From metal to PVC to fiberglass (RTRC), the electrical conduit market is loaded with players. Each electrical conduit system has distinctive properties that play out depending on the situation. When selecting rigid conduit, project considerations such as application and installation type play a role in determining the best product for a job.
Let’s take a look at how rigid metal conduit products GRC (galvanized rigid steel conduit) and PVC-coated steel stack up against fiberglass conduit.
Steel has a history of longtime use. It has been used since the turn of the last century for industrial, commercial and residential applications. The composition of steel provides adequate protection for raceway cables and wires. That protection comes at a price, though, and that is its heavy weight, poor field handling and significant price tag.
Fortunately, the electroindustry is recognizing the benefits of using lightweight-yet-strong fiberglass conduit (RTRC) in place of heavier, costlier conduit materials like GRC and PVC-coated steel to protect electrical wiring and cable. The advantages of fiberglass conduit that set it apart include light weight, cost savings, smooth installation and corrosion resistance.
Lightweight conduit lowers overall project costs by reducing the costs of labor due to better portability in the field, contributing to a smoother, easier installation that takes less time. Project owners also tell us that they prefer fiberglass conduit on bridges and other raised platforms because it does not add as much weight to the overall load of the bridge.
So let’s see how steel and fiberglass conduit types compare in weight across other electrical conduit systems. One hundred feet of 4” SW RTRC conduit weighs 72 pounds while the same 100 feet of galvanized rigid steel weighs in at 1030 pounds.
When comparing fiberglass versus steel conduit, GRC (galvanized steel) is not the heaviest conduit by any means. A look at PVC rigid coated steel reveals that PVC-coated steel carries the distinction of being the heaviest conduit in our comparison at 1089 pounds for 100 feet of 4” diameter conduit. That’s 15 times the weight of Champion Fiberglass conduit.
Did you know that Champion Fiberglass is typically the most affordable conduit based on initial material costs? Overall project costs tend to be lower as well due to smooth, fast installation, mentioned previously.
Let’s take a closer look at initial material costs for fiberglass and steel conduit. Using our conduit calculator, we’re able to compare the same 4”, 10- foot piece of conduit across material types. Champion Fiberglass costs $594. Expressed as price per foot, that’s $5.94/ft.
Next, consider GRC. For the same 4”, 100-foot piece of conduit, GRC costs $17/ft., which means saving 65% when you choose fiberglass conduit over GRC.
Finally, PVC-coated steel conduit in the 4”, 100-foot piece costs $30/ft. Compared to fiberglass conduit, that comes to an 80% savings when specifying fiberglass conduit. It’s pretty easy to see the trend here that heavy conduit equals expensive conduit.
We’ve illustrated the differentials in weight in the fiberglass vs. steel conduit comparison. Here’s how weight affects installation more specifically in terms of man-hours.
According to NECA Labor Installation Rates (normal installation man/hours per/100 ft), a 4” 100-foot length of GRC conduit takes 30 hours to install. The same size and length in PVC coated steel takes 38 hours to install. Fiberglass conduit installs in a fraction of the time for an equivalent size — 8.3 hours.
Think rigid fiberglass is weak? Think again. Fiberglass conduit is created by tension-winding strands of fiberglass over a rotating mandrel. The strands are laid in a precise pattern and impregnated with resin as they are wound onto a straight mandrel. They are then cured under high temperature, creating a conduit product with flexural strength and impact resistance that allows it to retain its shape. It has even been proven to stop bullets.
Fiberglass conduit is durable and able to withstand elements like salt water and UV light. Additionally, it is corrosion-resistant to over 70 chemicals, making it the preferred choice for conduit in applications like bridges, wastewater treatment, and chemical plants. Check out the extensive list of chemicals our conduit has been tested against.
Champion FIberglass is a reliable alternative to PVC-coated steel with the added bonus of not being subject to the current PVC shortage. Our conduit is proudly made in America from epoxy fiberglass. So if PVC product delays are causing headaches, you can trust Champion Fiberglass conduit as an exceptional conduit substitute.
Other types of conduit include flexible metal conduit (FMC), electrical metallic tubing (EMT) and electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT).
Unlike flexible metal conduit or FMC, electrical metallic tubing (EMT) is known to be a lighter and cheaper alternative to GRC. Electrical nonmetallic tubing (ENT) is a corrugated flexible conduit that is used for electrical raceways. It can be installed in concrete slabs, fire-rated interior walls or directly buried. Review your project requirements to determine the best electrical conduit material for your job.
Used across many applications, Champion Fiberglass conduit remains the best choice compared to GRC, PVC-coated steel, FMC, EMT and ENT due to its strength and durability, light weight, cost savings and ease of installation across many applications including transportation/DOT, utilities and wastewater treatment.
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.