Article 353
High Density Polyethylene Conduit: Type HDPE Conduit
Part I. General
- Scope. This article covers the use, installation, and construction specifications for high density polyethylene (HDPE) conduit and associated fittings.Informational Note: Refer to Article 352 for Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Conduit: Type PVC and Article 355 for Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit: Type RTRC.
- Definition.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Conduit. A nonmetallic raceway of circular cross section, with associated couplings, connectors, and fittings for the installation of electrical conductors.
353.6 Listing Requirements. HDPE conduit and associated fittings shall be listed.
Part II. Installation
353.10 Uses Permitted. The use of HDPE conduit shall be permitted under the following conditions:
- In discrete lengths or in continuous lengths from a reel
- In locations subject to severe corrosive influences as covered in 300.6 and where subject to chemicals for which the conduit is listed
- In cinder fill
- In direct burial installations in earth or concreteInformational Note to (4): Refer to 300.5 and 300.50 for under‐ ground installations.
- Above ground, except as prohibited in 353.12, where encased in not less than 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete.
- Conductors or cables rated at a temperature higher than the listed temperature rating of HDPE conduit shall be
permitted to be installed in HDPE conduit, provided the conductors or cables are not operated at a temperature higher than the listed temperature rating of the HDPE conduit.
353.12 Uses Not Permitted. HDPE conduit shall not be used under the following conditions:
- Where exposed
- Within a building
- In any hazardous (classified) location, except as permit‐ ted by other articles in this Code
- Where subject to ambient temperatures in excess of 50°C (122°F) unless listed otherwise353.20 Size.
- Minimum. HDPE conduit smaller than metric designator 16 (trade size 1∕2) shall not be used.
- Maximum. HDPE conduit larger than metric designator 155 (trade size 6) shall not be used.
353.60 Grounding. Where equipment grounding is required, a separate equipment grounding conductor shall be installed in the conduit.Exception No. 1: The equipment grounding conductor shall be permit‐ ted to be run separately from the conduit where used for grounding dc circuits as permitted in 250.134, Exception No. 2.Exception No. 2: The equipment grounding conductor shall not be required where the grounded conductor is used to ground equipment as permitted in 250.142.
Part III. Construction Specifications353.100 Construction. HDPE conduit shall be composed of high density polyethylene that is resistant to moisture and chemical atmospheres. The material shall be resistant to mois‐ ture and corrosive agents and shall be of sufficient strength to withstand abuse, such as by impact and crushing, in handling and during installation. Where intended for direct burial, with‐ out encasement in concrete, the material shall also be capable of withstanding continued loading that is likely to be encoun‐ tered after installation.353.120 Marking. Each length of HDPE shall be clearly and durably marked at least every 3 m (10 ft) as required in 110.21. The type of material shall also be included in the marking.