Last Updated on January 21, 2023
It’s not always easy to know how to connect flexible conduit to PVC.
Flexible conduit can be tricky to work with, and connecting it to PVC can seem impossible if you’re not sure what you’re doing.
We’re here to help. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of the way to connect flexible conduit to PVC. We’ll explain the tools you need and show you how to do it step by step. So don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
What is a Flexible Conduit, and What Does It Do?
A flexible conduit is a thicker, more robust type of electrical cable. It’s designed to protect the electricity running through it against abrasion and other kinds of damage – so it has a good amount of flexibility built into its design.
However, this doesn’t mean that you can go bending it around any old way! In general, you should follow the outline of your building’s wiring as closely as possible without going too far out of your way.
Connecting a flexible conduit to PVC is much the same as connecting a rigid type of electrical cable to a PVC junction box.
The biggest difference between the two comes down to how they’re attached – with flex, you’ll usually use a flexible conduit connector. It’s a little bit trickier to attach the two, so you should leave it up to a professional if you can help it!
How to Connect Flexible Conduit to PVC: 4 Steps
Below are the detailed instructions for connecting flexible conduit to PVC:
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area
Make sure you’ve got everything on hand that you need before you begin. These include a PVC junction box, your flexible conduit connector (if buying new), a pair of wire cutters and strippers, and some electrical tape.
Step 2: Cut the PVC Piping to Fit
Measure your flexible conduit against your existing wiring, and mark up the place where you’ll need to cut it at. Use a pair of wire cutters or a hacksaw to cut the PVC.
Step 3: Insert the Flex into Your Junction Box
Slide your flexible conduit into your junction box, making sure that it’s all the way in.
Don’t worry – just put it in however it fits! You don’t need to push hard or force anything; there’s no need for that.
Step 4: Secure the Flexible Conduit with Your Connector
Push your flexible conduit down into the connector until it’s all the way in, and then tighten up the three screws on the base of it to secure everything. You’re all done!
So there you have it – how to attach flexible conduit to PVC. It’s not too hard, once you are know-how.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
You must perform regular inspections on your PVC wiring. Performing these inspections will help ensure that it stays in good shape for many years to come.
If you notice any damage, make sure you get it fixed as soon as possible; otherwise, you could be putting yourself at risk of power outages or electrical fires.
Inspections can help you find where damage might be occurring and fix it before it becomes a more serious problem.
And of course, if you notice anything strange or unusual, call your local electrician right away! We don’t want anyone to get hurt.
Helpful Tips for Installing Your New Setup
Here’s some advice that might help you when working with your flexible conduit.
- Make sure you have the proper sized bit for your PVC; if it’s too big, it won’t fit in the connector. If you’re not sure what bit size to use, see your local hardware store for assistance.
- If you don’t feel confident with PVC, then ask someone who does or hires a plumber; there are many ways around this, but do yourself a favor and get some help if you can.
- When you drill your holes, make them in an area where the conduit covers them up. This will make for a cleaner job with less clean-up later (drill dust is bad for lungs).
- If you’re drilling into anything that can be damaged by chipping away at it with a screwdriver or knife (like an unfinished wall), then you MUST cover it with painter’s tape (blue/yellow).
- If you’re working above a drop ceiling, drill from the top down. This will prevent the conduit from slipping and falling through a hole in your ceiling.
- When running wire up to one light then going back down to another light on the same circuit, make the first drop as high as possible by connecting to a hook on the wall rather than having it run down.
- Don’t forget to use wire nuts to connect your wires.
Final Thoughts
PVC wiring is a great way to get your home or office set up with safe and reliable electrical wiring. With a little bit of know-how, you can do it yourself quite easily!
And if you’re not feeling confident, don’t worry; there are plenty of ways to get help. Just make sure you follow all the necessary safety precautions, and always consult a professional if something seems fishy. Thanks for reading. We hope that you have learned what you need to do today. Good luck with your new setup.
