While electrical pipe installation might be deceptively simple, we at Convic Australia have seen many instances of DIYers making mistakes that subsequently leave them to face costly repairs, failed inspections, and dangerous hazards down the line. From using the wrong type of electrical pipes to poor planning and improper fittings, we’ll use this blog to highlight some of the most common mistakes and, more importantly, how to avoid them.
- Using the wrong type of electrical pipes
- Misaligning the pipes (poor angles and bends)
- Overstuffing conduits Â
- Improper joint and fitting installationÂ
- Not sealing outdoor and wet location fittingsÂ
- Over-tightening/ under-tightening fittings
- Overlooking expansions and contractions of wiresÂ
Using the wrong type of electrical pipes
It’s important to know that not all electrical pipes are the same, and certain electrical pipes are purpose-built for specific purposes that cannot be fulfilled by other types. Using the wrong type of electrical pipes can cause premature failures and create safety hazards along with costly repairs.
For example, a common mistake DIYers make is using plumbing PVC instead of electrical PVC. Plumbing PVC is designed to handle pressurised water systems, while electrical PVC conduits are designed to protect from physical damage, UV exposure, and fire hazards.
Other examples of such mistakes include choosing wrongly between indoor v. outdoor, wet v. dry, and underground v. above-ground installations. To avoid this mistake, do diligent research before making any purchases or installations, or engage the services of a professional.
Misaligning the pipes (poor angles and bends)
Misaligned angles and bends are often the consequence of poor planning and taking incorrect measurements, along with overbending and kinking, incorrect bend radius, and wrinkling and flattening. The misalignments can lead to weakened connections, moisture accumulation, and difficulty in pulling wires through the pipes.
Overstuffing conduits
By running too many wires through a single electrical pipe, you run the risk of overheating and creating a major obstacle for any future upgrades. The best course of action is to follow the conduit fill capacity guidelines and only fill electrical pipes up to a certain extent (usually no more than 40%). This would leave ample room for proper current flow and heat transfer.
Improper joint and fitting installation
Skipping the installation of proper joints and fittings will see your electrical pipes fall apart and the letting in of water and debris. This is especially likely in underground and external setups. If you want to avoid this, make sure to use compatible fittings and apply appropriate adhesives to properly secure them.
Not sealing outdoor and wet location fittings
Outdoor and wet location fittings are by far the most vulnerable to the elements, thus the points that are most likely to cause electrical failures. The infiltration of water can cause the system to corrode, electrical shorts, and insulation failure. DIYers compound this mistake by skipping sealants or not doing a good job with the sealant, leaving gaps that allow moisture to creep in.
Over-tightening/under-tightening fittings
When installing electrical pipes, getting the right tension on conduits is an important part of ensuring the safety, longevity, and performance of the entire electrical system. It is a difficult task for even skilled electricians, so you can imagine that the chances of these mistakes happening in DIY situations are rather high.
When the pipe has been over-tightened, the constant strain will lead to stress fractures and distortions, and it will create points of exposure that will compromise the integrity of the entire system. Alternatively, when the fittings are under-tightened, it is very likely that the conduits will shift and disconnect, increasing the risk of short circuits, corrosion, and electrical failure.
Overlooking the expansions and contractions of pipes
With everything going on when it comes to properly installing electrical conduits, it is quite easy to overlook the fact that electrical pipes can both contract and expand due to changes in temperature. Many DIYers would not take this into account and will often set up the system without leaving enough space for the pipes to safely expand and contract. Make sure to leave enough room for the electrical pipes to safely expand and contract, and also make sure that all the joints and fittings used also accommodate these expansions.
Conclusion
Taking on your own DIY electrical pipe fitting can be a rewarding experience—but only if you’ve done it right. Time and time again, we at Convic Australia have seen that simple oversights like what we’ve talked about above can lead to serious safety risks, failed inspections, or costly repairs down the line. The good news is that these mistakes can be avoided with a bit of research and preparation, and if you’re looking for a place to buy the right materials, then look no further than Convic Australia.
