Metal conduit is more robust and fire-resistant, while PVC conduit is cost-effective and lightweight. The choice between these two materials depends on your specific needs and environmental factors. Commonly used materials include steel and aluminum, with PVC being the first type. Metal conduit offers durability, fire resistance, and suitability for outdoor use, while PVC conduit is cost-effective and lightweight.
PVC greenhouses are a great way to start greenhouse gardening on a budget. EMT Conduit is a commonly available steel galvanized pipe that can be found in the electrical aisle of hardware or home improvement stores. In this video, Ask This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner build a simple, affordable backyard greenhouse.
There are several common hoop house greenhouse building materials considered for the construction of DIY hoop houses. PVC’s adaptability makes it an ideal choice for adjusting the size or shape of the greenhouse. However, PVC conduit is not suitable for overbuilding and adding extra EMT and bracing.
EMT is better for unexperienced users, but it sags in horizontal runs. Steel is 250 times denser than aluminum, making it heavier and less likely to bend under force. PVC conduit is a better choice over toprail due to its weight and resistance to corrosion. Grey PVC conduit is fine exposed to sunlight and saltwater, while EMT doesn’t hold up in water.
Metal conduit is the best choice due to its ability to be threaded, carry earthing around the building, and be fireproof. PVC pipe is not very strong and is prone to bending when exposed to heat.
📹 The Ultimate Guide to DIY Greenhouses: Pros, Cons, and Everything In Between
This video details pros and cons for FIVE different DIY greenhouses. Information about the builds and materials used are below.
Is PVC conduit suitable for outdoors?
PVC conduit pipes are versatile and durable pipes that can withstand various weather conditions, physical stress, and corrosion. They are weather resistant, resistant to rust, corrosion, and degrade when exposed to moisture or temperature fluctuations, making them ideal for outdoor applications. They are also highly durable, able to withstand impact and physical stress without cracking, chipping, or breaking. Additionally, they are corrosion resistant, resistant to most chemicals and are not prone to reactions with most chemicals.
Can I use PVC instead of conduit?
PVC pipe is not suitable for electrical applications due to its lack of flame retardance and UV resistance properties. It is commonly used in plumbing, electrical wiring protection, and has common types like rigid PVC and electrical non-metallic tubing. However, it is not designed for electrical applications and has certain challenges and considerations. The material composition, additives, size, color coding, markings, fire resistance, safety standards, pressure ratings, durability, cost and market availability, and sustainability aspects are all important factors to consider when choosing PVC pipe over conduit. It is essential to consider these factors when choosing a PVC pipe for various applications.
Can metal conduit be used outside?
Aluminum conduit, a popular choice for outdoor applications, can be used with confidence due to its durability and resistance to chemicals, moisture, and elements. American Conduit, a company with four decades of experience in aluminum conduit, offers a wide range of applications, from corrosive chemicals to wet environments. With its ability to withstand various conditions, aluminum conduit is suitable for a variety of settings, ensuring its continued performance and reliability. Whether you’re in a corrosive or wet environment, aluminum conduit is a reliable choice for your outdoor needs.
What are the advantages of metallic conduit over PVC?
Steel pipes offer several advantages over PVC pipes, including strength, durability, heat resistance, sizing, application, cost, and versatility. These advantages are crucial for building structures, which rely on their piping matrix for plumbing and HVAC systems. Steel pipes are generally considered to be stronger due to their ability to withstand extreme conditions and maintain their durability. In terms of application, steel pipes are more cost-effective and versatile, making them ideal for piping applications.
Is metal conduit better than PVC?
Non-metallic conduit, made of plastic like PVC or HDPE, is less expensive and resistant to corrosion compared to metallic conduits. However, it may not offer the same level of mechanical protection. The choice between metallic and non-metallic conduits depends on the application’s specific needs, including cost, durability, flexibility, weight, temperature, and corrosion resistance. The right type of conduit will depend on the specific requirements of the application.
What is the best conduit for outside?
PVC conduit is a lightweight, non-metallic, corrosion-resistant, and flexible option for outdoor electrical installations. It’s suitable for both above-ground and underground applications and can be installed in curved or angled pathways. However, it’s not suitable for extreme temperatures or heavy impacts. LFMC, a flexible metallic conduit with a waterproof plastic coating, is ideal for outdoor applications requiring flexibility and moisture protection.
It can be used in both above-ground and underground installations. It’s crucial to consider the specific environmental conditions of your outdoor installation, such as moisture, sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and potential physical impacts, when selecting a conduit type.
What is the best conduit for outdoor electrical use?
PVC conduit is a lightweight, non-metallic, corrosion-resistant, and flexible option for outdoor electrical installations. It’s suitable for both above-ground and underground applications and can be installed in curved or angled pathways. However, it’s not suitable for extreme temperatures or heavy impacts. LFMC, a flexible metallic conduit with a waterproof plastic coating, is ideal for outdoor applications requiring flexibility and moisture protection.
It can be used in both above-ground and underground installations. It’s crucial to consider the specific environmental conditions of your outdoor installation, such as moisture, sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and potential physical impacts, when selecting a conduit type.
What size PVC pipe to use for a greenhouse?
The latest PVC plan offers a cost-effective solution for greenhouse owners looking to maximize light and warmth. The plan uses 1-inch PVC pipe and fittings in the shape of an arch to create an efficient greenhouse. This design allows for minimal dead air space and allows light to enter at most angles, refracting more readily against the curved walls. The arched design maximizes light and warmth, with few corners, allowing for optimal light penetration and warmth retention.
The PVC Arched Greenhouse kit is fully expandable, allowing for easy expansion of the rear entrance. With a second kit and more arches, the greenhouse can be turned into a 25-foot greenhouse, reducing the cost of building a larger greenhouse. This innovative approach allows for more time and money for seeds, quality soil ingredients, and irrigation methods. Overall, the PVC Arched Greenhouse offers a cost-effective solution for greenhouse owners looking to maximize their greenhouse’s potential.
What is the best pipe for a greenhouse?
Top rail is a popular choice for DIY projects, as it is the top rail of chain link fencing and is typically sold in 10′ 6″ pieces. It is stronger than 17 and 18 gauge fencing, but 16 gauge rolled steel pipes are the best choice for greenhouses under 20 feet in width. Top rail is a good compromise between price and quality, and it can withstand snow and wind load.
Rolled steel tubes are a high-quality choice for building hoops and ridge poles in hoop houses, especially for those 20 feet or more in width. For bending your own hoops, you can either build a jig or use a specialized tool like a heavy-duty hoop bender. While any materials can be used to make hoops to support greenhouse plastic, top rail fencing or rolled steel tubing are the best choices. For more information on bending different hoop house widths, refer to the blog on Bending DIY Hoops.
When should you not use PVC conduit?
The installation of PVC conduit is not permitted in areas with an ambient temperature exceeding 50°C (122°F). Nevertheless, it can be concealed within walls, floors, ceilings, directly buried, or embedded in concrete in buildings of any height.
What are the disadvantages of PVC conduit over metal conduit?
PVC conduit has physical weaknesses compared to metal, such as breaking and splintering when exposed to stress and needing support for longer runs. It can be bent cold up to 25mm, but better bending angles can be achieved at 75C. However, it is important to avoid applying a naked flame to PVC conduit, as it can release harmful gases like iodine, bromine, chlorine, and fluorine, which can be fatal at high levels. Instead, use hession or a low-heat gun to induce friction on the conduit surface.
📹 BUILDING a greenhouse completely out of electrical conduit
So we’re building this green hem greenhouse out of all 3/4 inch conduit and to reinforce it as you can see we put some of this 1/2 …
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