Metal thin-walled pipes are produced by different companies around the world according to a single standard.

The USA, Canada, China, Türkiye and India are the main producers of EMT pipe today. The main markets are North and South America, the Middle East and Europe. In Russia, this product is still poorly represented.

At a time when all progressive humanity has mastered the technology of installing electrical wiring in steel pipes of the EMT standard, we have remained aloof from technological progress in this area.

The mission of our company is to fill this annoying gap. After all, this is a truly necessary and useful product.

Thanks to the unique technical solutions of the EMT pipe wiring system, electrical installation in steel pipes will become easier, and the operation of electrical systems will be much safer.

So, let's start in order:

1 . Thin-walled steel electrical galvanized pipe EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing).

Manufactured from low-carbon ductile steel.

Galvanized inside and outside. The weld seam is additionally galvanized or not, depending on the manufacturer.

EMT pipe provides excellent mechanical protection for cables and wires combined with ductility when bending without creases and without seam cracking, and ease of cutting.

.

These dimensions do not coincide with the standard dimensions of Russian-made thin-walled electric-welded pipes.

You can use a pipe with an outer diameter of 18 mm ( GOST 10704-91). The difference in outer diameter of 0.07 mm is not critical.

Restrictions on use:

According to the localization ability, the cross-section of the copper core should be no more than 2.5 mm2.

• Not used in outdoor electrical installations.

2. Reinforced steel electrical galvanized pipe RMC threaded.

(RigidMetalConduit)

IN In this case, we have a complete coincidence with the familiar and familiar VGP pipes.

Galvanized outside and inside using hot-dip galvanizing. The two ends of the pipe have NPT threads. The pipe is supplied complete with a coupling.

RMC electrical wiring steel pipes are designed for harsh environments, including outdoor electrical wiring.

3. BS standard pipes.

Steel electrical pipes of European standard. In the Russian market they are known by brands Steel electrical pipes KOPOS (Kopos) And Cosmec metal pipes produced by DKC (DKS).

Available in the following standard sizes: 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 53, 60 mm. Wall thickness is from 1.0 to 1.5 mm.

Available with plain ends or metric threads.

Along with the active use of PVC pipes for arranging pipelines transporting substances in a liquid or gaseous state, such products have recently increasingly become a sheath for laying electrical cables in private or multi-storey buildings. In this article we will look at the main advantages of PVC pipes for laying cables, the types of such products, and the method of installing wiring through pipes.

What is it for

The main purpose of the pipe in this case will be to protect against cable damage in the event of mechanical shocks, as well as to ensure fire safety if a wiring short circuit occurs.

The use of pipes as cable ducts is not a new invention. Some time ago, copper, aluminum or steel pipes were actively used for this purpose. But with the advent of plastic analogues, the demand for metal products in this situation has noticeably decreased.

Note that craftsmen advise using a PVC pipe for electrical wiring in both options for laying it - open or hidden.

How do PVC pipes for cable compare favorably with metal ones?

With the invention of new plastic products, metal pipes began to somewhat lose their position in the building materials market. The main reason for this phenomenon lies in the performance characteristics of the new material.

Among the advantages of PVC pipes, which distinguish them favorably from their steel counterparts, are:

• The service life of plastic pipes can reach 50 years or more.
• These products are resistant to aggressive conditions and corrosion, so their use is advisable in rooms with high humidity, when laying underground or underwater cables.
• Low weight makes it easy to transport, stack and install such pipes.
• If the PVC pipe has a small diameter, it bends easily in any direction.
• The assembly of a pipeline from PVC products can be carried out without the involvement of professional builders, in contrast to work with steel pipes.
• The presence of a certain amount of liquid in the pipe cannot damage it even if it freezes.
• The cost of PVC pipes is much lower than steel or copper. So everyone can afford them.

Assortment of PVC pipes

A wide range of PVC pipes can be found at any hardware store. In appearance, they can be smooth, soft or hard, with the addition of reinforcement in the top layer or corrugated. Often, the production of all PVC products is carried out using continuous extrusion technology.

PVC corrugated pipes for cables

Corrugated PVC pipes are used as cable ducts much more often than other types of plastic products. The main difference between corrugated pipes and other analogues is their design. They have a variable cross-section, that is, segments with thin walls of smaller diameter and sections with a larger cross-section and thicker walls alternate alternately, that is, original stiffening ribs.

