Colleagues:
I think the correct answer is: there are no short cuts to good
workmanship. It requires intelligent design, a judicious selection of
materials and careful installation. EMT is appropriate in low corrosion
environments, PVC if you can control UV damage and accommodate
expansion. There are aluminum and stainless conduits for the extreme
environments and demanding aesthetics. I am sorry that there are no easy
ways to pursue quality.
It is my understanding that the European model is to "plug and pray" with
quick connect cables, running them across roof tops and stapling them to
exterior walls. I don't know this for a fact, but if it is true, I hope
that market does not drive the US market towards reduced standards. I
belive it is short sighted to skimp on wiring methods with dangerous power
feeds. I think the loss of conduit boxes on modules is a direct result of
European installation techniques and a trend towards reducing labor
costs. I welcome information from those of you with experience in other
markets to verify these hunches.
William Miller
At 04:21 PM 10/9/2009, you wrote:
EMT needs to be "pickled" with vinegar or acid, to get the paint to hold.
I love it for inland work, but near the ocean, it'll rust through in 5
years. I'm not sure how much more time paint would buy you.
Anybody use other plastic materials HDPE? Supposed to not have the
expansion problems of PVC.
R. Walters
<mailto:r...@solarray.com>r...@solarray.com
Solar Engineer
If you have to run around the roof with EMT, you can protect it from rust
with a coat of paint.
Regards,
-Hans
Please note new e-mail address and domain:
William Miller
Miller Solar
Voice :805-438-5600 Fax: 805-438-4607
email: will...@millersolar.com
http://millersolar.com
License No. C-10-773985
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