ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Photos for General Discussion "Which is better, plastic or Steel?"

About year ago someone started a thread about "Which is better, plastic or Steel?"

I came down squarely on the side of plastic and took some flak for it. My reasons were it does not rust, bust, or collect dust, or it does not deteriate as easily, and was easier fixed if damaged.

Naturally there were those that spoke of the strength of steel. I understand that argument, but my decision stands that I prefer plastic.

Last week, a building engineer at one of our schools was cleaning up behind one of our modular classrooms. When he moved some grass and leaves, he found this pipe. Rigid (not intermediate) that has been in a very long time. The conduit is completely separated, and you can see the conductors. The edges are sharp, and Lord help us in the event of a fault.
We have to schedule an outage to replace it WITH PVC.

The last pic shows the footer washed away under the brick, a non-electrical issue to be sure, but still ugly.

George C.