Thanks to the hard sections, the product gains strength, but thinner and softer sections make it possible to bend and stretch the pipe to obtain the desired configuration. However, not all corrugated pipes stretch equally - it all depends on the type and length.

It is impossible to stretch electrical corrugated pipes very much, because areas with thin walls are quite small, and PVC itself is very rigid (read also: " "). However, they have sufficient flexibility, so that wiring in PVC pipes can be laid in any configuration, especially if they have a small cross-section.

Please note that the corrugated pipe diameters indicated in the catalogs are external and refer to rigid sections. The internal cross-section of the pipe will be somewhat smaller, so pipes for laying electrical wiring must be taken somewhat thicker than the expected size of the wire bundle.

How to lay cable channels from electrical PVC pipes

If you plan to install non-flammable pipes for electrical wiring that will run near the heating system, they should be placed below the heating elements so that the cables do not heat up.

We draw your attention to the situation when in some places the heating pipes and the cable duct will intersect. In this case, the distance between them must be at least 5 cm. If the wiring is laid parallel to the heating pipes, the gap between them and the wiring must be at least 10 cm.

If you need to connect sections of electrical cable, it cannot be done inside the pipe. Boxes are usually installed at the junction points.

If the wiring is installed in a relatively dry room, then the connection of corrugated PVC pipes can be made without the use of a sealant. But if the microclimate in the building is quite damp, then sealing gaskets at the pipe connections are mandatory.

Please note that fittings and couplings are the optimal and most common methods of sealing connections.

Subtleties of laying a corrugated pipeline

Inside all corrugated pipes there is a thin steel wire, the so-called broach. Since this wire is installed with some tension, when cutting the pipe you need to carefully cut it with side cutters, holding it so that it does not slip away.

Completion

So, you are convinced that PVC pipes can be an ideal option for laying electrical cables. At the same time, they are able to protect wires from moisture, dirt and mechanical damage.

Electrical wiring, according to the PUE, includes a set of wires and cables with corresponding fasteners, structures and parts. All electrical wiring, according to the method of installation, is divided into open and hidden, laid inside the structural elements of buildings and structures. Open wiring is electrical wiring laid on the surface of walls and ceilings. It has a number of advantages: it is labor-intensive, economical, reliable, and easy to use. Hidden electrical wiring is laid in pipes, flexible metal hoses, boxes, voids in building structures, and also under plaster. In accordance with fire safety and labor protection rules, electrical wiring in buildings and structures being constructed is laid in special PVC or HDPE.

Pipes for electrical wiring include corrugated PVC/HDPE pipes, smooth rigid PVC and HDPE pipes for hidden and open electrical wiring, flexible reinforced pipes for protecting cables of machines, machines, industrial equipment, double-walled HDPE pipes for passing obstacles in the ground and water when laying power lines. large cross-section cables, fiber optic networks.

Pipes for electrical wires have high mechanical and insulating properties and are able to withstand a wide range of temperatures - from -20 to 90 degrees. Pipes for electrical wiring are produced in two versions: with a probe for cable pulling and without a probe. Their main purpose is protection when laying cables and wires.

Advantages of pipes for wiring HDPE, PVC and LDPE over metal ones:

- Durability - service life under normal conditions is more than 50 years
- High corrosion and chemical resistance to aggressive environments
- Does not require special protection
- Low specific weight, facilitating transportation and installation work
- Flexibility of small diameter pipes
- Installation of electrical pipes can be carried out by any trained person, and not by a qualified welder, as in the case of using steel pipes
- Moisture that gets inside the pipe will not damage it when it freezes
- Cheap compared to steel pipes

PVC PIPES FOR ELECTRICAL WIRING

PVC pipes for electrical wiring are made from non-flammable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) by continuous extrusion.

PVC pipes are widely used to protect electrical wiring. PVC pipes for electrical wiring are distinguished by excellent mechanical resistance, rigidity, and low coefficient of linear expansion.

PVC rigid electrical pipes are used for pulling electrical wiring in concrete walls. PVC pipe is manufactured in accordance with TU-6-19-215-83.

