Installation Series: Cutting Fiberglass Conduit Safety & PPE Guide

How Contractors Can Work Safely and Efficiently When Field Cutting Champion FIberglass Conduit

Whatever your application needs, Champion Fiberglass provides a strong, corrosion-resistant conduit that has been used successfully in industries like transportation for bridges and tunnels, data centers, utilities, wastewater treatment, chemical plants, and mining.

Before conduit is selected and purchased, consideration must be given to the type of installation necessary for the project — above ground, below ground, buried, or concrete encased. Fast, easy installation is part of what makes Champion Fiberglass conduit (RTRC conduit) an exceptional product compared to other conduit types such as PVC-coated rigid steel & GRC conduits. The NECA Manual of Labor Rates documents that it is installed faster than most other conduit types.

In addition to being lightweight and durable, field cutting for proper fit of adhesive joints is a necessary step of installation. Rest assured that Champion Fiberglass conduit can be easily cut on the job site with a few simple procedures. All you need is the conduit, a few common hand power tools, and the right PPE (personal protective equipment).

PPE Safety Requirements

It is always important to follow safety protocol at installation, and that includes the most appropriate personal protective equipment, as dictated in our electrical conduit PPE guidelines detailed below. To prevent accidents, ensure that you have the following PPE on hand to protect skin, hands, eyes, and lungs:

• Long-sleeved clothing, such as a long-sleeve shirt
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Particulate mask (N95)

Tools To Facilitate Cutting

Field cuts can be made with the following tools:

• Fine-tooth hand-held hacksaw
• Portaband saw
• Chop saw with diamond cutting blade
• Abrasive blade cutter

Easy Step-by-Step for Fiberglass Conduit Field Cutting

Follow these steps for successful field cutting:

1. Gather and put on the safety personal protection equipment (PPE).
2. Measure and mark the fiberglass conduit with a contrasting colored marker (cut line).
3. Cut with your choice of fiberglass cutting tools (hand-held hacksaw, portable band saw, chop saw or abrasive blade cutter)
4. Finally, remove any cutting burrs or ridges with a 60-grit emery cloth before bonding.

For a complete installation guide, visit https://championfiberglass.com/fiberglass-installation/ which includes installation videos, FAQs, and best practices for cutting, bending, and bonding fiberglass conduit.