Chloe Zhang
Joining plastic conduit together is a simple DIY project that can be done with the right tools and materials. There are several methods to join two pieces of plastic conduit, including using a solvent glue or cement, male and female connectors, connection boxes, or a simple sleeve. For PVC pipes, solvent glue is a popular method as it melts the two pipes and bonds them together, creating a strong and secure joint. However, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area when using solvent glue due to the harmful vapors. Another method is to use threaded tube inserts and a threaded rod to join the conduits together, although this may result in greater flexibility in the middle of the pipe.
Characteristics and their Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of conduit | EMT, PVC, non-metallic |
| Connection method | End-to-end, couplers, connectors, cementing, gluing |
| Tools required | Tube cutters, hacksaw, miter saw, sanding block, deburring tool, plastic putty scraper, acetone, clean cloth, heat gun, sandpaper, torpedo level, PVC primer, PVC cement |
| Safety precautions | Ventilation, vapor respirator, gloves |
| Tips | Test options before finalising, ensure proper fit, smooth cut edges, remove shavings, dry fit before cementing, alignment marks, buy extra fittings |
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What You'll Learn
Using PVC solvent glue
Joining plastic conduit together using PVC solvent glue is a straightforward process, but it is important to be aware of the potential health risks of the solvent vapours and the difficulty of separating PVC pipes once glued.
First, ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area or wear an approved organic vapour respirator to protect yourself from the solvent vapours. Before gluing, dry-fit the pipe and PVC connectors, using a torpedo level if needed to align the fitting. Mark across the fitting and pipe. Sand the inside and outside of the plastic pipe with sandpaper until you create slightly bevelled edges. Remove any burrs with a file, pocket knife, or sandpaper to ensure the pipe slips into the fitting easily and you get a tighter fit.
Once you are happy with the fit, apply the PVC solvent glue to the pipe and connector. The glue will immediately start to soften and dissolve the top layer of the PVC. Quickly push the two pieces together. The softened plastic of each piece will bond with the other, resulting in a continuous section of PVC. In many cases, the joint will be stronger than the pipe itself.
If you intend to reuse the PVC pipe, be aware that too much material may be removed from the sanding, making it difficult to properly join the pipe again. If you need to separate the pipes, twisting them in opposite directions may provide enough torque to break the bond. You can also try using a heat gun to soften the joint or a plastic putty scraper to remove the glue.
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Twisting PVC pipes in opposite directions
Joining PVC pipes is a straightforward process, but separating them can be challenging. Twisting the PVC pipes in opposite directions may provide enough torque to separate the two pipes. The use of two tongue-and-groove pliers working against each other, one on each side of the pipe joint, may help to break the bond.
It is important to note that PVC glue is not like regular glue. It is a solvent that melts the two pipes and bonds them together. As soon as PVC glue is applied to a PVC pipe, it immediately starts working on the top layer of the PVC, softening and dissolving it. When a second piece of PVC is pushed against the first, the softened plastic of each piece bonds with the other, creating a continuous section of PVC. In many cases, the joint is stronger than the pipe itself.
To separate PVC pipes, it is recommended to start by twisting them in opposite directions. If this does not work, you may need to use pliers to break the bond. It is important to be careful when applying pressure to the pipe with pliers, as PVC pipes have low collapse strength compared to other pipes. For example, a 2-inch diameter schedule 40 PVC pipe is rated at 225 pounds per square inch before it will collapse.
If the twisting and pliers method does not work, you can try applying heat to the pipe with a heat gun to soften the joint enough for separation. Start with the heat gun on a lower setting and gradually increase the heat as needed. Be cautious when applying heat, as it is possible to burn or melt the surfaces around or behind the PVC.
In some cases, you may need to sacrifice one pipe by breaking it away from the other. This can be done by cutting back the PVC pipe to a new point, creating a clean separation. If you intend to reuse the PVC pipe, be mindful that removing too much material can impact your ability to properly join it again.
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Using a heat gun to soften the joint
Joining plastic conduit together requires heat, and one of the most effective tools for this is a heat gun. This is because the heat gun can provide enough heat to melt the plastic, allowing it to be welded.
To use a heat gun to join plastic conduit, start by setting the heat gun to the appropriate temperature for the type of plastic you are working with. Softer plastics like polyethylene require lower temperatures, typically around 300°F, while more robust plastics like ABS can withstand higher temperatures of around 500°F. It is important to refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and always test the heat gun on a small piece of plastic first. Basic heat gun models usually have 2-3 fixed heat settings, while more advanced professional heat guns allow you to control the temperature with a dial.
