Do you use PVC conduit in buildings?

[chrisd]

Seems that that the PVC conduit that I buy is pretty much the same price now as EMT. In B.C. it seems that the PVC is made in Canada and the EMT is coming form the US.
In a non-plenum, non-insulated wall, non-hazardous area, in a combustible building, are there any restrictions to watch for besides the 75 deg rating of the conduit?

I see no reason I cant use this stuff in buildings.

[bigrockk]

I see no reason you can't use it either especially if the price is the same. I have not used PVC indoors but I have seen it run inside of buildings.
These are the rules I found in the CEC pertaining to PVC

Rule 12-1102(1)
Restrictions on Use (see Appendix B)
(1)Rigid PVC and HFT conduit shall not be used:
(a)In hazardous locations as covered by Section 18; or
(b)In buildings required to be of noncombustible construction, unless:
(i)It has a flame spread rating and smoke developed classification as specified in the National Building Code of Canada or local building legislation; or
(ii)It is concealed in a wall or a concrete floor slab.
(2)Rigid PVC conduit shall not be used where enclosed in thermal insulation.

Appendix B
Specific requirements pertaining to use of combustible conduits and tubing in buildings can be found in Articles 3.1.4.3, 3.1.5.15, 3.1.5.17 and 3.1.5.19, of the National Building Code or in the appropriate Provincial/Territorial Legislation.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ January 27, 2003 08:08 PM: Message edited by: bigrockk ]</font>

[Tony Moscioni]

The 1997 Ontario Building Code permits use of totally enclosed nonmetallic raceways with an FT4 rating and with a cross-sectional area not exceeding 625 mm (1 sq. in.) to enclose optical fibre cables, electrical wires and cables in buildings required to be of noncombustible construction (Article 3.1.5.19).

Installation of totally enclosed nonmetallic raceways with an FT4 rating and with a cross-
sectional area exceeding 625 mm (1 sq. in.) is in violation of the Ontario Electrical
Safety Code Rules 2-128, 12-1204, & Bulletin 12-21-2.

As well, the Ontario Building Code violation would be Article 3.1.5.19.

Tony Moscioni
Electrical Inspector
Electrical Safety Authority

[JamesWoo56]

Using PVC conduit in buildings is a common practice due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation. However, an alternative like pvc kife coated fabric fabric is gaining popularity for certain applications, offering flexibility and resistance to chemicals. While PVC conduit is excellent for protecting electrical wiring, PVC knife-coated fabric can provide additional versatility in unique building scenarios.