PVC pipe for electrical wiring is an effective means of protecting communications from external influences. In accordance with the requirements of SNiP, open installation of power cables is prohibited in buildings made of solid wood and panels. In addition, houses are subject to shrinkage, there is a possibility of the walls getting wet, which can cause a short circuit. The use of PVC electric pipes allows you to reduce the risk of damage and destruction of communications to a minimum, which ensures the safety of the operation of the building.
The advantages of placing electrical wiring in the pipe
Installation of wiring is one of the stages of construction of administrative, utility and residential buildings. The installation method depends on the materials and thickness of the supporting and internal structures. These factors determine the money spent, time and effort. The right choice allows you to equip the structure quickly and inexpensively.
The use of plastic pipes for wiring has the following benefits:
- Arrangement of premises built from combustible materials - wood, polymers, foam fillers. Even if the cable ignites, the fire will remain in an enclosed space.
- No additional protection needed. Vinyl tubing for wires reliably protects them from pressure, moisture, insects and rodents.
- Convenience of conducting diagnostics of a conductor when it is placed in a hidden way, including in concrete. Ease of extraction and subsequent installation of a new line without destructive work.
- Prevention of accidental damage to the cable when carrying out repairs or redevelopment of real estate. The primary load is taken up by the wiring tubes.
A wide range of polymer products allows you to lay communications in any way, choosing a material suitable for one or another criterion.
Characteristics of electrical PVC pipes
When purchasing pipes for electrical wiring, it is necessary to take into account the upcoming conditions of their operation, which are determined by the mobility of the walls, humidity and current strength on the line. On sale are models that are intended for domestic and industrial use.
Polymer pipes for cable routing have the following technical characteristics:
- isolation under direct current action - 2000 V;
- maximum impact strength - 2 kN / m;
- working temperature range - from - 30 ° С to + 65 ° С;
- stretching to rupture when stretching - 30%;
- resistance to mechanical impulses - up to 6 kJ;
- insulating resistance - from 100 Mohm;
- specific gravity of 500-700 kg / m³;
- fire resistance - 600 ° С;
- the minimum bending radius of corrugated products is 3 diameters;
- inner section - 10-200 mm;
- unit length 2-25 m;
- wall thickness - 0.8-2.0 mm.
The high performance properties of the material determine a wide range of applications. PVC pipes for electrical wiring are used for the installation of internal and external channels, including in open space. If the parameters are compatible, together with power cables, it is allowed to stretch communication, television, Internet and signaling lines inside the highways.
Types of material
Vinyl plastic pipes for electrical wiring are divided into several categories based on composition, strength and degree of flexibility.
The following types of products are distinguished:
- Smooth. They are rigid circular purlins with smooth inner and outer walls. Designed for installation inside concrete walls, on their surface and in the ground. They have high impact and pressure resistance. According to the operating conditions, they are divided into light, medium and heavy.
- Corrugated. They differ in variable cross-section due to the presence of folds. Thanks to this design, products can bend, stretch and shrink. They are used for arranging curved sections, both outside and inside walls. Depending on the features of the installation, ordinary products or those reinforced with a steel spring are used. Depending on the cross-section, the length of the bay can be up to 200 m.
- PVC-U. Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U, vinyl plastic). The material does not contain plasticizers, it is distinguished by high strength, high melting point and self-extinguishing ability. Wiring is carried out in the most fire hazardous places where there is a risk of destruction of the channel from mechanical stress.
The choice of material is determined based on an analysis of the conditions for its upcoming operation.
Assortment and characteristics of products
Manufacturers produce a wide range of polymer pipes, which differ in a number of characteristics that determine their scope of application.
Depending on the type and diameter of the product, they can be used to equip such structures:
- for lighting devices - 1.6 cm;
- for sockets and switches - 2.0 cm;
- for shields and junction boxes - 2.5 cm;
- for broaching between floors - 3.5-4.0 cm;
Smooth PVC pipes for electrical wiring are produced in the form of sections, the length of which is 200-600 cm. Corrugated products are folded into coils. Depending on the diameter, the length of the corrugation varies between 25-200 m.
When installing the channel to give it the desired configuration, shaped parts are used:
- couplings;
- tees;
- corners;
- boxes;
- clamps;
- staples.
During the production process, pigments are added to the product, which color it throughout the entire volume. This technique is needed to mark the material.
So the following options for coloring polymer products are used:
- PVC - gray;
- HDPE - black;
- PPr - blue;
- reinforced corrugation - red.
This solution facilitates the selection of goods and maintenance of the line during operation, since the material is easy to identify visually.
Advantages of PVC pipes for electrical wiring
Plastic pipe for cable routing has a number of significant advantages over metal counterparts.
- Polymer does not conduct electricity. Even if you touch a bare wire, there is no risk of electric shock. The channel does not need to be grounded.
- The material is non-flammable. It tolerates heat and exposure to open flames well.
- Ease. The transportation and installation of products is not associated with the application of significant efforts.
- Corrosion resistant. Plastic retains all its characteristics in a humid environment.
- Elasticity and flexibility. The links can be shaped to any shape when mounted in an open or closed way.
- Low thermal conductivity. The pipes protect the surrounding substances from the heat emanating from the cable.
- Maintaining dimensions when temperature changes. The material does not shrink or expand when exposed to heat and cold.
- Long service life. For quality models, it is 100 years old. Rodents and insects are not interested in PVC and avoid it.
- Affordable cost.The price of the material is 5 times less than that of its iron counterparts.
- Presentable appearance. The products fit well into any interior, especially in the loft style.
- No need for complicated connections. Joining of links and fittings is carried out in sealed sockets.
The disadvantages of the material include its insufficient strength and instability to ultraviolet radiation.
Installation rules
When laying plastic piping for cable lines, the following rules must be observed:
- A leaky track is made only for internal structures, as it provides exclusively mechanical protection.
- The distance of the duct from the heaters should be at least 10 cm. At the same time, it should be placed lower to prevent heating.
- It is forbidden to connect wires inside pipes. This must be done in special mounting boxes.
- When the line is located in wet conditions, the joints are sealed with rubber gaskets and silicone.
- Fastening products to the supporting surface should be carried out using metal clips.
- When placing pipes in grooves, before sealing them with mortar, it is necessary to securely fasten with brackets.
- During installation, it is necessary to avoid the formation of kinks, as this will complicate the subsequent broaching and maintenance of the line. When cornering, you need to use knees or corrugated inserts.
As for safety measures, it must be borne in mind that the pull rope is in a tense state, if handled carelessly, it can injure your hands.
DIY installation
To carry out the installation of PVC pipes, you will need such tools and materials.
- puncher;
- Bulgarian;
- roulette;
- level;
- screwdriver;
- knife;
- pliers;
- insulating tape;
- dowels;
- fasteners.
Installation technology is as follows:
- The work should be carried out at an air temperature of at least + 5 ° C, so that the material retains its flexibility and elasticity.
- You need to measure the segments with a margin of 10% so that there is a reserve for bends and trimming.
- After cutting the plastic, you must attach the probe to the pipe walls so that it is not pulled inward. Only then can you bite the wire.
- Before pulling the cable, the wires must be twisted so that they do not cling to the inner walls of the channel. When connected to a cable, its bent end must be straightened.
Features of corrugated pipe installation:
- frequent arrangement of clips, since products are prone to sagging;
- strong tension is contraindicated - this reduces the strength of the channel;
- regardless of the laying method, it is carried out only in the vertical and horizontal direction.
Subject to the rules for handling plastic pipes and the technology of their installation, a strong, reliable and durable structure is obtained.
