HDPE Pipe

Our lightweight, flexible HDPE pipe (also called poly-pipe, conduit, duct, or innerduct) is made from strong, durable high density polyethylene. It’s easy to install by trenching, jetting, pulling, and HDD (horizontal directional drilling) methods, as well as being used as innerduct. Available in a variety of options to suit any need, it is used by power, electrical, water, gas, and telecommunication industries.  HDPE duct is RUS/USDA listed and meets all ASTM specs for SDR, SIDR and NEMA rated duct.

HDPE Pipe Benefits

Over the past thirty years, many contractors and engineers have trended away from the traditional clay and concrete conduit and drainage systems towards high density polyethylene pipe because of its durability, superior mechanical and chemical properties, and cost effectiveness. HDPE piping offers a number of advantages over other underground electrical conduit and innerduct products:

• Resists aggressive chemicals such as road salts, motor oils, and fuels.
• Withstands freeze-thaw cycles and continuous subzero temperatures without cracking.
• Is highly abrasion-resistant.
• Is unaffected by extremes in pH.

HDPE conduit also weighs significantly less than steel or concrete conduit, which results in easier handling and reduced labor and equipment cost. Strength and structural integrity, as well as service life and long term performance, offer flexible, cost-effective options for highway, underground, agricultural, recreational, and residential applications.

Options:

• Add 1,000 lb. Tape:04/ft.
• Add 1,250 lb tape:.06/ft.
• Add 1,800 lb tape: .08/ft.
• Add 18 gauge tracer wire: .08/ft.
• Add paralleling two or more pipes: .007/ft.
• Prices are subject to change due to market

Count on Chapman Electric to be your supplier of HDPE poly pipe. Our experts will answer your questions, help you find what you need, and get you pricing quickly and easily. Contact  us or view specific products above to get an online quote.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the cost advantages of using HDPE pipe and conduit?

HDPE pipe provides cost savings in several ways. It easily bends, allowing trenchless installation. Longer lines can be installed so fewer joints are needed. Heat fusing creates extremely strong joints, which means fewer leaks in the future. Service life is 50+ years, so replacement costs are low. Impact resistance, especially in colder temperatures is higher than PVC. HDPE costs less than metal pipes and weighs less.

Why do I need to get a quote to see pricing?

HDPE prices can fluctuate due to raw materials cost, especially for the petroleum used to make HDPE resin. Supply, demand  and even transportation costs can also cause price fluctuations. Chapman Electric Supply wants to get you the best pricing possible, so we quote each project.

What size innerduct do I need for pulled  cable/wire installation?

The National Electric Code has guidelines for  the number of conductors allowed in a HDPE Conduit.  For a single wire or cable, it can fill 53% of the inside diameter (ID) of the conduit.  For 2, it can fill 31% of the ID. For more than 2, it can fill 40%.  

How many conduit innerducts can I put in a casing pipe?

The straighter and shorter the run, the more the casing can be filled. Conversely, the longer and more complex the run, the less the casing can be filled. 70% is the maximum fill value that is recommended. Other general guidelines for percent of fill are:
•    50% short, straight runs
•    30% long, complex runs

What is "SDR"?

SDR, or Standard Dimension Ratio, is a way of rating durability for pressure.  The calculation is to divide the nominal outside diameter (OD) by the minimum wall thickness.  A higher SDR correlates with a thinner wall thickness.  

For horizontal directional drilling, what SDR is recommended?

That depends on the project. Bore length, bore hole diameter, direction changes, soil conditions, and other factors will affect the conduit. It is best to engineer each project based on individual conditions and follow ASTM Standards.

Does HDPE have a "memory"?

Yes, during the process of winding pipe on a reel, the tension on the outside of the pipe and compression on the inside of the pipe cause the molecules to align, relax and have a memory of their position. Once unreeled, the pipe will want to relax back to the original straight position it was in pre-reeling, especially with warmer temperatures.

Can I get a pull tape installed in innerduct?

Yes, simply choose the pull tape option when requesting your quote.

What is the impact resistance of HDPE compared to other materials?

The impact strength of HDPE pipe is exceptional. It is also corrosion and abrasion resistant.

How are HDPE lines located?

Generally, metal tracer wires are buried above HDPE pipes during installation. If a tracer wire was not installed, acoustical resonance or ground-penatrating radar may be used to location HDPE lines.

Can I use HDPE conduit for an electrical application?

The NEC requires that only UL-listed HDPE can be used for electrical applications.

Can I join HDPE pipe to PVC pipe?

Yes, but you will usually need to use a coupling, like E-LOC couplings to make the join. You cannot weld HDPE pipe to PVC.

How do I join segments?

Usually, sections are connected by using the standard butt fusion method. The matching ends are lined up, then heated using a fusion machine until the surfaces are molten.

Are butt fusion joints strong?

Yes, they are extremely strong. If manufacturer's recommendations are followed, the weld is as strong as the pipe itself.

How can I calulate the weight of HDPE pipe and duct?

You can calculate the weight of HDPE by formula, or you can simply see our HDPE Pipe Size Charts below. All the weights per foot are listed for your convenience.

HDPE Pipe Size Charts

ASTM F 2160 SDR Pipe Data - Based On Controlled OD

ASTM F 2160 SDR Pipe Data - Based On Controlled OD

UL 652A Pipe Data - Based On Controlled OD

ASTM D 2239 SDR Pipe Data - Based On Controlled OD

ASTM D 2239 SDR Pipe Data - Based On Controlled OD

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