Can I Run Electrical Thru This (PVP Pipe)

[SchillerM]

http://www.jmeagle.com/products/irrigation_plumbing/pressure-rated-ips.html
Specifically, 1" ID 200PSI, ASTM D2241 (whatever that means)

It is currently being used to run cabling from the sprinkler timer to the valves. I can remove all that and empty it out. It runs from one garage, next to the electric breaker box, to the back of the other garage, assuming under the garages and driveway.

I would like to get a subpanel in the other garage so I can setup workshop.

I know local codes can be different, but looking for overall advise at this point, IF I can use is, what kind of wire, any limits, etc.
This would be, by far, the cheapest and easiest way to do a subpanel, all other options require holes in walls.

Thanks!
Matt

 

[C96]

Hi Matt,

Sorry to say, but it appears that pipe is for irrigation purposes and not for electrical conduit. That pipe is most likely not buried to the correct depth for an electrical installation anyway. Also, the fittings used for irrigation are generally not sweeps which are necessary for pulling wire.

You need schedule 40 PVC that is UL approved for electrical conduit (the grey pipe) for the underground portion of your conduit run.

Good Luck!

 

[Grumpy365]

Hi Matt,

Sorry to say, but it appears that pipe is for irrigation purposes and not for electrical conduit. That pipe is most likely not buried to the correct depth for an electrical installation anyway. Also, the fittings used for irrigation are generally not sweeps which are necessary for pulling wire.

You need schedule 40 PVC that is UL approved for electrical conduit (the grey pipe) for the underground portion of your conduit run.

Good Luck!

Here is where I disagee. It doesn't matter underground. Schedule 40 PVC is as good as any. Where it matters is above ground. White plumbing PVC will breakdown in the sun. That is not a problem when you bury it.

 

[MrSurly]

The grey pipe is vastly different in temp rating, crush rating, flammability, smoke development and fume production when burned. It's all about what happens when conductors overheat in the conduit and the conduit's ability to contain the problem and not spread it. Imagine irrigation pipe spewing flames and smoke into your walls due to a short.
Ref: UL 94V-0. This means it is self-extinguishing and will not support burning.
RNC has an ASTM E84 Flame Spread Index (FSI) of 15 to 20 and a Smoke Developed Index (SDI) of 765 to 805.
This stuff matters.
Besides the technical bits, you wouldn't want someone to hacksaw into a live wire while fixing your sprinkler...

It's Ok for the sprinkler duty as that's all low voltage anyway

 

[Norcal]

One of my many pet peeves is where someone uses plumbing/sprinkler pipe in place of conduit, one time I was repairing some sprinklers & there was two pipes on top of the one I had to repair, so I cut them out of the way turns out there was some cable inside of one of them, there is only one way to tell what one is working with underground, the pipe/conduit color, please do not add to the mess.

 

[SchillerM]

One of my many pet peeves is where someone uses plumbing/sprinkler pipe in place of conduit, one time I was repairing some sprinklers & there was two pipes on top of the one I had to repair, so I cut them out of the way turns out there was some cable inside of one of them, there is only one way to tell what one is working with underground, the pipe/conduit color, please do not add to the mess.

I understand where you are coming from. In this case the pipe hugs the foundation where it goes underground, wouldn't ever be an opportunity to be mistaken for water.

Attached is rough image of what I am asking about.

In regards to the rating, can fancier wire be used to negate the difference between white and grey PVC? I am fine with whatever cabling is needed, burial, heavily shielded? Even if I can only run 30A over it would be better than I have now.

Matt

 

[MrSurly]

The short answer is no.

The only safe way to run anything in it would entail using a flexible armored cable or flexible conduit. Neither of which will dream of fitting in that pipe. Even IF you were to try to install regular wire (say ,awg12 THHN ) I doubt you could pull it through there as the 90s are going to be too tight.
PLEASE reread the note above about the Fire Smoke and vapor ratings and design.
You are contemplating a shortcut that is ACTUALLY DANGEROUS.

 

[G_P]

One of my many pet peeves is where someone uses plumbing/sprinkler pipe in place of conduit, one time I was repairing some sprinklers & there was two pipes on top of the one I had to repair, so I cut them out of the way turns out there was some cable inside of one of them, there is only one way to tell what one is working with underground, the pipe/conduit color, please do not add to the mess.

Agreed. The correct PVC conduit is dirt cheap anyways.

 

[rodm1]

It would have to be UL listed.

 

[ishiboo]

You cannot use it as conduit. Technically. You could run something through it not requiring conduit, such as 12-3 UF. It would be difficult to pull. 1" is quite small and UF is flat.