Conduit systems have many applications but are extremely common in telecommunications utilities and the power supply market. PVC-coated steel conduit is often used. However, an increasing number of businesses are realizing that fiberglass conduit systems offer more advantages than PVC. When compared side by side, fiberglass conduit is superior to PVC in many ways.
Fiberglass Conduit Takes Less Work to Install
PVC conduits have to be bent to the proper specifications with special installation tools. These tools are difficult to come by for the average field contractor. Fiberglass installation is done with a common PVC hot box that many field contractors already possess. PVC is also much heavier than fiberglass, resulting in a slower installation process that is less safe and costs more money. Because it is easier to install, fiberglass costs less in labor than PVC, too.
Lightweight
Fiberglass weighs far less than PVC, but the benefits it provides go beyond installation. It also means that less stress is put on supporting structures. Fiberglass systems are more efficient and flexible and cost less to maintain. The benefits of these qualities extend far beyond installation into the full life span of the project.
Better Coefficient of Friction
Cables often need to be pulled through conduits, resulting in burn-through. This is when friction from heating damages the structure of the conduit. While PVC can resist burn-through pretty well, fiberglass is even more resistant. That allows cables to be pulled through even faster. Fiberglass is also less likely to be damaged by common lubricants used to counter conduit burn-through.
Corrosion Resistance
Fiberglass resists corrosion in a wide variety of environmental conditions. It is more resistant to corrosion than PVC when exposed to extreme operating temperatures and chemicals. In some cases, PVC is more resistant to corrosion (such as in the presence of high amounts of ammonia), but this is not usually the case.
Resistant to Impact
Fiberglass conduit stands up to impacts better than PVC. It maintains its shape after impact since it is designed to be strong but flexible. These qualities help it hold up far better in tough environments like earthquake or flood-prone areas. PVC is far more susceptible to these environmental dangers.
Easy to Customize
Fiberglass conduit is made from epoxy resin reinforced by fibers that can be altered to improve certain qualities. For example, fiberglass can be made more resistant to corrosion or shielded against electromagnetic interference and radiofrequency.
No Dangerous Chemicals
In the event of an accident, fiberglass releases no halogens. This makes it far safer for people to be around. PVC can release chlorine, which can damage central nervous and respiratory systems, as well as bromine, a common pesticide. Containing no dangerous chemicals means less chance of liability should an accident occur.
Better Vibration Resistance
Large structures, like bridges, can experience continuous vibrations that shorten their life span. Fiberglass conduit is regularly used for such structures because of its high vibration resistance. This helps maintain the integrity of larger structures and extend the time needed between maintenance.
Get the full picture on how fiberglass can easily replace PVC across many applications.
Q. In what industries can fiberglass conduit replace PVC conduit?
A. Fiberglass conduit can replace PVC conduit in a variety of applications including commercial, industrial, construction, bridges, tunnels, data centers, utilities, and mining. Its corrosion resistance to many chemicals makes it ideal for wastewater treatment, chemical plants, and port authority/coastal environments. Not only is it lightweight for faster installation, but it is also strong and durable with superior impact resistance.
Q. Is fiberglass conduit in-stock now? What are your order lead times?
A. Order lead times are short. In fact, some of our more popular sizes of elbows ship in 48 hours. They can be used with other conduit types, as well. Contact us for more information about getting conduit to your project site quickly.
Q. Who fares better in terms of installation rates – PVC or fiberglass conduit?
A. The NECA Manual of Labor Rates states that to install a 100-foot length of 6” diameter conduit it takes just 9 hours for fiberglass conduit. For PVC SCH 40, it takes 24 hours. This means fiberglass conduit installs faster, in one-third the time as PVC.
Q. How does fiberglass conduit compare in weight to PVC conduit?
A. One hundred feet of 4” SW fiberglass (RTRC) conduit weighs 72 pounds, significantly lighter than comparable SCH 40 PVC at 231 lbs. Because of its lightweight nature, fiberglass conduit does not add as much weight to supporting structures as other conduit systems.
Q. Can Champion Fiberglass be used with other materials?
A. Fiberglass elbows are frequently provided with PVC couplings to transition to underground PVC conduits. Also, PVC or fiberglass male/female adapters are used to transition to GRC and PVC-coated rigid steel conduit. We only recommend using fiberglass couplings for fiberglass-to-fiberglass connections.
Q. Do fiberglass conduit and PVC conduit release toxic elements when burning?
A. Fiberglass conduit does not release toxic halogens (i.e. chlorine and bromine) when burning, unlike PVC SCH 40, PVC SCH 80, and PVC-coated steel.
Q. Which conduit pulls longer – PVC or fiberglass conduit?
A. Lower cable coefficient of friction (.38 for fiberglass and .90 for PVC) enables longer cable pulls with fiberglass conduit, which means fewer pull boxes are required for long runs, saving material costs. Additionally, fiberglass conduit is compatible with and unaffected by any of the pulling lubricants currently available.
Q. Is burn-through an issue with Champion Fiberglass as it is with PVC?
A. Champion Fiberglass elbows do not burn-through, which means fewer conduit repairs. The conduit is durable and strong with increased longevity.
Q. How are fiberglass conduit, PVC conduit and other conduit types affected by cable fault?
A. Fiberglass conduit will not melt or weld the affected cable to the inside of the conduit under fault conditions as can happen with PVC, steel, and aluminum conduit.
Q. How does Champion Fiberglass conduit perform versus PVC in high heat situations?
A. PVC SCH 40 and PVC SCH 80 withstand +40°F to +150°F range. Flame resistant Champion Fiberglass conduit can withstand a significantly wider temperature range of -60°F to +250°F.
Q. How does fiberglass conduit compare with PVC in lower temperatures?
A. Fiberglass doesn’t get weaker and brittle in freezing temperatures like PVC and HDPE. In fact, it gets slightly stronger in cold temperatures. For more information, check our product comparison chart.
Q. How does Champion Fiberglass conduit compare in price to PVC?
A. Champion Fiberglass conduit is competitively priced in sizes 2” and greater compared to PVC. For more detailed pricing information, we encourage you to reach out to us at 281.655.8900 or by clicking below.