Chris’s Corner the best place to get answers to your questions about PVC-Coated Conduit.
Chris Caldwell is the Quotations Manager and Lead Instructor of the Certified Installer Training Program at Corrosion College
Here you will find answers to commonly asked questions from our customers such as:
- Best Practices for Installation
- Corrosion prevention
- Repairing conduit
- Why is the label for ETL-Verified PVC-001 Important
- Benefit of PVC Coatings
- Ordering PVC coated conduit
- Online submittals
- Bending PVC coated conduit
- Corrosion College
- Material Handling
- Warranty
- Much More
Check back often to see new updates. Also please let us know if you have a question you think should be included on Chris’ Corner.
- How to Safely Connect Dissimilar Metals
Question
I’m just starting a job, and in the spec it states to come out of a slab with PVC-coated galvanized rigid conduit, but from there I have to use rigid aluminum conduit. Is it okay to connect the two different metals together? The spec also says to keep the aluminum isolated from other metals with plastic sleeves or plastic-coated hangers. What are your thoughts?
Answer
This is a really great question. Plastic sleeves or plastic-coated hangers are … - How to Gauge Thread Depth
Question
Hey Chris! When it comes to field-threading conduit, what’s the best way to determine how long the threads should be?
Answer
Each length of Perma-Cote conduit comes with a thread protector that can help you gauge thread depth. This tool determines the right amount of PVC to cut to maximize thread engagement and minimize thread exposure.
Before using a power threader, place the factory-applied thread protector on the cut end of the conduit and use a sharpie or … - How to Special Order Parts
Question
Hi Chris, I am needing to order a coated part that isn’t in your traditional catalog. What steps should I take to get the part ordered?
Answer
We have been coating products for nearly five decades, and because of this experience, we have found that even though most parts can be coated, there are exceptions based on impact of functionality or standards conformance. For special part orders, we require that you list the manufacturer’s name and catalog … - How to Check Stock Status
Question
Hi Chris, I’m a rep for Perma-Cote. Is there a way I can check to see if the materials I need are in stock before I order them?
Answer
You’re in luck! Robroy Industries recently launched a brand-new web portal that’s full of innovative features to help reps and distributors easily search available inventory, track orders, chat with a customer service representative, and more.
In the stock status section of the web portal, you can search materials by … - When to Use Touch-Up Compound on Sealing Sleeves
Question
I have seen touch-up compound used on sealing sleeves. Is that needed every time?
Answer
No, it is not required every time, but we do suggest using touch-up compound on sealing sleeves in wet locations or underground installations where additional protection is required.
Threads are the weakest link in any conduit system. So before applying any PVC touch-up compound to a sealing sleeve, first be sure that the factory threads have been coated with the proper corrosion-resistant thread … - Creating a Submittal Package
Question
Hey Chris, I am getting ready to put together a submittal package. What tools are offered to aid in this process?
Answer
We have two tools available to help accomplish this: MyCatalog and Quick Submittal.
Both systems are online tools that make submitting, specifying, and quoting faster and easier than ever. Designed with PVC coated conduit & fittings users in mind, Quick Submittal and MyCatalog enable distributors, contractors, and specifiers to eliminate time-consuming, repetitive tasks in assembling submittals … - Different Thread Compounds for Different Material Types
Question
Chris, can I use the same thread compound on both PVC-coated steel and PVC-coated aluminum?
Answer
No, because different material types require different thread compounds.
According to NEC Article 300.6 A, “all field cut threads shall be coated with an approved electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant compound.” Most manufacturers of PVC Coated Conduit will offer an approved conductive thread compound in their catalog for galvanized rigid conduit. However, when applying thread compound to aluminum, a lithium-based compound such as STL8 or Noalox should be … - Transitioning PVC-Coated Conduit from 1″ to 3/4″
Question
Chris, I am transitioning my run from a 1” to ¾” and I am not sure what I should use to reduce down in size at the condulet body. Any suggestions?
Answer
In this instance, you should use a reducing coupling accompanied with a short nipple.. Often times a reducing bushing is used which will result in a system that is not sealed due to a gap left between the sealing sleeve and the conduit. Using a … - How to bend PVC-coated conduit without damage
Question
Hi Chris, what is the best way to bend PVC-coated conduit without damaging it?
Answer
We offer a complete line of standard, special, and large radius elbows ready for quick shipment. However, when field bending is necessary, there are a variety of bending tools from which to choose. Perma-Cote can be bent with conventional types of bending equipment.
To accommodate the PVC coating when using a hand bender, always select the next larger size shoe. Typically hand bending … - Product Returns
Question
Chris, the product I am returning is free of any damage, but why can you not accept the return?
Answer
As part of our commitment to quality, I can look at any contractor or any end user at any given time and let them know that I have never supplied them with used material.
Oftentimes when the contractor sends back the material, it might ship without damage, but by the time we receive it, it is damaged because …
