Can PVC pipe be run outdoors from a panel down to the ground or up to the attic in a home? Can it be run the same places EMT is run? Is mechanical protection a problem?

You are not permitted to use PVC pipe for that application but you are permitted to use PVC conduit "where not subject to physical damage if identified for such use." If subject to physical damage, schedule 80 PVC conduit is to be used.

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Charlie Eldridge, Indianapolis, Utility Power Guy

I have heard that of all the different types of rigid non-metallic conduit, only PVC is approved for use above ground. Asbestos, concrete, transite, Orangeburg, fiberglass conduit all have to be underground or in concrete.
Has anybody even installed any Orangeburg lately?

Schedule 80 is marked "Ridgid" but does that mean you can use it like Ridgid (or IMC) or just like emt is used?
Ridgid can be used 6" below ground, where PVC is 18".

Coming out of the bottom of a panel and into the ground, you would either have to run EMT, then convert to metal ridgid in the ground until it reaches 18" then convert to PVC. Or could we just run PVC all the way from the panel down to the ground and to the load?, if so, it seems we could stay at 6", or would it have to go to 18".
Or PVC from the panel to metal ridgid then back to PVC at 18"? All Schedule 80 Ridgid PVC if course. UMM..

You can run the PVC conduit of either grade from the panel into the ground unless it is subject to physical damage. One example would be in a grassy area were power trimmers might be used. All PVC conduit must be eighteen inches deep to the top of the conduit unless it is encased in concrete or protected by a concrete pad or guard above it. If the raceway is subject to severe physical damage you would use rigid or intermediate metal conduit. An example of severe physical damage exposure is a driveway next to a house or a surface run on the interior of a garage at a height that may be struck by a vehicle.
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Tom H

Schedule 80 PVC conduit can be used in areas subject to physical damage.

This is the wording from the UL White Book.

UL MARK
The Listing Mark of Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

Schedule 80 conduit has a reduced cross-sectional area available for wiring space and is suitable for use wherever Schedule 40 conduit may be used. The marking ‘‘Schedule 80 PVC’’ identifies conduit suitable for use where exposed to physical damage and for installation on poles in accordance with the NEC.

Roger