The Difference Between Plumbing PVC and Electrical Conduit PVC

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a combination of plastic and vinyl that is used to make PVC pipes. These popular types of pipes are commonly used in plumbing as an alternative to more expensive copper piping. PVC is also used to produce electrical conduit. While regular PVC and electrical conduit PVC are both made from the same type of plastic, they are not the same thing, nor should they be used for the same applications. Each should only be used as it is intended and not interchangeably.

Let’s take a look at few differences between plumbing PVC and electrical conduit PVC.

How PVC Pipe and PVC Conduit Differ

Tested for Pressure

One of the biggest differences between plumbing PVC pipe and PVC electrical conduit is that PVC pipes are pressure tested and PVC conduit isn’t. This means that PVC pipe and PVC conduit cannot be used interchangeably. Because plumbing piping systems must be able to withstand water pressure to be effective and work properly, pipes that are tested and rated for pressure must be used. The pressure rating is printed on plumbing PVC pipe. PVC conduit isn’t approved to use in plumbing applications because it isn’t pressure tested, making the chances of leaking higher.

Wall Thickness

Another difference that you’ll find between PVC pipe and PVC conduit, is in the thickness of the wall of the pipe. The wall of plumbing PVC pipe is typically thicker than the wall of PVC conduit. Because plumbing PVC is used in applications that have pressure to consider, the added thickness ensures that the pipe is strong enough to resist bending and that it will remain undamaged and intact. Conduit PVC isn’t required to withstand as much pressure, so it isn’t made with walls that are thick – that simply wouldn’t be a cost-effective design for manufacturers.