PVC pipes are produced in various sizes - with a diameter from 16 to 50 mm in sections 3 meters long. Smooth, rigid pipes provide additional insulation and mechanical protection against cable damage. They are used for open wiring on ceilings and walls made of non-flammable and low-flammable materials.

At the moment, a huge number of types of PVC pipes are produced: corrugated, reinforced, smooth rigid, etc. Not so long ago, smooth rigid pipes made of self-extinguishing PVC appeared on the market. The system of smooth-walled rigid pipes is intended for the distribution of electrical wiring cables in the walls of residential premises, administrative and industrial buildings. The diameter of the pipes is usually 16-63 mm. We also note that the main task of this particular type of pipe is to provide a reliable backbone electrical wiring complex. The large temperature range - from minus 25 to plus 60 degrees - makes these pipes irreplaceable.

HDPE PIPES FOR ELECTRICAL WIRING

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) was produced back in the 30s of the 20th century - this is the “easiest” material to obtain. The development of technology made it possible to obtain low-density polyethylene (HDPE) only in the 50s. These types of polyethylenes differ in thickness and density; visually it is not difficult to distinguish them from each other. But the main difference is that LDPE is vulnerable to gases and sensitive to oxidation, and is therefore unsuitable for food packaging. HDPE, on the contrary, has excellent chemical resistance to aggressive environments, but has low impact resistance and high water permeability.

HDPE polyethylene pipes are used for pipelines transporting water (including for domestic and drinking water supply), for electrical wiring, as insulation when laying cables in the ground, for household needs.
Smooth, single-walled black HDPE pipes are used for installation of cable lines, telecommunication lines, and electrical wiring. Pipes can be installed in brickwork or filled with concrete. The pipes are connected using connecting parts (tees, couplings, bends, etc.).

The main advantages of polyethylene pipes:

- HDPE pipes are much cheaper and lighter than steel pipes.
- polyethylene pipes do not collapse at low temperatures
- their service life is over 50 years
- are not subject to corrosion, no deposits form inside the HDPE pipe, the diameter of the pipe does not decrease throughout its service life
- moisture does not condense on the outer surface of polyethylene pipes
- the surface of the polyethylene pipe is flat and smooth, does not require additional processing or painting
- polyethylene pipes do not emit toxic substances, working with them does not require special precautions

CORRUGATED PIPES FOR ELECTRICAL WIRING

Material corrugation technology is used as one of the effective ways to increase structural rigidity. Accordingly, flexible corrugated pipes for electrical wiring will allow you to provide adequate protection to the electrical wiring of your apartment. Our article will provide you with useful information about corrugated pipes for wires.

The corrugated pipe is made of non-flammable plastic and is an elastic channel with a round cross-section, designed for laying electrical wiring (voltage up to 1000 volts) during construction work. Electrical wiring can be either open or hidden - embedded in the wall. “Conductor” is a thin metal wire located inside the pipe that greatly facilitates cable laying.
The greatest advantage comes from the use of corrugated pipes for electrical wiring in the case of raised floors and suspended ceilings: flexible “sleeves” will be indispensable for laying cables in hard-to-reach places where it is difficult to install a rigid structure.

Please note that there are special heavy and extra heavy corrugated pipe designs specifically designed for installation in cement screed or concrete.
Using corrugated pipes you can install telephone, computer electrical, and television networks. The required pipe diameter is logically selected in accordance with the thickness of the cable and the purpose of the device connected to it.

The diameter of the corrugated pipe should be:

- for telephone and signaling networks; for lighting fixtures – 16 mm;
- for switches and sockets – 20 mm;
- for connecting distribution boxes to each other and to distribution panels – 25 mm;
- for connections between floors – 40-50 mm.

Advantages of using corrugated pipes for electrical wiring:

- cable protection from mechanical damage
- reinforced insulation of electrical wiring
- no need for additional accessories
- laying pipes along the shortest path (possibility of bending the pipe) at an angle of 360 degrees
- protection of the cable from fire (the material contains special additives, due to which the pipe does not burn, but slowly melts)

Corrugated pipe for electrical wiring is ideal for laying electrical, telephone and television cables - it perfectly provides additional protection from mechanical damage, from electrical damage when the cable insulation is broken, and prevents the risk of fire in the event of a short circuit.
Many construction companies still prefer to lay wiring directly in the walls or in metal sleeves. Meanwhile, this was and remains a very unsafe method of electrical wiring, and the use of corrugated pipes will provide a higher level of quality and safety, and will also allow it to be fixed for a long time.
Another distinctive feature of corrugated pipe is its ease of installation, which is explained by its exceptional flexibility. It is also lightweight and easy to transport, which reduces transportation costs; in addition, it is a dielectric, and therefore does not require grounding. It is not susceptible to corrosion and harmful environmental influences; it can last for decades, and its warranty period is 50 years. .

