ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Violation Photo Forum A Problem With Low Tide And Conduit Runs

One thing I forgot to mention about the top two pictures is the PVC conduits seen there are supported by the dock access ramp I was on at that time.

Looks like they used the wrong glue on the PVC as well. They connections should not come apart like the bottom picture. They should break.

Not if the connections were glued wet, at high tide.

I've seen a few joints come apart like that, including one that I put in myself (and I was using the conduit manufacturer's glue!). The problem does seem to have something to do with marine environments.

I've taken to using a clear PVC primer on the pipe and fittings before applying the cement, just like you would on plumbing work. It definitely seems to result in a stronger joint...

Clear PVC primer? Do you have any info on it? Purple primer is quite ugly.

He might actually be using an even thinner product, sold as a 'cleaning' compound. I have seen clear primer, though ... sometimes at the home centers!

The joint in the picture appears to have used a gray cement, which I have seen sold in the plumbing aisle. The stuff I've seen that was actually listed for electrical use has always been clear. The clear glue is definitely thinner than the plumbing cements.

I will admit to changing my practices according to the conditions of the job site. For example, the listed cement is a poor choice in the summer sun - it dries too fast for you to make up your connections - while it works quite well in cooler temps.

Since we do not usually use a primer, I have also found it necessary to apply the glue to both halves of the connection. I think you really need the solvent to have some time to 'open up' the pipe surfaces before you can expect the cement to 'weld' them together.

Not that electricians pay much attention to PVC joints ... it's not like we're worried about electricity leaking out under pressure

The glue sold by at least 2 PVC conduit manufacturers (Carlon and Cantex) is a heavy-bodied grey cement. That's the stuff I generally use.

The clear primer I have used is manufactured by Oatey, sold in the plumbing aisle of the orange box stores:



http://www.oatey.com/Plumber/Shared/ProductGroupDetail/174/Clear+Primer+%E2%80%93+NSF+Listed.html

Carlon PVC glue is manufactured by Oatey.

I'd bet that they're the same products, with different labeling.