Can PE pipes be used as electric pipes?

In the field of pipeline engineering and electrical installation, the correct selection of materials is crucial, which is directly related to the quality of the project, the safety of use and post-maintenance. PE pipe, as a common plastic pipe, has been widely used in the fields of water supply and drainage, gas transportation and other fields due to its excellent corrosion resistance, flexibility and economy. The PE pipe products of AD Pipe have won market recognition for their reliable quality. However, in actual operation, there are sometimes questions: Can PE pipe be used as an electric pipe (that is, an electrical sleeve, a pipe used to protect wires and cables)?

To answer this question, we first need to clarify the characteristics and uses of PE pipe and electrical pipe. PE pipe, that is, polyethylene pipe, its main component is polyethylene resin, which has good chemical stability, low temperature resistance and certain mechanical strength, and is often used to transport fluids such as water and gas. And electrical pipe, usually refers to special pipes used for wire and cable laying protection. Its materials are diverse, common are PVC-U electrical pipe, KBG pipe (galvanized steel pipe), JDG pipe, etc. When designing these special electrical pipes, the special requirements of electrical installation will be fully considered.

From the perspective of safety, PE pipe should not be used directly as an electric pipe. The first is the issue of heat resistance. Wire will generate heat when powered on, especially when the load is large or short circuit occurs, the temperature will rise significantly. Although PE pipes have a certain temperature resistance range, their long-term high temperature resistance still lags behind that of special electrical pipes (such as some PVC-U electrical pipes, which have better flame retardancy and heat resistance, and metal electrical pipes are even more resistant to high temperatures). Continuous high temperature may cause PE pipes to soften, deform, or even melt, thus losing their protective effect on internal wires, which poses a great safety hazard.

is followed by flame retardancy. Special electrical pipes, especially those used in building electrical, usually have flame retardant properties, which can delay the spread of fire and reduce the generation of toxic fumes when a fire occurs. Ordinary PE pipes do not have special flame retardant requirements. Once they encounter an open flame, they may burn and release harmful substances, which is not conducive to fire safety.

Furthermore, there are differences in mechanical strength and construction convenience. Some electrical pipes (such as metal pipes or heavy-duty PVC-U electrical pipes) have higher pressure resistance and impact resistance, which can better protect the wires from external mechanical damage. During the threading process, the inner wall of the special electrical pipe is usually smoother, or it is designed with a specific structure to facilitate the laying and twisting of the wire, reducing the wear and tear of the wire insulation layer.

In addition, the electrical installation code also has clear requirements for this. In the relevant electrical design and construction specifications, the type and standard of pipes used for electrical line protection will be specified, with the aim of ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the electrical system. The use of pipes that do not meet the specifications may not only fail the acceptance, but more importantly, it will lay a safety hazard for future use.

Of course, in some specific, electrical safety requirements are not high and the environmental conditions are very mild informal, temporary occasions, some people may misuse PE pipe as a threading pipe, but this is by no means the recommended practice.

To sum up, PE pipe and electric pipe have different design intentions and application scenarios. PE pipe is an ideal choice for fluid transportation, and the protection of wire and cable should be strictly selected in line with national standards of special electrical casing. As a professional pipe manufacturer, AD Pipe also provides electrical casing products that meet the electrical installation specifications to meet the needs of different projects. In order to ensure the safety of electricity, engineering quality and compliance with relevant regulations, do not use PE pipe as an electric pipe at will, and choose the appropriate special electrical pipe according to the specific electrical design requirements.