DEFINITION: Often called Pipe Glue, or PVC Glue, professionally is known as a Solvent Cement, consisting of solvents that dissolve the surface portion of the conduit & fitting, and PVC resins that respond as a filler between these parts . When applied properly, the solvents evaporate or “flash off” leaving a single mass of conduit, fitting and resin forming a sealed joint.
BODY: All solvent cements are characterized by body referring to the mix of solvent and resin. The larger the pipe or conduit, the more resin is needed to make a good seal . NEMA has recently adopted the ASTMD2564 standard, which was commonly used in all other industries using PVC pipe. Now that standards have been set for the body of the cement viscosity, we feel it is important this is made clear to Electrical Inspectors and the Industry. We feel the Industry has suffered because low quality products with no real standards have saturated the market. Though some have displayed that they are ASTM-D2564 compliant, they fail to label their cans as to what ratings they meet. Thus the Electrician using Regular Bodied Cements (Good through either 2” or 4” Schedule 40) will not know the difference when using it on 6” or Schedule 80. We have adopted the ASTM Standard for all of our Solvent Cements. Medium Bodied Cements have more resin than Light or Regular Bodied Products. We Do not suggest the Standard Bodied Products for applications on Schedule 80 Conduits.
CLEAR OR GRAY?: The resins used determine the product tint . At the start most resins were gray, so many people developed a preference thru use. Clear or gray cements perform the same . Gray resin is more costly than clear, that is why gray cements are slightly higher in price.
LO-VOC ‘GREEN’: Lo-VOC PVC Cements „Green‟ Cements and Primers are environmentally safe. These Cements and Primers produce low levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). VOC‟s are unhealthy when breathed or ingested and reduce air quality. Required as of 2009 In California, Connecticut, Maryland and New Jersey. They meet Environmental State & District Rules.
ASTM D-2564: The Electrical Industry has adopted this standard, to give us a bench mark to compare products. It states minimum performance criteria for all bodies of cements. All of our products have achieved high levels of ASTM D-2564. We are certified by NSF.
SHELF LIFE: Many Solvent Cements have a rated shelf life of 1-2 years. Most have no shelf life guarantee . All United Elchem Cements have a full 3-Year shelf life from Manufacturer date . Each can and carton is date coded on the bottom indicating the date of manufacture. The first number is the year followed by a letter month code (IE: C=March). To the best of our knowledge, the manufacturers of conduit do not make their own PVC Cements, and it goes thru multiple storage facilities . We will give you fresh product at all times .
COLD WEATHER: Most product complaints on PVC cements occur during cold weather. Most commonly, the complaint is the joint will set , and the two componets fail to bond . Solvents in General Duty Cements are designed to evaporate and allow the joint to set up down to 400F. (colder temps mean – slower set up times ). High humidity also slows the cure process. POLAR-WELD Cold Weather Cement Uses a special solvent that will continue to evaporate down to 00. This solvent is more expensive ; therefore cements rated for cold climates do cost more.
WET WEATHER APPLICATIONS: As little as 2% moisture in a can of PVC Cement can cause it to curdle and ruin the product. Applying conventional Cements to wet pipe, or in heavy rain means the joint will not bond . PLUMB-TITE Wet Application Cements will work in these conditions when nothing else will work. It’s special solvents make this a more expensive product than Standard Duty Cements.
PRIMERS: All PVC Cements work better when Primed . The Solvents in a Primer slightly disolve the PVC making a more bondable connection . Primers should still be wet when PVC Cements are applied. Most Electrical Conduit Joints are made without using a Primer .
