Underground electrical and communication conduit should be impervious to groundwater in order to prevent damage to conductors and utility vaults. The bladder test described in this test method may be used to qualify potential gasketed conduit systems by indicating whether the joint system will prevent water infiltration.

This test method can be used to qualify joints for plastic underground conduits using flexible elastomeric seals. However, it should not be assumed that a joint system that passes this test method will be able to seal under cases of misinstallation or abuse, or both.

This test method covers all of the following gasketed conduit types: encased burial (EB) excluding EB20, direct burial (DB), telecommunications, cable television, and Schedule 40 conduit and Schedule 80 conduit. Trade sizes covered are 2-in. nominal size and larger. (See UL 651; NEMA TC-2, TC-6, and TC 8; and Specification F 512.)

This test method also covers fittings that are intended for use with the conduit types described in 3.3 and which use flexible elastomeric seals.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the water infiltration resistance of gasketed plastic underground conduit joints using a pressurized water bladder apparatus.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing

D2122 Test Method for Determining Dimensions of Thermoplastic Pipe and Fittings

F512 Specification for Smooth-Wall Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Conduit and Fittings for Underground Installation

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard

National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Standards

Keywords

bladder; gasketed conduit; underground conduit; water infiltration; Bladder; Buried conduits; Cable television; Conduits; Direct burial (DB) materials/applications; Encased burial (EB); Gasketed conduit; Joints (pipe/tube applications); Plastic pipe/tubing/fittings; Poly(vinyl chloride)(PVC) conduits; Poly(vinyl chloride)(PVC) pipe; Telecommunications; Underground conduit; Water infiltration/exfiltration;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 23.040.20 (Plastic pipes)

Citing ASTM Standards

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