Conduit: Metal or PVC?

[emanphoto]

Contractors are asking if we want metal or PVC conduit outside our house on our complete electrical upgrade to a grounded system and getting exposed wires from running in the attic, etc, etc.

Is there a "best" option for exterior non-buried conduit? If buried in walls or in the ground, is there a best choice?

In the US everything is metal. Our interior conduit (at this moment) is going to be PVC, either yellow or white in color.

Thanks for any suggestions!

[BShifty]

I would go for the galvanised metal. Take more of a beating. If you chose PVC make sure it is UV rated. In OZ it is Orange in color.

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Edited April 20, 2014 by BShifty

[Forkinhades]

Plastic is fine for outside.

Get a quote for both systems, that is the deciding factor IMO

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[emanphoto]

Thanks guys this will help us make our decision!

[yankee99]

They use plenty of platic for electrical in the usa. In thailand they use very little metal conduit its not readily available but can be found.

[emanphoto]

Not doubting you yankee99, but I've never seen it.

[IMHO]

Wouldn't metal conduit just heat up the cable (and thus increase resistance/voltage drop), whereas PVC would have an insulating effect?

[yankee99]

Not doubting you yankee99, but I've never seen it.

I understand .... next time your in the states go to home depot or Lowes electrical dept and look at all the grey pipe :/0)

[Crossy]

Do be aware that much of the PVC conduit (and water pipe) sold in Thailand is intended for 'indoor' use and as such is not UV stable. After a while in the unrelenting sun it becomes brittle and will eventually break down.

I suggest:-

1. In high traffic areas where it could get damaged by vehicles (the mower is a vehicle) use steel conduit.
2. In less vulnerable locations PVC is fine, but do paint it to protect from UV degeneration.