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.
- 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 … - Can you use a shoe for rigid metal conduit to bend PVC coated conduit
Question: Chris, can I use a shoe for rigid metal conduit (RMC) to bend PVC coated conduit of the same size?
Answer: There are shoes made specifically for PVC coated conduit which will accommodate for the exterior coating and bend the elbow properly. Using a shoe made for RMC will cause the coating to be pinched. Using a shoe for the next trade size up will collapse the elbow. Shoes made specifically for PVC coated conduit … - Is it ok to install a non-coated box along with my PVC coated conduit installation?
Question: Chris, is it ok to install a non-coated box along with my PVC coated conduit installation?
Answer: Non-coated boxes should never be used, only coated boxes will provide the protection necessary to prevent corrosion and maintain the necessary ratings. Also, non-coated products of any type should never be used with coated products. The product should be installed as a system and non-coated products compromise the integrity of the installation.
… - Perma-Cote: Chris’ Corner—Certified Installer Certificate
Question: Chris, we are working on a project and the specification states “Installers must be certified and be able to present a valid, unexpired Installer Certification card.” How do I obtain this card and why does it expire?Answer: The requirement for installer certification is something we are seeing in the marketplace, more and more. A critical component of a PVC coated conduit system is proper installation. Hence, since most failures are due to improper installation, proper installation is essential for ensuring the best possible service …
- Perma-Cote: Chris’ Corner— Failure of PVC coating on rigid conduit
What caused the failure of the protective PVC coating shown in the photograph below?It’s important to know that the PVC coating on this conduit did NOT fail in the field.
It failed because of inferior manufacturing and was delivered to the jobsite already in a failed condition.
In short — this is an example of premature product failure at its most extreme.
Technically, this represents a failure of PVC coating to adhere to the steel conduit substrate that …
