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#50374 04/01/05 03:54 AM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 545
A
aldav53 Offline OP
Member
Is there a difference between white PVC for sprinlkers and grey for wire? Is schedule 40 white the same as schedule 40 grey? Are the different colors for ID purposes?


The Golden Rule - "The man with the gold makes the rule"
#50375 04/01/05 07:52 AM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
J
Member
The grey PVC is UL listed, the white is not which rules out its use for wiring methods.

#50376 04/01/05 07:55 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,064
D
Member
As far as I know, the white is CPVC,
Not listed for use with wiring.
Water and air only.

But could be wrong.......

#50377 04/01/05 11:21 AM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 545
A
aldav53 Offline OP
Member
Then I assume you can use grey for water connections. But not visa versa


The Golden Rule - "The man with the gold makes the rule"
#50378 04/01/05 11:45 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 650
W
Member
I wouldn't want to assume that the grey PVC is suitable for water. It is probably tested to a different set of criteria for suitability, and for example might have a lower pressure rating, or might contain lead (many plastics contain small amounts of metal as stabilizing agents).

The white PVC is printed with pressure and temperature ratings; I don't recall seeing this on the grey stuff.

-Jon

#50379 04/01/05 12:31 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
Grey is UV protected. I see people using it for sprinkler lines but I would not use it for potable water since we don't know what the UN protector is.
The white is PVC, CPVC is more of a yellow color and smaller for a given trade size.
(1/2" CPVC will fit inside 1/2" PVC)
For our purposes the grey is the only one that is listed and that is the real answer.
All three are very common in construction here in Florida where metals don't last very long.


Greg Fretwell
#50380 04/01/05 12:33 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 751
E
Member
Don't mix it! The manufacturing methods are such that electrical conduit would leak and the plumbing pipe would burn. If there was an electrical fault, and the pipe caught the building on fire, the installing electrician would be held responsible.


Earl
#50381 04/01/05 09:35 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,445
Likes: 2
Cat Servant
Member
Earlydean...I agree with your conclusion (don't mix it), but not with how you got there.

According to Cantex...which makes both types at their Reno plant, using the same amchines and the same dies. here are the differences:

PVC Plumbing pipe is formulated, assuming the pipe will be buried (not exposed to sunlight), and filled with water- which helps support the pipe.
Electrical PVC is rated for exposure to sunlight, and has "stiffeners" added to help keep it from sagging. Thes "stiffeners" would also, I suspect, make the pipe become brittle more quickly, so it probably wouldn't last long as plumbing pipe.

#50382 04/01/05 10:20 PM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,876
E
e57 Offline
Member
Its to keep the demo guys alive!

"Just go ahead and demo that 2" water line, I shut off the water already. Here use my sawsall - its pluged in." BOOM!

Or, "I shut off the power already..."

Thankfully, ABS doesn't fit either white, or grey very well.


Mark Heller
"Well - I oughta....." -Jackie Gleason
#50383 04/01/05 11:12 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
Other than the potability I doubt there are any issues with using RNC for water supplies. I see it all the time for exposed sprinkler lines, fish cleaning sinks on docks and such. It seems to work OK. The Florida sun will tear up regular white PVC. I suppose you folks have to bury water lines up there in the frozen north ;-)


Greg Fretwell
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