Stainless Conduit vs Pipe - MasterFormat Specifications

Stainless Steel Conduit vs. Stainless Steel Pipe Overview

Your Facility’s Raceway Must Meet Code

Stainless steel conduit is used for routing and protecting electrical wires that run in exposed locations in a variety of harsh environment applications.
Stainless steel conduit is specified in corrosive applications that exceed the limitations of traditional, less corrosion-resistant conduit systems and stainless steel welded pipe. Calbrite’s UL stainless steel conduit exceeds requirements to withstand harsh environments, satisfies strict mandates for plant cleanliness and washdowns, and provides a safe and easy-to-install electrical raceway.

Stainless steel pipe is used for transporting fluids or gases in a variety of systems. It was never intended or designed to be part of a secure raceway system installation.
Improper use and installation of stainless steel pipe can create serious problems causing a lack of electrical code compliance and potential safety issues.
Use of welded stainless steel pipe in an electrical raceway system IS NOT COMPLIANT with the National Electrical Code, ASTM, ASME, UL, cUL, or CSA. Article 300 section 18 of the National Electrical Code specifically states that metal raceways cannot be supported, terminated or connected by welding to the raceway.
Using welded stainless steel pipe not only violates the NEC, but it causes significant safety risks. Stainless steel pipe interior and exterior surfaces often contain metal trimmings, hard scale, burrs, sharp edges sharp projections or other imperfections which can damage wire or cable insulation during pulling.
Stainless steel pipe is also very difficult to inspect whether a weld is completely sealed. If welded stainless steel pipe is installed in a washdown environment, it is possible for liquid to enter and short out any exposed damaged wire
If an installation requires adding a new machine and more cable to the raceway, if you have used welded stainless steel pipe, you’ve welded the system shut instead of using UL Listed fittings.
It all adds up to more cutting and welding, more cost, more violations, and more risk of exposed wire.