154 Section 3 Installation Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 10.5 Rigid PVC Conduit Rigid polyvinyl chloride conduit (PVC) is con- structed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a tough, nonconductive plastic. PVC weighs much less than metal conduit and is designed to be used in most locations where other types of conduit are used, including direct burial. There are many different fi ttings available to connect the PVC to metallic and nonmetallic boxes and conduit. See Figure 10-16. PVC is restricted only in cer- tain hazardous locations and where it could be physically damaged. Check with your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to see if local code per- mits its use. Do not use PVC to support fi xtures. PVC is easily worked. It can be cut with a hacksaw, most power saws, or large tubing cut- ters. It can be bent using special bending boxes with heating elements to warm the conduit. This allows it to be easily bent by hand, using a simple bending jig. Bends can also be made with preformed fittings. Connecting PVC con- duit and fittings is similar to working with PVC plumbing pipe. All permanent joints are made with PVC primer and solvent cement. These joints are solvent-welded, creating an airtight, watertight connection, Figure 10-17. Kraloy Fittings Figure 10-16. Numerous types of fittings, elbows, and mounting hardware are available to facilitate the installation of rigid PVC conduit. PROCEDURE Attaching Fittings to PVC 1. Deburr cut ends of pipe with a utility knife or emery cloth so all surfaces are smooth. Clean the inside of the fi tting and the end of the conduit with a rag. Dry-fi t the fi tting on the conduit to check the fi nal position, then remove the fi tting. Apply primer to the inside of the fi tting, using the applicator attached to the lid of the primer can. 2. Apply primer to the outside of the conduit. 3. Apply PVC solvent cement to the inside of the fi tting, using the applicator attached to the lid of the cement can. 4. Apply cement to the outside of the conduit. 5. Push the conduit into the fi tting until it stops (bottoms out in the fi tting socket), then turn the fi tting a quarter turn while maintaining pressure. This spreads the cement evenly along the joint. Hold the parts together for 20 to 30 seconds, as recommended by the cement manufacturer.