Benefits of Champion Fiberglass RTRC vs. other in-market materials for above ground applications
Compare Champion Fiberglass conduit to other conduit materials, and you’ll find that the benefits speak for themselves.
Champion Fiberglass RTRC offers:
- The lightest weight (for many diameters) of any in-market conduit product.
- The lowest installation rates for most diameters according to the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Manual of Labor Units.
- Low burn through.
- Ability to stand up to extreme conditions.
- The broadest range of corrosion resistance of all in-market conduit products.
- Shape retention after impact or compression.
- Extended support spacing distances for several Champion Duct® and Champion Haz Duct® conduit diameters on par with those of GRC and PVC-coated steel. Champion Fiberglass is the only fiberglass manufacturer to offer UL Listed conduit featuring these expanded support spacing distances.
FAQs—above ground applications, industries, and usage
The main difference is in fire resistance. Above ground conduit has fire resistance per UL2515 and CSA C22.2 No. 2515 standards, meaning that the conduit will self-extinguish within 15 seconds after each of five successive flame applications per the UL 2515 flame test standard.
Below ground conduit meets UL94 HB (horizontal burn) requirements, which aren’t as stringent as vertical burn requirements. This also means that conduit manufactured and labeled for “above ground” applications can be used for “below ground” applications.
For special applications, XWall conduit with a thickness of .25″ can be used. Many of the telephone companies use this type of conduit for protection of fiber optic cables in above ground installations. XWall conduit has been shown to stop a .22 caliber bullet.
Use the Champion Fiberglass Conduit Calculator to estimate possible savings when using Champion Haz Duct® XWall Type Conduit vs. other in-market conduit materials.
For examples of which products have been used in tough environments similar to yours, visit our Case Studies section. You’re also welcome to contact us – we’ll do our best to connect you to the right answer in a timely manner.
Base the diameter of conduit on the allowable wire fill per page 56-57 in this catalog. For support distance, see pages 58-61; view information on updated support span distances here. Normally, a mid-span deflection 5/8″ or 16mm should not be exceeded.
Use the Champion Fiberglass Conduit Calculator to estimate possible savings when using Champion Fiberglass Conduit vs. other in-market conduit materials.
Visit our Industry pages – you’ll see ample data backing up Champion Fiberglass’s success in and support for industries including wastewater treatment, port authority, data center applications, petrochemical, tunnels, transportation, utilities, pipeline, and industrial/commercial.
Please refer to the deflection charts on pages 58 – 61 in the Engineering section of this catalog. After determining the weight of the cable and maximum allowable deflection (typically not exceeding 5/8″ or 16mm), use the deflection charts for selection of conduit type and support distance. See updated support spacing distances for Champion Fiberglass conduit (RTRC) here.
Use the Champion Fiberglass Conduit Calculator to estimate possible savings when using Champion Fiberglass Conduit vs. other in-market conduit materials.
Champion Fiberglass offers many opportunities to save, from a lower starting material cost to lower manpower and installation costs. Visit our comparison chart to weigh the benefits, or visit our blog to learn more about how our newly extended support spacing distances help build savings.
You can also view our updated UL Listed support spacing distances in comparison to PVC-coated steel and GRC, and make a direct material and installation comparison using our Conduit Calculator.
If you’d like to discuss actual numbers, please contact us – we’d be happy to review any project spec or details and demonstrate your opportunities to save with Champion Fiberglass.
Champion Fiberglass conduit above ground specifications
Manufacturing Information to Be Included
- NEMA TC 14
- UL 2515 AG (Above Ground)
- Manufacturer and Reseller (if the conduit was modified or bent other than by the manufacturer)
- Date of Manufacture
- Elbows shall be marked with the angle and radius
- All conduit, elbows and fittings are manufactured in the U.S.A. and marked as such
Fire Resistance and Flame Spread
Meets the UL specifications for Above Ground use, i.e. the flame:
- Extinguishes within 30 seconds each time after 4 consecutive applications of 15 seconds
- Extinguishes within 60 seconds after the 5th flame application, also being 15 seconds in duration
Toxicity
- Meets listed maximum values when tested in accordance with ASTM E-800
- Does not contain any compounds that can release halogens in more than trace amounts when burning
Environmental
Champion Fiberglass has a current Certificate, issued by an independent and accredited company, of compliance with an ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems and Performance.
Additional Information
For dimensions, electrical and mechanical specifications, and in-depth joining system information, click here.
