight line.
When cutting the broach with a side cutter, do not let the wire go inside the pipe; you will have to remove it by making an additional cut on the pipe.
If the pipe kit does not include a special probe, use an elastic metal or nylon broach. It must first be run into the pipe, and then the cable attached to it must be pulled through.
The wires must be prepared for pulling; to do this, they must be secured in several places with PVC electrical tape.
To prevent the harness from slipping, it is necessary to securely connect it to the broach. To do this, wrap the wire around the bundle and tighten it with pliers. The ends of the cable should not stick out in different directions, otherwise pulling will be impossible.

It is more convenient to pull the cable together. If you do the work alone, then the broach must be securely attached to the permanent structure.

The main purpose of corrugated pipe is to lay internal cable systems, but some models can be used for external underground installation. Such models are double-walled corrugated pipes with a diameter of up to 200 mm.

Standard PVC pipe for cable is used not only for laying electrical power cables, but also for laying low-current cables: telecommunications, telephone, communication and alarm cables.

Smooth rigid pipes PVC is one of the popular types of products from the Ruvinil company. We produce seven standard sizes and are ready to offer high quality products to solve various problems. We produce products with a diameter that varies between 16-63 mm.

Smooth electrical pipe made of durable PVC is supplied in packages, onto which a label containing a bar code is applied. Using this marking, information about pipeline fittings can be easily read during inspection.

The smooth pipe design is necessary for laying networks for various purposes. It can be used for installation by any means and is used for the following types of networks:

television,
computer,
telephone,
electrical, etc.

Also, PVC plastic pipes for laying electrical wiring can be used for laying networks on the load-bearing foundations of stationary electrical installations that are used in everyday life and similar ones. Such installations can be operated indoors or in open spaces. In monolithic concrete construction, smooth pipe is also often used and is an ideal choice.

Advantages of pipeline fittings

Junction boxes can be installed together with plastic pipes. The Ruvinil company has the appropriate certificates for all types of products. They are very popular due to the following features:

effectiveness of protecting cables from mechanical external influences,
moisture and dust protection of the internal space,
simple pulling of cable equipment,
the ability to create routes of any difficulty level.

Specifications:

THAT:	3464-005-18669258-2004
GOST:	8594-80 (IEC 670-89)
MATERIAL:	polyvinyl chloride (PVC) self-extinguishing up to t 650°C (2 mm filament test)
COLOR:	gray RAL 7035
DEGREE OF PROTECTION:	IP 65 according to GOST 14254 (IEC 529) IP 65 - dust cannot get inside. Protection against water jets from any direction. Spanish UHL2 according to GOST 15150
INSTALLATION TEMPERATURE:	from -5ºС to +60ºС
OPERATING TEMPERATURE RANGE:	From: - 25°C to + 60°C.
IMPACT STRENGTH:	10 Nm (light PVC pipes), 20 Nm (heavy PVC pipes)
INSULATION RESISTANCE:	100 mOhm for 1 min. (500 V)
DIELECTRIC STRENGTH:	2,000 V for 15 min. (50 Hz)
FIRE RESISTANCE:	does not support combustion up to t=650ºС
ELONGATION AT BREAK:	at least 30%

Distinctive features:

Higher degree of moisture and dust protection compared to corrugated pipes;

Additional protection of wiring from mechanical damage;

Self-extinguishing PVC prevents the cable from catching fire from a short circuit and the spread of flame, and is an additional insulator;

The smooth inner wall of the pipe ensures easy cable pulling without the use of additional devices;

A large number of accessories and junction boxes allows you to lay complex routes of any configuration;

The system of smooth rigid pipes allows for dust and moisture protection up to IP 67, provided that accessories are used and the electrical installation is of appropriate quality.

Smooth pipe laying scheme:

Smooth hard PVC pipes	Color	Diameters external / internal (mm)
Smooth hard PVC pipes	Color
Light type	grey RAL 7035
Packaging (pcs x m)

Today plastic pipes are used both by professional installers and in everyday life at various stages of construction or repair work. In sewerage systems, hot and cold water supply, heating, there is a steady trend towards the use of plastic pipes instead of cast iron or metal.

Corrugated PVC pipes produced by the Russian company "Promrukav" are intended for wide use in single installations: in household electrical installations indoors or outdoors. For the operation of computer, telephone, television, electrical networks if they are constructed with insulated wires and non-flammable cables. The maximum permissible voltage is 1000V. Made from PVC compositions high class. Thanks to the use of corrugated pipes, the time for installing the electrical network is significantly reduced.

The corrugations are stiffening ribs and therefore provide protection to the wires, eliminating any mechanical impact. If you install cables along the walls, you will provide yourself with easy access to cables, repair, and replacement at any convenient time. This is much easier than installing wiring deep into the wall.

Corrugated HDPE (low pressure polyethylene material) pipes also designed for single laying of non-combustible materials. They are uniform along all lengths and do not form cracks. It is superior to PVC pipes in terms of wear resistance.

Orange corrugated HDPE pipes, halogen-free Their HDPE is manufactured using special additives to reduce the flammability of the material. The abbreviation NG in the name means “non-flammable”.

Smooth rigid PVC pipes used in open wiring - along walls and ceilings. The format is three-meter lengths. To solve corners and protrusions, you should use fasteners and other accessories that are convenient and easy to use. The pipes have a high degree of protection IP65, prevent moisture penetration, and protect against mechanical damage.

Smooth HDPE pipes provide additional insulation of networks and protect against mechanical damage. They are durable - service life is over 50 years. Resistant to temperature changes, withstand severe frosts.

Plastic pipes allow you to collect all the cables in one place and provide equal access to each of them.