HOW TO INSTALL WIRING IN PIPES?

Electrical wiring in pipes is carried out in order to protect them from mechanical damage or from environmental influences (for example, dampness, explosive mixtures, chemically active gases).

For electrical wiring, the following are used: ordinary steel water and gas pipes; polyethylene and polypropylene pipes; vinyl plastic pipes; metal flexible wires.

The installation of electrical wiring in pipes is carried out in two stages. First, mark the location of the ends of the pipes suitable for switchboards, electrical receivers, and control devices. Then the electrical wiring routes, installation locations of boxes, turning angles, and attachment points are marked.

Plastic pipes are bent only when hot at a temperature of 100-130 degrees C. Non-metallic pipes are used for electrical wiring only in rooms where the maximum ambient temperature does not exceed 60 degrees C.

Electrical wiring in pipes must be installed taking into account environmental conditions.
Pipes are laid with a slope (not standardized) so that condensing moisture does not collect.
The connection of pipes in explosive and fire hazardous areas, in outdoor installations, in damp, damp and especially damp rooms, as well as for hidden laying, is carried out only on threads with tow and red lead.

All metal elements must be protected from corrosion. The metal parts of electrical wiring in pipes are grounded or grounded.
Grounding and grounding of electrical wiring is performed with a flexible copper jumper from the pipe to the housing or through the pipe with grounding nuts.

Before tightening the wires, the pipelines are checked and purged with air. Steel wire with a diameter of 1.5-3.5 mm with a loop at the end is pulled into the pipes. The wires are aligned by pulling them through a clamped dry rag, attached to the wire and tightened by two people wearing mittens - one pulls the wire, the other from the opposite side feeds the wires into the pipe.

A supply of wire is left in the boxes and at the ends of the pipes for connection. Wire connections are made only in boxes (it is prohibited to connect in pipes) and are carefully insulated. Then they test the insulation resistance of the wires between each other and between each wire and the ground (pipe), the norm is not less than 0.5 MOhm.

Our Company offers pipes for electrical wiring made of HDPE, PVC, corrugated, double-layer for severe working conditions, as well as connecting parts (fittings) for them.
You can familiarize yourself with the range and technical characteristics on the website page:

There are many challenges when designing and installing an electrical grid system. Considering the danger posed by incorrectly designed line wiring, treat all work in this direction very carefully and strictly follow the standards and recommendations. When building your own home, the process is considered completed only after proper insulation of all elements of the system.

In any direction of construction, it is especially important to create reliable protection for the wiring in order to prevent emergencies or interruptions in the operation of the designed system.

The use of plastic pipes helps prevent the following factors of destruction:

• freezing of wiring;
• excessive flooding with water;
• mechanical impact of the natural environment.

What are the advantages of using PVC pipes?

Until recently, steel products were used to a greater extent, but they did not always provide the appropriate level of protection. Therefore, with the advent of plastic on the market, it was he who received preference due to its multiple advantages.

Let us highlight the main advantages of using PVC pipes for electrical wiring:

What plastic pipes are used for insulation?

To get a clearer picture of which plastic pipes to use for wire insulation, consider the following classification criteria:

What pipe size should I choose?

To choose the appropriate pipe diameter, take into account the structural features of the structure at the installation site. Today, such products are presented in the range from 1.6 to 5 cm.

Please note when designing that the standard length of one PVC pipe, most often used due to maximum convenience of both transportation and installation itself, is 3 meters, but there are products on the market with parameters from 2 to 6 m.

Important! Correctly calculate the required pipeline length in advance. Please note that cutting to specific parameters is easy to do using any available cutting tool, since plastic is easy to process.

What are the features of the structure of PVC pipes for electrical wiring?

When choosing, pay attention to the following types:

How to choose pipes of suitable weight?

