PVC Pipe Heater

[Tool_Freek]

I’m interested in purchasing a PVC pipe heater/oven box. At present, my considerations include the Greenlee 849 and the Current Tool 450. Both are for 1/2”-2” pipe. The Greenlee 849 advertises 120 VAC X 20 amps while the Current Tool 450 advertises 120 VAC X 15 amps. As best I can tell, and I may be wrong, both have a grounded 15 amp plug on the cord. It seems odd Greenlee would put a 15 amp plug on a 20 amp product. Does anyone know if the Greenlee product will trip the breaker in a 15 amp circuit? If it does, it seems that would severely limit the tool’s on-site location usage. I understand the Greenlee product might heat up quicker or get hotter than Current Tool’s. Assuming both get hot enough, the prevalence of 15 amp circuits would make waiting a little longer trivial. Being unfamiliar with either of these two products, I have to ask: am I missing something?

Would this topic be better placed over in the Lighting and Electrical forum?

 

[Bert_]

Greenlee is 1800W. Comes with a 120v 20A cord end but I always twist the prong with a pliers so it fits a 15A plug. Will run on a 15A breaker

 

[WildBill]

Not exactly what you are asking but my brother (a plumber) has the Greenlee and said its the best, whatever that's worth. He got it on Zoro with a 20% coupon. He said he has plugged it into all kinds of outlets and extension cords without issue or specifically finding 20amp circuits. Only time he said its been an issue is when he tried to plug it into a power strip, that tripped the protection on the strip. Not sure why they say 20amp, seems like that would be an issue a lot of the time. Also check on replacement parts, whatever brand he had before was really hard to get parts for, you can get heating elements for the Greenlee on amazon.

 

[Tool_Freek]

Good to know, Greenlee doesn’t trip a 15 amp breaker. Replacement part availability is a good consideration. I also consider resale value to be important. I’m sure Greenlee will hold up better in that regard. I get coupons from Zoro all the time; hadn’t thought of that avenue. Thank you.

 

[mike93lx]

Not a sparky, but the guy that did my pool's electrical used a mat... Can't recall the brand. But it worked great and seemed like it could be nice to have it be more compact and flexible than the ovens.

 

[Tool_Freek]

Mike931x,
Did the mat get hot on the outside thereby making it hard to handle?

 

[35Ford]

Look at Greenlee PVC blankets as well. Not sure how you plan on using it but a blanket can be used on partially completed conduit systems where a box cannot.

 

[mike93lx]

Mike931x,
Did the mat get hot on the outside thereby making it hard to handle?

Great question, but I am not sure. It wasnt super thick, but they did a bunch of pipes one after another, so I expect with gloves that it is fine.

I vaguely remember it being orange and doing a little googling, I think this may have been it

441 PVC Heating Blankets - Current Tools

PVC Heating Blanket for ½” to 1 ½” PVC Conduit View Catalog Page View Product Manual

currenttools.com

 

[Tool_Freek]

Good point on using a blanket on a partial assembly; hadn’t thought of that.

Thank you for identifying the suspected blanket.

I’m planning on running PVC up and over the top of my shop for low pressure (125 psi) compressed air. Up the wall is straight forward but the transition from wall to roof line is circuitous. With 14’ eves, I need something manageable on a scaffold; it can get crowded up there.

 

[mike93lx]

Good point on using a blanket on a partial assembly; hadn’t thought of that.

Thank you for identifying the suspected blanket.

I’m planning on running PVC up and over the top of my shop for low pressure (125 psi) compressed air. Up the wall is straight forward but the transition from wall to roof line is circuitous. With 14’ eves, I need something manageable on a scaffold; it can get crowded up there.

PVC is not designed for compressed air. Absolutely the wrong material for the application

Use copper, black pipe, pex, rapid air or hose. Not pvc

OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins The Use of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipe in ... https://www.osha.gov/publications/hib19880520

Can PVC Pipe Be Used for Compressed Air?

PVC pipe and compressed air is a dangerous combination. Learn why PVC is never approved for compressed air piping and what safe alternatives to use instead.

fluidairedynamics.com

Can You Use PVC for Air Lines? CP Chicago Pneumatic

When installing a compressed air system into a business, people often look to PVC piping as an option to build a piping system because it is cheap, versatile and easy to install. However, using PVC pipe in any compressed air application is extremely dangerous and NOT recommended by multiple...

compressors.cp.com

 

[nadogail]

There is NO WAY you are going to convince me that PVC is an OK material for compressed air.

 

[sparky 1971]

Mike931x,
Did the mat get hot on the outside thereby making it hard to handle?

I have the same blanket listed in post #8 and it gets hotter than blue blazes. I wear welding gloves when using mine. As already stated, PVC is the wrong product for the application even though I have seen tons of PVC used for air.

 

[American Locomotive]

We joke a lot about PVC air lines on here, but as mentioned it's serious - do not use PVC for air lines.

 

[Firebrick43]

I’m planning on running PVC up and over the top of my shop for low pressure (125 psi) compressed air. Up the wall is straight forward but the transition from wall to roof line is circuitous. With 14’ eves, I need something manageable on a scaffold; it can get crowded up there.

Are you ready for a rodeo?

 

[Tool_Freek]

Thank you for the warnings and alternate material recommendations.

Firebrick43,
Please elaborate on your question:
“Are ready for a rodeo?”