Pipe/Tube for electrical wiring

When I purchased a main circuit breaker box, I noticed that there was both metal and plastic (grey pvc) tubing for routing the electrical wiring to outlets, etc.
 
Does anyone know whether I can use either or? I just want to dry fit the piping and buy supplies before I hire an electrician to do the actual hookup.

I bought plastic flex conduit because of all the movement.
 

This is governed by your Electrical Code and how the wiring will be installed.    All commercial installations require conduit, metal or pvc.   Residential construction usually does not require conduit; the wiring is protected by installation within walls.    However, romex wiring must be protected if surface mounted on the wall or ceiling; use of conduit is then required.     .... You have not given enough info to properly answer you question, you need to consult a electrician about your needs and requirements.

edwmax


This is governed by your Electrical Code and how the wiring will be installed.    All commercial installations require conduit, metal or pvc.   Residential construction usually does not require conduit; the wiring is protected by installation within walls.    However, romex wiring must be protected if surface mounted on the wall or ceiling; use of conduit is then required.     .... You have not given enough info to properly answer you question, you need to consult a electrician about your needs and requirements.

 
The wiring will be surface mounted in the food truck, not behind the walls.

I use an aluminum conduit. It's fairly inexpensive and holds up well. The only issue with surface mounted conduit is it is a PITA to clean when it gets dirty.

RiceWorks


I use an aluminum conduit. It's fairly inexpensive and holds up well. The only issue with surface mounted conduit is it is a PITA to clean when it gets dirty.

 
Thanks for the input. My walls are already up so surface mount is my only option. I plan to clean the interior after every use as I know how nasty and yellow FRP can get when not clean for awhile. I can only imagine how greasy the pipe must get around the stove area if not cleaned regularly.

reese77

edwmax


This is governed by your Electrical Code and how the wiring will be installed.    All commercial installations require conduit, metal or pvc.   Residential construction usually does not require conduit; the wiring is protected by installation within walls.    However, romex wiring must be protected if surface mounted on the wall or ceiling; use of conduit is then required.     .... You have not given enough info to properly answer you question, you need to consult a electrician about your needs and requirements.

The wiring will be surface mounted in the food truck, not behind the walls.

 
Then you will need to used conduit; metal or PVC.   Check your code, but I suspect glued PVC is OK  and water proof.

OK Thanks. I prefer to use the PVC and just wanted to make sure.

PVC conduit may be your best choice because the safeserve class I took says that HD's in my area do not allow galvanized which is what most metal pipe is.

Chicnscoop


PVC conduit may be your best choice because the safeserve class I took says that HD's in my area do not allow galvanized which is what most metal pipe is.

Hmm. Did they mention why galvanized is not acceptable?

Chicnscoop


PVC conduit may be your best choice because the safeserve class I took says that HD's in my area do not allow galvanized which is what most metal pipe is.

Electrical metallic tubing (EMT)
Electrical metallic tubing (EMT), sometimes called thin-wall, is commonly used instead of galvanized rigid conduit (GRC), as it is less costly and lighter than GRC. EMT itself may not be threaded, but can be used with threaded fittings that clamp to it. Lengths of conduit are connected to each other and to equipment with clamp-type fittings. Like GRC, EMT is more common in commercial and industrial buildings than in residential applications. EMT is generally made of coated steel, though it may be aluminum
 
All the conduit in my trailer is exposed. Going on 2 years old, it has a slight patina to it, cleans just like anything else.

reese77

Chicnscoop


PVC conduit may be your best choice because the safeserve class I took says that HD's in my area do not allow galvanized which is what most metal pipe is.

Hmm. Did they mention why galvanized is not acceptable?

Call YOUR inspectors and ask these questions.
You need to know what you can use in YOUR AREA.

Exactly.
 
 
In my safeserve training they mentioned something about galvanizing and some chemical reaction. I kind of glazed over it but they said galvanized hoods would not be allowed anymore so I assume (I know) that they frown on galvanized conduit or anything else in the kitchen as well.... in my area. Not sure about your area. Like Buba said - check with your HD before you do anything. It will save you lots of hassle later.

Reese,
 
 I used pvc conduit. I attached them to the walls every 12 inches with a pipe holder, it actually set the pvc off the wall about an inch or enough room to get a rag behind the pipe and clean. You inspector should tell you this as well. I can't remember what the name of the piece is that I bought, but I went with 1" pipe and the clasps were only .50 a pop or something like it. GL

I would suggest using a larger pvc than normal from your box down both sides of your unit. Then drop down the size at the outlets to normal size pvc. That way you can always make any changes (add boxes, run new wires ) that you wish without a problem. Do yourself a favor and have more outlets than you think you'll ever need. At some point you'll find a nifty new sign for a window or add a new blender, and you'll be glad you have the extra outlets.

Something to remember is that ALL conduit can be stuffed with only so many wires...how much depends on the conduit size and the size of the wires...this is sometimes called the Fill Ratio or Fill Amount...conduit is never completely filled...
 
Romex is NOT used in conduit unless the outer jacket is removed and the individual wires are then inserted into the conduit...this is per the NEC...and the reason why is that the individual conductors (wires) need to be able to dissapate heat, and this can't be done properly with the outer Romex jacket still on and it becomes a fire hazard...
 
Approved PVC conduit is GRAY in color...do NOT use white pvc water pipe as conduit.

good point, yes mine is gray... didn't think to mention that... :-D

What are you running from your breaker box to your generator. I am doing a build like you reese and and need some help on this part.