Once you have set the temperature, start by gently heating the edges of the plastic conduit. Hold the heat gun about an inch away from the plastic and move it slowly and evenly over the area you want to weld. As you apply heat, the plastic will melt and become pliable. Make sure to move the heat gun evenly so that the plastic melts evenly and you get a consistent weld.
Once the edges are pliable, join them together, applying gentle pressure to ensure a strong bond. You can use a plastic welding rod of the same material for added strength. Allow the joint to cool and solidify completely before handling. For a clean and polished finish, you can manually cool the joint by blowing cool air on it if your heat gun has a fan-only function.
It is important to note that using a heat gun to join plastic conduit requires practice and precision. It can be tricky to heat the plastic just enough without overheating or warping the material. Always take the necessary safety precautions when working with hot tools and molten plastic.
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Tube inserts and threaded rods
To use this method, you'll need to get threaded tube inserts and threaded rods that fit the diameter of your conduit. The inserts typically come in two sizes: ¼-20 and ⅜-16. For end-to-end connections, the larger ⅜-16 inserts are recommended. These inserts can be hammered or pressed into the ends of the conduit, creating a threaded mounting point.
Once the inserts are in place, you can join the two pieces of conduit by threading them together with a threaded rod. It's recommended to use a 3/8-16 threaded rod that is 3" in length, and then add a 3/8-16 nut about a quarter of the way up the rod. This will reinforce the connection and provide a stronger joint.
Additionally, you can use threaded pipe inserts that expand once hammered into the conduit, providing a strong connection for threaded objects. These inserts are available with either 1/4-20 or 3/8-16 threads and can be purchased with or without a lip. Combining the lipped and no-lip variants can improve their hold inside the pipe. However, keep in mind that these inserts are not suitable if you plan to move your project over long distances or across unpaved surfaces.
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Maker Pipe Structural Coupling
The Maker Pipe Structural Coupling is a two-part mirrored design that relies on friction to clamp down on two parallel pieces of conduit. It is designed specifically for DIY conduit projects using EMT conduit, which is a common building material for such projects.
The coupling consists of two mirrored pieces that interlock together, with a pocket feature that locks the nut in place when tightening. This makes for an easy one-tool assembly, no matter which side the nut is on. The coupling can be reinforced with up to four 1/2" self-tapping screws per coupling.
Maker Pipe offers two sizes of the coupling, designed to fit either 3/4" or 1" EMT Conduit. The 1/2" connector variant includes two adapter shims for building with 1/2" EMT Conduit. The coupling is designed to support various strengthening hacks, and hardware is included with each structural conduit coupling.
Maker Pipe also offers threaded tube inserts in two sizes: ¼-20 and ⅜-16. For end-to-end connections, the larger ⅜-16 inserts are recommended. These can be hammered or pressed into the ends of the conduit with a vice, creating a threaded mounting point. Two pieces of conduit can then be joined by threading them together with a threaded rod.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to join two pieces of plastic conduit together. One way is to use a Maker Pipe Structural Coupling, which has a two-part mirrored design that relies on friction to clamp down on two parallel pieces of conduit. Another way is to use threaded tube inserts and a threaded rod. Tube inserts can be hammered or pressed into the ends of the conduit, and then threaded together with a rod.
PVC glue is a solvent that melts two pipes and bonds them together. It is a safe and long-lasting solution for electrical wiring.
First, cut the conduit straight across using tube cutters, a hacksaw, or a miter saw. Smooth out the cut edge using a sanding block or deburring tool. Next, test fit your conduit and connector by sliding the conduit into the connector. Clean the conduit end thoroughly and allow it to dry. Apply cement to the outside surface of the conduit, wait a few seconds, and then apply cement inside the connector. Finally, slide the conduit into the connector and twist slightly to distribute the cement.
Before you begin, check local building codes and regulations. Some areas require professional installation or specify the types of materials that can be used. Purchase extra conduit and connectors to avoid repeat trips to the store. Make alignment marks beforehand on PVC joints where orientation is critical.
Twisting the PVC pipes in opposite directions may provide enough torque to separate the two pipes. You can also use two tongue-and-groove pliers working against each other, one on each side of the pipe joint. You can also apply heat to the pipe with a heat gun to soften the joint. To remove PVC glue from materials other than PVC, scrape off as much glue as you can with a plastic putty scraper. Then, dampen a clean cloth with acetone and place it over the glue for a few seconds. Scrape away the remnants of the glue and repeat if necessary.
