Rosslyn, VA, February 9, 2004 -- NEMA, The National Electrical Manufacturers Association, has released four standards comprising the use of PVC: TC 3-2004, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Fittings for Use with Rigid PVC Conduit and Tubing; TC 6 and 8-2003, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Plastic Utilities for Underground Installations; TC 9-2004, Fittings for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Plastic Utilities Duct for Underground Installation; and TC 18-2004, Packaging of Master Bundles for EPC-40 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Conduit.

TC 3-2004 covers the dimensions for multiple fittings used with Rigid PVC Conduit and Tubing. Some of the fittings covered in this standard include adaptors, couplings, and elbows. The standard also specifies qualification tests, quality control tests, test methods, and markings.

TC 6 and 8-2003 covers the dimensions for PVC plastic utilities duct, including DB-100. Dimensions include wall thickness, belled ends, interference and clearance fit for go/no-go gauges, and inside and outside diameters. Additionally, the standard specifies qualification tests, quality control tests, test methods, and markings.

TC 9-2004 covers the dimensions for multiple fittings used with PVC plastic utilities duct. Some of the fittings covered in this standard include sockets, adaptors, couplings, and plugs.

TC 18-2004 covers recommendations for the size and banding of master bundles for electrical EPC-40 PVC conduit, which is electrical PVC conduit designed for normal?duty applications above ground and also used for all concrete-encased applications or direct burial.

"Members of the NEMA 5TC Polymer Raceway Section have developed these standards for electrical, communication, and signaling applications, to be used by utility and communication companies when specifying nonmetallic raceways and fittings," said David Kendall, director of industry affairs for Carlon, Lamson & Sessions and chairman of the section. "These standards include technical information supplied to the members by users and inspectors to ensure that the products are safe and durable."

TC 3 may be purchased for $51 at www.nema.org/r/std/tc3/; TC 6 and 8 may be purchased for $51 at www.nema.org/r/std/tc6_8/; TC 9 may be purchased for $45 at www.nema.org/r/std/tc9/; TC 18 may be purchased for $34 at www.nema.org/r/std/tc18/. Any of the standards may be purchased individually or together by contacting Global Engineering Documents at 800-854-7179 (within the U.S.), 303-397-7956 (international), or 303-397-2740 (fax).