UV electrical installation pipes – everything you need to know about them

Added: Thursday, 1/20/2022


Each electrical installation requires proper protection that will guarantee its efficient and safe operation in the long term. Cables routed outside the building are exposed to numerous destructive factors. Electrical installation pipes, i.e. so-called conduits, are used to protect cables. As one of their key parameters is resistance to UV radiation, our guide will focus on this type of products.

Ingremio electrical installation pipe on the roof with a solar panel

From this article you will learn:

  • what is a UV electrical installation pipe,
  • what are the uses of conduits,
  • what to pay attention to when choosing a UV electrical installation pipe.

What is UV electrical installation pipe?

Conduits protect electrical, telephone and fiber optic installations. They enable, among other things, the physical separation of cables - for example in telecommunications shafts. Electrical installation pipes are laid, among other things, in walls before they are plastered or in floors before screeding. Prepared in this way, they are used to later route cabling in the building. They are also used in the case of surface-mounted or plasterboard-enclosed electrical installations.

Electrical installation pipes come in many different variants for various applications. Investors and contractors should always select them with specific projects in mind, taking into account both the type of cables to be installed and the conditions in which they will be routed.

One of the key features of conduits - due to use in the outdoor environment - is resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Thanks to this, the pipes protect installations that are directly exposed to sunlight. Without this property, the plastic would quickly become hard and crack, leaving the wires unprotected in harsh environments.

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What is the use of UV electrical installation pipe?

UV electrical installation pipe connected to solar panels As you already know, electrical installation pipe has many different applications. Depending on the type, it can be used to protect cables running both outside and inside the building. So let's take a look at the most popular types of conduit on the market:

  • HDPE electrical installation pipes – products made of high-density polyethylene. They are used to protect low and medium voltage power cables, as well as copper and fiber optic telecommunications cables. They are not recommended for external use.
  • PVC electrical installation pipes - conduits that are usually black in color and are highly resistant to ultraviolet radiation. For this reason, they are most often used to protect cables laid outdoors. Thanks to a special admixture of a substance that protects the pipes against UV rays, neither sunlight nor frequent temperature changes will harm the pipes.
  • PP electrical installation pipes – products made of polypropylene are perfect for building installations. They are characterized by high mechanical strength and relative stiffness. In more difficult operating conditions, conduits made of polyamide are used. PP electrical installation pipes are not recommended for outdoor use.

What should you pay attention to when choosing a UV electrical installation pipe?

The importance of electrical installation pipes for the safety and efficiency of various systems is beyond any doubt. Conduits protect cables against moisture, contact with water, temperature differences, UV radiation, as well as against any mechanical damage. However, to ensure the best possible security for a given installation, you need to know what to consider when choosing pipes. Their key parameters certainly include:

Destiny

The most important criterion for selecting electrical installation pipes is, of course, their specific application. As we mentioned above, each type of conduit has a slightly different purpose, so first of all you should always take into account the environment in which the cables will be routed.

High resistance to UV radiation

This is probably the most important parameter of electrical installation pipes used outdoors. No other protection will do its job if the conduits start to crumble and fall apart due to ultraviolet radiation. To ensure adequate protection for cables, you must first ensure the durability of the covers themselves.

Large operating temperature range

The use of cables in various climates requires investors and contractors to protect the installation against extreme temperatures. Cables can be damaged by both frost and heat. Therefore, it is worth choosing electrical installation pipes with a wide range of operating temperatures.

UV electrical installation pipe connected to solar panels on the roof

Self-extinguishing properties

This is a feature that all electrical installation pipes installed on roofs, attics or near machines should have. They are perfect, for example, for securing photovoltaic installations. Thanks to this type of conduit, you can easily prevent serious fires that can result in huge financial losses.

Acid resistance

Depending on the environment in which electrical installation pipes are used, one of their necessary properties may be resistance to acids, alcohols, oils or gasoline. These are factors that could seriously damage the cabling of any installation.

Compressive strength

Cables are protected against mechanical factors by electrical installation pipes, which are characterized by high resistance to compression. You will find various variants of conduit on the market, including the most popular:

  • 320N - guaranteeing resistance to a pressure of 32 kg evenly distributed over a distance of 22 cm.
  • 750 N - guaranteeing resistance to a pressure of 75 kg evenly distributed over a distance of 22 cm.

Diameter

The size of UV electrical installation pipes is a purely technical criterion for their selection. The internal diameter of the conduit should be up to 3 times larger than the external diameter of the cable placed inside it.

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Ingremio electrical installation pipes in the Onninen offer

When designing protection for electrical systems, be sure to check out the offer of our online wholesaler! Here you will find Ingremio UV-resistant electrical installation pipes ! These are the highest quality products that will provide reliable protection for every installation.