To prevent excessive load on parts of the structure and ensure reliable fastening of the pipes, pay attention to the weight of the pipes indicated by the manufacturer. Based on this indicator, the recommended methods of application are divided into:

How to prepare PVC pipes for installation?

To prevent any damage to the products during transportation or storage after purchase, please adhere to the following recommendations in this regard:

The entire process of insulating electrical cables with PVC pipes is simple. To ensure that all the work at this stage of construction does not take up much time, carefully read the sequence of actions and strictly follow them.

Progress:

1. Carry out all installation work at a temperature not lower than -5C when installing the external part of the electrical communications system.
2. Check the mains voltage.
3. Make sure it does not exceed 1500V.
   
4. Prepare all the configuration details, depending on the location of the line:
   
5. Mark the installation of pipes with electrical wiring inside.
   

   Important! Separately take into account the locations of corners or intersections with other engineering systems. When placing heat supply systems in parallel, make a space of at least 50 cm to prevent overheating of the electrical cables and failures in the energy supply, etc.
   

6. Calculate the number of required fasteners (the approximate gap is 10-15 cm).
7. Mark the installation locations for the panel boxes.
   

   Important! Do not under any circumstances arrange wire connections inside the pipe.

8. Cut the products in accordance with the characteristics of the room.
   

   Important! When cutting corrugated products, hold the steel wire, which holds the shape of the corrugation and prevents it from stretching. Secure it with electrical tape to the edges of the pipe.
   

9. Align the wires carefully.
10. Check the cleanliness of the pipes inside.
11. Pull the cable through all elements of the protective PVC pipeline.
    
12. Consistently install all prepared parts of the system with a slight slope to prevent condensation from accumulating on the surface.
13. Secure the pipes at regular intervals with aluminum or plastic clips.
    
14. Watch the video with a clear example of laying and connecting all parts of the PVC protective pipeline to eliminate any difficulties during the work process.
15. Install panel and distribution boxes.
16. Connect all system cables into nodes.
17. Watch the video, which shows the process of designing connection nodes step by step.
18. Check the insulation resistance between the wires.
    

Conclusion

The entire isolation procedure is as simple as it is necessary. With proper planning of the electrical network line layout and its protection, as well as compliance with all installation rules, the risk of emergency situations will be minimal. The entire operation process in this case will be long and very convenient, which will certainly contribute to a comfortable stay.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has excellent technical characteristics, making pipes made from it extremely popular in construction. PVC pipes for electrical wiring fully comply with the requirements for this type of product when laying electrical networks: they provide simple installation, the ability to replace the cable if necessary, reliable insulation and even aesthetics. What other advantages do PVC pipes have for laying cables, what types are on the market, and how to install them when arranging power supply, you can find out from our article.

Characteristics of electrical PVC pipes

The electrical pipe is made of self-extinguishing polyvinyl chloride and high and low pressure polyethylene. These materials are endowed with technical characteristics that allow the installation of pipes of this type to create cable support systems. In addition, the PVC electrical pipe serves as an additional layer of insulation for the cable, provides fire resistance and protects the wiring from mechanical damage.

Advantages

PVC pipes have a number of undeniable advantages:

• durable: they have original strength, are not subject to corrosion, are resistant to humid and aggressive environments, and to ultraviolet radiation;
• hygienic and environmentally friendly;
• easy to install: lightweight, easy to saw, glue, solder;
• have a low deformation coefficient;
• do not bear a significant load on the structure;
• provide (with appropriate accessories) complete tightness, in which the cable is reliably protected from the penetration of dust and moisture;
• practical: they have a low price, during operation they do not require painting or other maintenance.

In addition, cable installation with their use is carried out quickly and efficiently, this is facilitated by the absence of roughness on the inner wall of the pipe. Such systems are practical to use, since the electrical wiring in them is replaced without the need to open the trench and dismantle the ceiling.

Due to these qualities, PVC pipes for cable laying have no alternative today. They are an indispensable component of power supply systems and are successfully used in the construction of residential, industrial and administrative facilities.

PVC electrical pipe is non-flammable, it has the highest fire safety category among polymer analogues.

Varieties

Electrical PVC pipes are usually divided into two main categories:

1. smooth hard (smooth-walled);
2. corrugated (flexible corrugated pipes).

