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Using PVC Conduit for Electrical Wiring

For a safe and long-lasting solution to electrical wiring, you can install PVC (non-metallic) conduit.  You may find that it is less expensive to run conduit for heavy duty circuits to the stove and dryer as compared to buying a full 250 ft roll of Romex or BX cable, but CHECK THE LOCAL BUILDING CODES!  The conduit is used in conjunction with single-stranded wire.  You can run conduit yourself (assuming you are the homeowner, have a licensed electrician willing to work with you and local codes allow for this).  Compared to metallic conduit, PVC is less than 1/3 the weight and easier to work with. 

wiring-conduit
Items needed:
Conduit and connectors
Single strand cable
Conduit clamps
Screw driver
Pliers
Fish tape
Electric drill
Spade bit or hole saw
Safety glasses
Safety Suggestions and Tips
Caution using ladder
Use eye protection with power tools
Hire an electrician to connect to breaker box
Level of difficulty


Time Required:
 8 hour

Steps

Bundle of PVC conduit
Bundle of PVC conduit

Step 1:

First you will need to plan your route from the breaker panel to the receptacle box.  It is important to understand that pulling wiring depends on the number of bends, so look for options which will minimize bends.  Typical conduit sizes for residential application are: 3/4", 1" and 1-1/2" diameter, but can be up to 6" in diameter.  Remember, the larger the wire size (for example,10 or 6 gage strands), the larger the conduit you will need.   Let the electrician determine which size conduit you will need.  

Elbows with connectors
Elbows with connectors

Step 2:

In turning corners, there are 45 and 90 degree elbows, but you can also purchase 30 and 22 degree elbows.

Laying out the route
Laying out the route

Step 3:

With the help of a friend, layout the route.

Measure from inside edge of coupling
Measure from inside edge of coupling

Step 4:

Measure the distances needed for each section of conduit. 

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