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Nonmetallic conduit

tldavis

Member
Looking through the new-to-me RV-10 project I have identified what I think is Sealtite from Home Depot. Used under the floor for access from instrument panel to empennage.

I'm interested in feedback about whether I should replace this with a non-PVC alternative. I've got plenty of access to great resources for the standard approaches, so I don't need that. Just whether it's worthwhile taking it apart since the fuselage is pretty much finished.

It's PVC based. But if that much PVC burning there causes inhalation injury, I'm probably already on fire.

What do you think?
 

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Why

Why replace?

In general, if wires are not in a conduit, then I heard they must be tied together (typically using lacing tape). If you remove the conduit, how will you secure the wires?

Seems like conduit may no be the first choice, but probably doesn't hurt to leave it. Hopefully the conduit is secure and wont move or chaff on things. Just my Opinion.
 
The "why" is because nobody uses PVC in aircraft now that we know it makes toxic smoke when heated. Or do people use this stuff? For an inexperienced builder, it seems reasonable if it's not in a high risk area for heat, and is away from the breathing air. But I do not know and thought I'd ask those who have already thought about this.
 
That is carflex not sealtight. It doesn’t have a metal interior. Yes it is PVC but my opinion is if the fire gets that far you have way more problems to worry about
 
For clarity, I think this is the conduit:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/AFC-Cab...uidtight-Conduit-6002-22-00/202286718#overlay

And This is the spec at the manufacturer:

https://www.afcweb.com/AFC-Liquid-Tuff/70AA3BFA3FEE7345920464721D27BCD5/afc-liquid-tuff-catalog.pdf

Weight at 0.13 lb/ft sounds pretty low, the run looks to be less than a pound of weight.
I realize that adds up when weight isn't considered every choice, but it's still low for this one choice. Alclad is 2/3 the weight of this.
 
For clarity, I think this is the conduit:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/AFC-Cab...uidtight-Conduit-6002-22-00/202286718#overlay

And This is the spec at the manufacturer:

https://www.afcweb.com/AFC-Liquid-Tuff/70AA3BFA3FEE7345920464721D27BCD5/afc-liquid-tuff-catalog.pdf

Weight at 0.13 lb/ft sounds pretty low, the run looks to be less than a pound of weight.
I realize that adds up when weight isn't considered every choice, but it's still low for this one choice. Alclad is 2/3 the weight of this.


The conduit you have seems fine. If the conduit in that location is hot enough to off-gas / burn, you may wish for the quicker death the fumes will deliver. Van’s sells conduit that looks like the typical corrugated stuff you can get at Lowe’s. That’s what installed (Lowe’s).
 
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