Understanding Orange Electric Pipe
Orange electric pipe, also known as orange flexible conduit or orange PVC pipe, is a specialized tubing solution used to protect and route electrical wires and cables. Its distinctive orange color serves a critical function beyond aesthetics; it is often used as a visual identifier for specific applications, such as low and medium voltage wiring, fiber-optic cables, and communication lines . This vibrant color helps professionals quickly locate and identify the purpose of the pipe during installation and maintenance, enhancing safety and compliance with industry standards .
Key Characteristics and Benefits
The popularity of orange electric pipe stems from its unique properties and the advantages it offers over traditional rigid conduits. Here are some of its key characteristics and benefits:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Typically made from high-quality PVC or other thermoplastic compounds like HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) . |
| Flexibility | Designed to be lightweight and flexible, allowing it to be easily bent and shaped to fit complex or tight installation spaces without kinking . |
| Durability | Resistant to moisture, chemicals, UV radiation, and physical impacts, ensuring long-term protection of the cables inside . |
| Fire Resistance | Offers fire-resistant properties, helping to prevent the spread of flames in case of a fire . |
| Ease of Installation | The lightweight and flexible nature of the pipe reduces installation time and labor costs, as it can be easily cut, bent, and connected . |
| Identification | The bright orange color aids in quick identification, which is crucial in environments with multiple conduits for compliance and safety . |
Common Applications
The versatility of orange electric pipe makes it suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries:
- Power Industry: Used to protect power cables, especially in environments where cables are buried underground or exposed to air. The high compressive and tensile strength of the pipe provides excellent protection against mechanical damage and chemical corrosion . The color helps in identifying high-voltage cables, preventing misoperations during maintenance .
- Communications Industry: Widely used to protect fiber-optic cables, telephone lines, and other communication lines. The pipe’s smooth inner wall reduces cable wear and its UV resistance prevents aging from sunlight exposure . The orange color is preferred in this sector for clear identification .
- Construction Industry: Employed for laying power and communication lines within buildings. Its corrosion resistance, pressure resistance, and high-temperature resistance make it ideal for use in fire-resistant, waterproof, or earthquake-resistant buildings .
- Outdoor and Underground Environments: Used in outdoor facilities for electricity, communications, and drainage. The excellent UV resistance allows it to maintain stability under prolonged sunlight exposure. Its bright color improves visibility during construction and maintenance, reducing the risk of damage from excavation .
Material Variants and Code Considerations
While the term “orange electric pipe” is commonly used, the specific material can vary, and this has implications for its application and code compliance.
- PVC vs. HDPE: Orange electric pipe can be made from either PVC or HDPE. PVC is a common thermoplastic known for its excellent chemical stability and electrical insulation properties . HDPE is another popular material, often used for directional boring projects due to its high strength and flexibility . However, it is important to note that not all orange pipes are created equal.
- Code and Compliance: The use of orange pipe for electrical applications must adhere to relevant codes and standards. For instance, the National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 353 provides specific requirements for HDPE conduit and its associated fittings, which must be listed for the intended use . Some discussions in industry forums suggest that certain orange HDPE pipes are not listed for line voltage applications and are primarily used by cable companies for low-voltage services like data, phone, and fiber-optic lines . In such cases, it may be necessary to run a separate, code-compliant conduit (like grey PVC) inside the orange HDPE pipe to ensure safety and compliance .
Summary
Orange electric pipe is a versatile and reliable solution for protecting electrical and communication cables. Its flexibility, durability, and distinctive color offer significant advantages in terms of installation efficiency, safety, and identification. While it is widely used in power, communications, and construction industries, it is crucial to verify the specific material (PVC or HDPE) and its listing for the intended electrical application to ensure compliance with relevant codes and standards. ### Product Recommendations
1. Orange PVC Electric Pipe
Based on the report’s emphasis on the popularity of PVC material for its chemical stability, electrical insulation, and compliance with industry standards, Orange PVC Electric Pipe is ideal for general electrical wiring, especially in construction and power industry applications.