Rigid PVC pipe for cable is used mainly outside building structures, corrugated pipe is used when laying electrical supply systems inside ceilings (under plaster, in a floor screed, etc.).

Also, their classification is determined according to GOST 18599-83, which distinguishes 4 categories of electrical pipes:

• T – heavy;
• C – average;
• SL – medium-light;
• N – non-standard.

They can be produced with different diameters: 8 ÷ 250 mm; with different wall thicknesses and different colors.

The corrugated PVC pipe with a probe for cable pulling deserves special attention. The advantageous feature of this model is the presence of a special rigid steel wire, which greatly facilitates the process of installing the wire inside the cable support system.

The corrugated pipe is attached to the supporting planes using special latches-clips, which are easily detached if it is necessary to change the direction of the cables or move part of the wiring to another place.

Installation of cable in PVC pipe

Use of components

The advantage of laying cables in PVC pipes (compared to metal ones) is obvious:

• PVC electrical pipe is cheaper;
• does not require grounding;
• under normal use it can last up to 50 years;
• can be operated at temperatures from –25 to + 70 0 C;
• do not form or accumulate condensation;
• do not require expensive welding;
• do not require maintenance.

In addition, when using these pipes, the cost of the project is significantly reduced; insulation for PVC pipes is not needed, it itself plays the role of protection, so the cable can be used in a lightweight design.

For open wiring (walls, ceilings), according to current standards, a smooth PVC pipe is used for cables; for laying cables inside structures made of fireproof materials, a corrugated pipe is used.

When installing power supply on wooden and other combustible substrates, only metal pipes or metal hose should be used!

To ensure high-quality installation, it is recommended to use additional components, which are selected based on the diameter and model of the pipe. These include tees, connectors, turns, crosses, dowel-ties, clips, etc. Consultants from the Electrical Products Department will help you select all the necessary parts.

Installation technology

The installation process looks like this:

1. Mark the future placement of pipes with electrical cables. In this case, the distance from the heating elements must be at least 0.5 m so that the cables do not heat up. The locations of the panel boxes are also noted.
2. Determine the required number of fasteners at the rate of 1 fastener for every 10-15 cm of pipe.
3. Prepare all the necessary elements and check that the voltage in the electrical network does not exceed 1500 V.
4. If necessary, cut the products into sections of the required length.
5. They prepare the products - straighten the wires, and, if necessary, clean the inner surface of the pipes.
6. Pull the cable through the pipeline elements, and then install its sections in accordance with the diagram.

Installation of the PVC pipeline must be carried out with a slope in order to avoid the accumulation of condensate in it.

1. The pipeline is fastened at regular intervals in accordance with the markings.
2. Panel boxes are installed in which the cables being laid are connected into nodes.
3. Check the reliability of the insulation between the laid wires.

Installation subtleties

A smooth or corrugated pipe for electrical wiring is laid taking into account the following important points:

• When installing pipes in the floor or brick wall, use metal brackets; you can fill the system only after it is securely fastened.
• When a pipe passes from the floor to the wall or when it enters a slab cavity, use special corrugated connectors.
• Do not allow any creases to form, as this will make subsequent cable pulling difficult.
• Always use solid pieces of pipe to connect two points in a straight line.
• When cutting the broach with a side cutter, do not let the wire go inside the pipe; you will have to remove it by making an additional cut on the pipe.
• If the pipe kit does not include a special probe, use an elastic metal or nylon broach. It must first be run into the pipe, and then the cable attached to it must be pulled through.
• The wires must be prepared for pulling; to do this, they must be secured in several places with PVC electrical tape.
• To prevent the harness from slipping, it is necessary to securely connect it to the broach. To do this, wrap the wire around the bundle and tighten it with pliers. The ends of the cable should not stick out in different directions, otherwise pulling will be impossible.

It is more convenient to pull the cable together. If you do the work alone, then the broach must be securely attached to the permanent structure.

The main purpose of corrugated pipe is to lay internal cable systems, but some models can be used for external underground installation. Such models are double-walled corrugated pipes with a diameter of up to 200 mm.

Standard PVC pipe for cable is used not only for laying electrical power cables, but also for laying low-current cables: telecommunications, telephone, communication and alarm cables.