Glue for electrical pvc conduit

[arlen4720]

Is it a rule or code not to run Romex inside? I do it all the time to protect wire and it works. Is there something I should worry about?

In general, it is a code violation to RUN romex in conduit, but the code makes exceptions to pieces of conduit used to protect Romex. So you are probably within the code.
Installing romex in an entire run of conduit would be allot of unnecessary work.

 

[streamin]

another vote for storing upside down, works good. didn't know about the romax in conduit, thanks.

 

[ThomasH]

PVC joint glue will work. Do not run Romex inside conduit. Strip the outer cover before putting it in conduit. Or just get THHN strand wire and run it.
As with everything don't go overboard with the glue. A little will hold a lot for a long time.

Romex is not allowed per code to be used in any exterior location other than a dry location which is not subject to sunlight, as it is not moisture resistant. In other words, it is not rated for burial as that is considered a wet location. THWN is the appropriate cable for underground burial.

 

[GLyford]

I believe UF-B is suitable for direct burial, as long as it is protected from mechanical damage between the connection box and trench depth by being in a short length of conduit...not exactly the same as being "run" in conduit.

 

[Qapla]

The gray PVC glue is not designed for gray pipe. Gray glue is a thicker glue that is slower drying and is designed for larger diameter glue joints - up to 12"

Clear PVC glue is much faster drying and is a general purpose glue for pipe up to 4"

Blue PVC glue is designed for use in "wet" areas since it is "water tolerant" and can be used on a joint while water is present, not under pressure.

Both gray and blue glues are slower drying and need much longer set times before moving the connection or applying water pressure. Clear is fast drying and will set almost instantly for use on conduit.

Clear PVC glue is just fine for the conduit.

Storing the can upside down works well and is the way to go for long term storage

 

[chim]

Please see below for the manufacturer's suggested use of their solvent cement. Carlon caters more to the electrical industry and Oatey goes bigger. Oatey has gray that is approved for 30" pipe. I dealt with a PVC manufacturer on a pharmaceutical project years ago and was told all PVC solvent cement is a solvent with different amounts of PVC dissolved in it to give it different body (viscosity) and color. Primer / cleaner is a solvent used to clean and soften the surface of parts that are to be glued together. The purple color of the primer provides a means for a quick glance inspection to ensure the joint has been primed. The main purpose for contacting the manufacturer was for verification that after the glued joints cured there was nothing buy PVC left behind:

Carlon Sales | Cement


Oatey PVC Cements

 

[rgr33]

In a previous life, worked for an underground utilities distributor. Qapla has it correctly. Any glue labeled for use on Pvc will work, but there are specialty traits in the pvc glues as he pointed out in his post. The color of the glue tells you what it's trait is.

 

[wrooster]

I too would be curious about code. That would be a waste to strip romex. I have put romex in PVC conduit and buried it to avoid buying expensive direct bury romex. Not saying it's code though. I would be guessing that the jacket isn't temperature rated to be in a raceway. And a 14/2 romex might exceed conduit fill calculations for a 1/2" conduit.

NEC violation x 2.

1. Underground raceway (conduit) is classed as a wet location(*). Generic NM romex (jacketed) cable is not permitted for use in a wet locations. The primary reason is that the filler material is paper-based, and furthermore the individual conductor insulation is not THWN rated (W=Water-resistant). In contrast, direct burial UF wire employs wet rated insulation and the filler material is thermoplastic, not paper.

2. Insulation temperature ratings are based on certain assumptions. For several reasons, jacketed cable must be derated when run in a raceway. Hence, individual conductors -- not cables -- are run in raceways.

wrooster

(*) All underground conduit fills with water. You can make NASA-spec solvent-welded (aka glued) joints but the conduit will still fill with water. The reason is condensation. The ground temperature at conduit burial depth (typ. 18") is quite cool; and, the ends of electrical conduit are almost never sealed against infiltration. Warm humid air enters the conduit, cools, and the moisture precipitates out. Ask any electrician, he'll tell you... a year after you put conduit in the ground, it's pretty wet in the pipe.

Water-filled Conduit
water proofing inside PVC conduits

 

[wrooster]

PVC joint glue will work. Do not run Romex inside conduit. Strip the outer cover before putting it in conduit. Or just get THHN strand wire and run it.

No and No.

1. The insulation used on the separate conductors inside NM romex cable is not rated for wet locations. Your inspector WILL bounce you on this. Besides, pulling solid conductor wire through conduit bends is not only a nightmare but you can fairly easily physically damage the conductor. It's 87 million times easier pulling stranded wire.

2. THHN is not rated for wet locations. THWN is required by code. Your inspector WILL bounce you on this.

wrooster

 

[ThomasH]

The gray PVC glue is not designed for gray pipe. Gray glue is a thicker glue that is slower drying and is designed for larger diameter glue joints - up to 12"

Clear PVC glue is much faster drying and is a general purpose glue for pipe up to 4"

Directly from Oatey's sight:

Medium-Bodied Gray cement for use on all schedules and classes of PVC pipe and fittings up to 6” diameter with interference fit.
Lo-V.O.C. Solvent Cement meets California South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) 1168/316A or BAAQMD Method 40 and various environmental requirements.
Recommended for potable water, pressure pipe, conduit and DWV.
Recommended application temperature 40°F to 110°F / 4°C to 43°C.
Meets ASTM D-2564.

It is not recommended for larger pipe because it is not aggressive enough in it's bond due to lower solvent content.