Orange PVC Electric Pipe, orange, PVC, for electrical wiring
[productList][productItem image=”288″ moq=”Min. order: 2 meters” price=”$0.32″ productId=”11000008102754″ title=”OEM Orange Electrical Installation Wire Protection Flame Retardant Plastic Corrugated Flexible Electric Pipes” url=”//www.alibaba.com/product-detail/OEM-Orange-Electrical-Installation-Wire-Protection_11000008102754.html”][productItem image=”289″ moq=”Min. order: 5 pieces” price=”$20.28″ productId=”10000035041147″ title=”Factory Direct High Quality Flexible PVC Heat Resistant Corrugated Electrical Conduit Pipes Orange Plastic Corrugated Tube” url=”//www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Factory-Direct-High-Quality-Flexible-PVC_10000035041147.html”][productItem image=”290″ moq=”Min. order: 5000 pieces” price=”$0.062-0.225″ productId=”10000004852318″ title=”ORANGE COLOR PVC FOUR- WAY JUNCTION- USE for PVC RIGID CONDUIT – HIGH QUALITY of FITTINGS CONDUIT BOX MADE in VIETNAM” url=”//www.alibaba.com/product-detail/ORANGE-COLOR-PVC-FOUR-WAY-JUNCTION_10000004852318.html”][productItem image=”291″ moq=”Min. order: 2000 meters” price=”$2.80″ productId=”1601596531735″ title=”AS/NZS 61386 Sn4 SN8 100mm 150mm Orange Color Upvc Electrical Pipes” url=”//www.alibaba.com/product-detail/AS-NZS-61386-Sn4-SN8-100mm_1601596531735.html”][/productList]#### 2. Orange HDPE Electric Conduit
Reflecting the report’s discussion of HDPE’s high strength, flexibility, and suitability for directional boring and outdoor/underground use, Orange HDPE Electric Conduit is recommended for projects requiring enhanced durability and flexibility in harsh environments.
Orange HDPE Electric Conduit, orange, HDPE, for underground use
[productList][productItem image=”292″ moq=”Min. order: 100 meters” price=”$0.48-0.60″ productId=”1601637426396″ title=”HDPE 4 Inch Corrugated Pipe Price with 100mm 110mm Double Wall Corrugated Pipe for Drainage and Electrical Conduit” url=”//www.alibaba.com/product-detail/HDPE-4-Inch-Corrugated-Pipe-Price_1601637426396.html”][productItem image=”293″ moq=”Min. order: 5000 meters” price=”$0.12-1.90″ productId=”1601603690867″ title=”AS/NZS Standard Electrical PVC Conduit Pipe HD Orange 50mm Conduit” url=”//www.alibaba.com/product-detail/AS-NZS-Standard-Electrical-PVC-Conduit_1601603690867.html”][productItem image=”295″ moq=”Min. order: 60 meters” price=”$1.58-1.88″ productId=”1601591611767″ title=”Orange MPP Power Protection Pipe for Communications High Pressure Underground Electrical Conduit Good Insulation Performance” url=”//www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Orange-MPP-Power-Protection-Pipe-for_1601591611767.html”][productItem image=”297″ moq=”Min. order: 1000 meters” price=”$0.40″ productId=”1601584066454″ title=”AS/NZS Orange PVC Rigid Conduit HD Series Electrical Conduit Pipe Conduit PVC Fittings” url=”//www.alibaba.com/product-detail/AS-NZS-Orange-PVC-Rigid-Conduit_1601584066454.html”][/productList]#### 3. Orange Flexible Electrical Conduit
Given the report’s focus on flexibility and ease of installation for complex spaces, Orange Flexible Electrical Conduit is suitable for routing wires in tight or irregular installations, offering both safety and convenience.
Orange Flexible Electrical Conduit, orange, flexible, for complex installations
[productList][productItem image=”299″ moq=”Min. order: 100 meters” price=”$0.23-2.65″ productId=”1601563906011″ title=”Customizable Conduit Tubes Bulk Orange Cpvc Electrical Pvc Cable Wire Protection Sleeve Electric Power Pipes” url=”//www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Customizable-Conduit-Tubes-Bulk-Orange-Cpvc_1601563906011.html”][productItem image=”301″ moq=”Min. order: 100 meters” price=”$0.23-2.65″ productId=”1601563899067″ title=”High Voltage Cable Plastic Power Protection Pipe Electric Tube Made of CPVC Material Flexible and High Pressure Resistant” url=”//www.alibaba.com/product-detail/High-Voltage-Cable-Plastic-Power-Protection_1601563899067.html”][productItem image=”303″ moq=”Min. order: 100 meters” price=”$0.23-2.65″ productId=”1601563803567″ title=”Orange Cable protection Pipe Power Cable Protection CPVC Pipe PVC Plumbing Electrical Conduit MPP Pipe” url=”//www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Orange-Cable-protection-Pipe-Power-Cable_1601563803567.html”][productItem image=”305″ moq=”Min. order: 100 meters” price=”$0.23-2.65″ productId=”1601563802621″ title=”Orange CPVC 50mm 100mm High-Voltage Cable 6 Inch PVC Electrical Conduit Pipe Durable Power Plastic Tubes” url=”//www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Orange-CPVC-50mm-100mm-High-Voltage_1601563802621.html”][/productList]
