TPi November 2017

Simplifying compliance: a guide to using HDPE conduit A comprehensive new reference guide to the many existing industry high-density polyethylene (HDPE) conduit standards has been published by the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), a non-profit trade association representing the plastic pipe industry. Technical Note 50 (TN-50) – ‘Guide To Specifying HDPE Conduit’ is available free of charge from the PPI’s website, via the ‘Publications & Resources’ menu option, where a technical documents index is supplied. Intended as a reference for specifying agencies, utility design engineers and contractors, TN-50 includes details on ASTM, NEMA and UL standards for HDPE conduit, and clarifies differences between HDPE water pipe and conduit standards. It provides a table for proper selection of standards based on conduit diameter and wall-type, and contains a flow chart that visually illustrates ways to quickly find relevant standards for a specific application. Multiple sources are noted for availability of further assistance. “Although product standards for HDPE water pipe and conduit may appear similar, conduit specifications have been specifically developed for the demands of telecom, power, utility, aerial or underground applications,” explained Lance MacNevin, P.Eng, director of engineering for PPI’s Power & Communications Division (PCD). “Specifying an incorrect standard for HDPE conduit can delay projects, increase costs or result in an inappropriate material selection. This new guide is designed to help users avoid those problems.” TN-50 will be reviewed by PPI members annually, and updated as required. Plastics Pipe Institute – USA www.plasticpipe.org news business & market

PPI’s guide covers standards for HDPE conduit, which can be installed using ploughing as well as horizontal directional drilling (HDD)

TN-50 provides appropriate standards for specifying HDPE conduit for power and communications projects

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL November 2017

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