PVC Conduit in workshop.

[highspark]

I'm running conduit over some work benches in a workshop. Usual hand tools are to be used such as drills and hand saws etc. Would it be within the regs to run the singles in PVC conduit rather than steel galv? I woul then rcd protect circuit.?i suppose there is a risk of medium severity damage as its a workshop area!

 

[johnboy6083]

PVC conduit is actually quite resiliant, but the saddles are crap. I would go for galv, with distance or hospital saddles.

 

[Knobhead]

You obviously haven’t been in a workshop, otherwise you would know plastic conduit will last 5 minutes before it’s destroyed.

Steel conduits every time.

 

[Strima]

suppose there is a risk of medium severity damage as its a workshop area!

There's your answer, Galv. Is the conduit close to bench level or higher up towards ceiling height?

If up high you could run in PVC then the drops in galv to give mechanical protection, would need bonding and look a right bag of spanners.

 

[Strima]

And as for Busby1991, you should really stay awake in class, you'd be surprised the things you can learn.

 

[Adam W]

I don't see why pvc conduit should instantly fall apart just because it's in a workshop. 'Heavy duty' 'High impact' conduit is called that for a reason.

 

[Marvo]

Depends on what type of workshop I imagine. We usually use steel conduit or sometimes we use Unistrut with a clip-on lid as trunking if it's a harsh environment. Even then I've seen unistrut destroyed before.

 

[highspark]

Heavy gauge is what I have in mind. I personally think it will do the job for the environment.

 

[sedgy34]

highspark,
i would use pvc conduit but go higher than the work bench so it isnt likely to get damaged rather than getting the stocks & dyes out the van :ack2:

 

[johnboy6083]

Fair enough in an industrial workshop, then it has to be galv, but for a small hobby type shop then I think PVC would be ok. I think you would have to see it to be sure.

 

[highspark]

I wouldnt call it a hobby workshop. It's got several employees working at benches with hand tools. Screwdrivers. Drills etc. the heavy gauge can take some battering. Doing it in galv is going to open a can of worms and up cost of aroun 200%

 

[sedgy34]

Doing it in galv will give you arms like popeye :43:

 

[Knobhead]

What’s bothering you, the cost, or you can’t do metal conduit?

 

[highspark]

What’s bothering you, the cost, or you can’t do metal conduit?

cost of course. We should always be looking to do a cost effective job as well as getting the correct protection. Here I think the heavy gauge may well do the job. It is robust and seems to bounce stuff of it. I agree with the fact the accessories aren't as robust. But if I rcd protect the circuit I can't see where I am going outside the regs.

Tony do you ever give out helpful information? Or are you on here to talk rubbish because 99% of your responses to me are just that.

 

[Plonker 3]

Have you asked the customer what they want?

Maybe you could explain the difference in cost would be off set against the amount of time and cost of repairing PVC should it get smashed.

Just because you would RCD protect the circuits doesn't mean it is fine, if you are designing the installation then the customer could blame you for damage if it were to be done in PVC