CHIEF ENGINEER'S DIRECTIVE

CONDUIT USAGE IN SUNLIGHT

L1-CHE-GDL-029 Version: 2 Effective from: 11th July 2018

1 Purpose
To clarify the requirements for the storage and usage of electrical conduit in direct sunlight.

2 Background
Multiple installations of orange P.V.C. conduit have occurred where some part of the conduit
is exposed to sunlight. AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules requires that the installation of conduit in
direct sunlight shall be “of a type designed for such use” (Clause 3.10.3.7). The supplied
orange conduit is not designed for use in direct sunlight, as per the manufacturer’s
recommendations.

3 Direction
When any installation is completed above ground an AS/NZS 3000 compliant conduit shall
be used, specifically a grey P.V.C. conduit of medium duty.
If any orange conduit extends above the ground, it shall be painted with a light-coloured
water-based acrylic paint, as per AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules & VRIOGS 12.2, in order to
prevent degradation from the sun. The paint shall be specified for use on PVC pipe of colour
‘N43: pipeline grey’ (AS 2007) and be applied as per the manufacturers recommendation.
All conduits are to be stored undercover, protected from direct sunlight while keeping a
moderate temperature. Plastic sheeting shall not be used as a protection cover as it will
increase the temperature of the conduit and potentially damage its integrity.

4 References
AS 2700 Colour Standards for General Purposes
AS/CA S009 Installation Requirements for Customer Cabling (Wiring Rules)
AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules
VRIOGS 12.2 Specification for Signalling Supply, Construction and Installation

Approving Manager: Chief Engineer Approval Date: 11/07/2018 Next Review Date: 11/07/2020
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