Alternatives for Electrical Conduits

High Density Polyethylene

• Environmental groups consider high density polyethylene environmentally friendly. The material is recyclable and does not contain any chlorine. High density polyethylene has lesser resistance to combustion compared to normal PVC, but does not release harmful hydrochloric acid during combustion. Electricians use this material in all types of pipe applications, such as civil construction when needing several hundred feet of conduit to handle long distances.

Polypropylene

• Contractors install another type of alternative conduit called polypropylene. As strong as PVC, polypropylene is lightweight, does not conduct electricity and is flame retardant. Industrial plants use polypropylene since it can withstand high temperatures and is resistant to most corrosive chemicals except nitric acid. Polypropylene conduit comes in sizes of 4-inches in diameter and about twenty feet in length.

Fiberglass

• Fiberglass, a polymer resin with glass fibers, is lighter than PVC. Electricians bury fiberglass conduits without having to encase the conduit into concrete. Electricians also use another type of fiberglass conduit called fiberglass reinforced epoxy. They often use this material for marine settings. While regular fiberglass conduit has polymer resin, fiberglass reinforced epoxy contains a plastic-type resin. Fiberglass conduit is lighter than PVC and is extremely strong.

Nylon

• Contractors install nylon conduit, commonly known as liquid tight conduit, underground as-is or encased in concrete. It is not flame retardant like PVC conduit, so this type of material is more suited in the plumbing industry. Manufacturers make this conduit by coating nylon over corrugated steel. The coating process protects the conduit from corrosion. Most local hardware stores carry nylon conduit.