ECN Electrical Forum - Discussion Forums for Electricians, Inspectors and Related Professionals
ECN Shout Chat
ShoutChat
Recent Posts
Increasing demand factors in residential
by gfretwell - 03/28/24 12:43 AM
Portable generator question
by Steve Miller - 03/19/24 08:50 PM
Do we need grounding?
by NORCAL - 03/19/24 05:11 PM
240V only in a home and NEC?
by dsk - 03/19/24 06:33 AM
Cordless Tools: The Obvious Question
by renosteinke - 03/14/24 08:05 PM
New in the Gallery:
This is a new one
This is a new one
by timmp, September 24
Few pics I found
Few pics I found
by timmp, August 15
Who's Online Now
2 members (Scott35, gfretwell), 276 guests, and 15 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 75
Member
Hi,
Do most PVC manufacturers recommend using PVC cleaner PRIOR to gluing the conduit?

I have a lot of Underground duct banks that are just being wiped off and glued...

I say the manufacturers installation instructions should be followed.

I am being told if the pipe is not under pressure you can just wipe off the dirt and the glue acts as a solvent.

Thanks

Greg


Don't drive and TEXT! Drive now TALK LATER!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
I have seen this discussed many times. I don't know of any RNC manufacturer that makes primer and that is usually the key to putting it in their instructions. Personally I would use it but I have no documentation that requires it.


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 7
Member
As Greg said, much discussed subject. Last discussion at a meeting and CEU class from Carlon mfg rep (real factory guy) was..." did any of you guys ever read the installation instructions??"

No mention of primer is made!

Shocker comment was that in order to do a Carlon PVC install to conform to UL listing that ALL components must be from Carlon including the glue!! That started a lively debate! (Substitute any mfg name for Carlon, the instructions should be the same.)

But, really how many of us read instructions?? Specially for PVC, conduit, NM?? LOL



John
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
There are quite a few things that don't make sense with plastic raceways.
You can glue Smurf tube into a RNC connector but you can't glue Carflex (Flex nonmetallic) into one.
That is strange to me because you can glue the white kind (spaflex) into an identical plumbing connector and it is rated the same as sch40. (well over 100PSI)
I think that is simply because they sell the LFNC connectors for about 10x as much and a smurf connector is about the same.

... but I may just be cynical.


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 75
Member
Thanks for the interesting comments..

Cantex makes a solvent/cement combo.

I called them and they said they recommend using a chemical cleaner prior to using cement.

When you look at the installation instructions for the conduit there is no mention except for solvent...

Kinda confusing..

I think the NEC should have a section regarding the installation of PVC etc and cleaning...we all know it will not hold if you just wipe it off or if it is wet/muddy...it will pull apart exposed or underground with freezing water inside...

thanks

Greg


Don't drive and TEXT! Drive now TALK LATER!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
The cleaner/primer makes a huge difference in how strong the joint is whether the pipe looks dirty or not.
For most electrical uses it may not actually make that much difference but as AK Greg says, you don't want it pulling apart on you.


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,335
S
Member
Recommending and requiring is two different things. You can if you want but hopfully the project is T&M or there is time alotted in your bid for it


"Live Awesome!" - Kevin Carosa
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,445
Likes: 2
Cat Servant
Member
What are you worried about? That the electricity will leak out and make a puddle?

OK, so you want to be fussy. Could you show me a primer that's UL Listed? Did you know you're supposed to use listed cement?

As for the instructions ... UL has made clear, on many occasions, that they do NOT consider any statement along the lines of "use only our stuff" to be part of the listing instructions. This point was well developed in the "classified breaker' debacle.

As far as UL is concerned, you may use ANY product listed for it's purpose.

Look to the opening pages of any UL standard,and you will find many other standards referenced. This should tell you that products are tested while keeping in mind industry standards. For example, to ensure everyone uses the same threads on fittings. Or, that "schedule 80" means the same thing to everyone.


Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 7
Member
Akmaster:

Your words:

"When you look at the installation instructions for the conduit there is no mention except for solvent..."

Then that is all you need!

I believe that Cantex purchased Carlon a few years ago.




John
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,381
Likes: 7
Member
Reno:

The point I was trying to make is that there is no primer mentioned within the mfg instructions.

I added the comment about 'ALL Carlon', and the lively debate that followed. The rep made the 'all Carlon', not me.

IMHO, no one climbs down into a trench to see if a cplg, or sweep is the same brand as the conduit.


John
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Link Copied to Clipboard
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5