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ELECTRICAL Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  Is Kraloy PVC conduit and fittings easy to work with?  Are special tools required?

Q.  How do I join PVC conduit and fittings?

Q.  Will Kraloy PVC stand-up up to direct sunlight, heat, cold and wet conditions?

Q.  Kraloy, Kwikflex, and Kwikon are made of PVC.  How do I ensure an adequate ground for my electrical system?

Q.  Are Kraloy products approved by Electrical Codes?

Q.  Do I need to install pipe supports for Kraloy conduit?

Q.  For long installations of PVC conduit, are expansion joints necessary?

Q.  For outdoor electrical, should I use the Kraloy or Kwikflex system?

Q.  As a homeowner, where would I use Kwikon?


Q.  Is Kraloy PVC conduit and fittings easy to work with?  Are special tools required?

A. PVC conduit is lightweight—1/2 the weight of aluminum and 1/6 the weight of steel—making it easier to handle and install.  It’s also easy to join since it requires only solvent cementing.  Solvent cementing eliminates the need for threading, bending, cutting and reaming tools associated with metal conduit.

PVC saves time because it’s easier to cut and join than metal systems which require special tools.  PVC conduit can be easily cut by using a hacksaw, carpenter’s saw or PVC cutters.  For best results, we recommend you use a miter box to ensure a square cut.

Q.  How do I join PVC conduit and fittings?

A.  After cutting PVC conduit, remove sharp edges or burrs from the inside of the conduit with a knife or by lightly sanding.  Thoroughly clean the end of the pipe and inside of the fitting with a rag. 

Without applying cement, assemble the fitting to the conduit to ensure a good fit.

Before applying PVC cement, read all of the safety precautions located on the exterior of the can.  PVC CEMENT IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND SHOULD NOT BE USED WHEN SPARK, EXTREME HEAT OR FLAME IS PRESENT.  USE ONLY IN A VENTILATED AREA AND KEEP THE CONTAINER CLOSED WHEN NOT IN USE. 

Keep PVC cement from freezing and use when installation temperatures are between 40°F (4°C) and 110°F (43°C).  Cold-weather PVC cement should be used below 40°F (4°C).

Using the integral dauber, apply a generous coating of PVC cement to the conduit and fitting, then slide together and give a quarter turn to ensure that the solvent is spread evenly on the material.  Hold together for a few seconds until the joint is made.

Q.  Will Kraloy PVC stand-up up to direct sunlight, heat, cold and wet conditions?

A.  Yes.  Kraloy PVC conduit and fittings are strong and made to endure years of outdoor conditions.  In addition, resistance to fungi, bacterial action, rodents, termites, and corrosive agents ensure a long trouble-free life for your installation. 

Q.  Kraloy, Kwikflex, and Kwikon are made of PVC.  How do I ensure an adequate ground for my electrical system?

A.  PVC is non-sparking and non-conducting, thereby eliminating the possibility for electrical short circuits.  The use of a separate grounding conductor in a PVC system gives a complete and positive ground for the entire system.

Q.  Are Kraloy products approved by Electrical Codes?

A.  Yes.  Kraloy conduit and fittings are certified to CSA and UL standards and meet the requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code and National Electrical Code (NEC).

Q.  Do I need to install pipe supports for Kraloy conduit?

A.  Yes.  There is specified maximum support spacing outlined in the Electrical Code as follows.

Conduit Diameter Spacing
½”, ¾”, 1” 2 ½ feet
1 ¼”, 1 ½” 4 feet
2” 5 feet
2 ½”, 3” 6 feet

Supporting straps should NOT be firmly tightened on the conduit to allow for lateral movement due to temperature changes.

Q.  For long installations of PVC conduit, are expansion joints necessary?

A.  Expansion joints allow the conduit to expand and contract with change in temperature.  They are required when the anticipated temperature change for the installation will exceed 25°F (14°C).  Using expansion joints in long conduit runs reduces the chance of separation of joints and exposure of wiring.

Q.  For outdoor electrical, should I use the Kraloy or Kwikflex system?

A.  For power outlet and switch boxes where connections are likely to be permanent, the rigidity of Kraloy is the system of choice for most installers.  Kwikflex is preferred when connecting to pool and spa motors, air conditioners, generators, etc.—anywhere a flexible connection is required.

Q.  As a homeowner, where would I use Kwikon?

A.  Kwikon is a flexible PVC conduit system known as ENT (Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing) which is primarily used in commercial construction for protection of communication, fire alarm and power cabling.

Homeowners find Kwikon useful for the rough-in of data, voice, sound, security and cable TV lines during renovation.  Kwikon is not suitable for outdoor above ground protection of wires.

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