View Full Version : Condensation in pvc conduits
hamzarana
Dec 21, 2011, 05:42 AM
I Have recently constructed an office building and have a complaint regarding condensation in conduits I need a reference for the complaint in the light of engineering codes a well as a the remedy for it
donf
Dec 21, 2011, 09:45 AM
Well this forum is the "Electrical and Lighting" forum, not an engineering forum. There is no remedy for it that I know of other then putting in weep holes. But, there is a lot that I do not know.
By code, underground is considered to be a "WET" area. Electrically speaking there are three zones.
Dry, inside a protective structure such as a building. Damp, protected by a roof or a roof overhang. And Wet, outside.
If you did not pay attention to the conduit fill tables, you may have created a heat problem. As current passes through the conductors, they give off heat. To many conductors in a conduit give off too much heat.
Even if you have filled the conduit properly, you will have heat generated from the current flow. When heat is exposed to cool air, you get moisture. That's why the NEC considers the inside of a conduit to be a wet area.
However, you have not given us enough information to really help you with.
For example if the occupants are complaining about condensation drip from A/C units then more than likely, the drip pan under the A/C unit is clogged and it cannot drain properly.
Please let us know what the exact nature of the complaint is and where the wetness is being seen.
tkrussell
Dec 21, 2011, 10:39 AM
Don is correct that we need to know the location of these conduits in the building, and the location of the building.
Conduit fill and heat created by wiring will occur, but not the reason for the condensation.
Raceway that passes through from/to different temperatures in a building or from outside/inside will accumulate condensation simply by the normal action of cooler air condensing any moisture that is in warmer air.
For example, conduits that are located in a warm moist warehouse that enter a refrigerated space such as a walking cooler will have condensation occur due to the cooler air of the refrgerator cause the moist air from the warehouse condense.
Conduits that pass from an unconditioned space to an air conditioned space will accumulate condensation.
The remedy is, per the National Electric Code, used in the USA, is to seal the conduits at the point of crossing from one temperature zone to the other, using a sealant rated to be in contact with wiring.
Conduits that are mounted on the exterior of a building shall be considered as wet location, and be arranged to drain.
Conduits that are underground shall be considered as wet location.
hamzarana
Dec 22, 2011, 06:29 AM
Thanks for showing interest and helping me out it a newly constructed office building and I am having the problem in the electric conduit having condensation as it I located in a hilly area where there I a lot of variation in temp in day as well as in night.I need to get rid of this issue tell me the reference's according to the engineering code
tkrussell
Dec 22, 2011, 10:59 AM
Without answering our questions:
we need to know the location of these conduits in the building, and the location of the building.
We will not be able to help further.
Knowing the building in located in a hilly area is not helpful, and irrelevant.