PVC is a thermoplastic made of chlorine (derived from industrial grade salt) and carbon (derived predominantly from oil / gas via ethylene). It is less dependent than other polymers on crude oil or natural gas, which are nonrenewable, and hence can be regarded as a natural resource saving plastic, in contrast to plastics such as PE, PP, PET and PS, which are totally dependent on oil or gas. This chlorine gives to PVC excellent fire resistance: when PVC is set on fire, the flames go out as the fire source is removed due to the material’s self-extinguishing properties.
PVC conduit is one of the safest and most tested materials used in North America. For over 60 years, every aspect of its production, use and disposal has been evaluated and approved by government and independent certification and testing agencies.
PVC is approved for use around the world in electrical distribution and transmission, consumer products and utilities.
PVC conduit meets or exceeds all required health and safety standards and regulations governed by the U.S. and Canadian Safe Drinking Water Acts and other international statutes. Its use is monitored by independent agencies like NSF International — and government bodies like the U.S. Environment Protection Agency ensure its safety through mandatory regular testing. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Consumer Product Safety Commission have confirmed that PVC is a safe product.
Claims that it’s toxic have been refuted by the scientific community. The evidence shows it neither leaches toxic chemicals like lead, cadmium, BPA or plasticizers; release harmful organotins; pose major hazards in its manufacture, use and disposal; create a dangerous bio-film; nor form dioxins as water passes through, etc.
Moreover, it’s impossible for PVC conduit to leach plasticizers, BPA, lead or cadmium, since these aren’t even used in its manufacture nor are they part of its compound.
Housing, underground, and wet location applications where electrical cables need to be protected.
Usually gray, sometimes white/black/orange.