I read alot lately about PVC being safe for DC applications in small home shops. And I notice in the recent issue of Tools and Shops, the guy with the “kitchen cabinet” shop has PVC with a ground wire around it. Rather then get scientific about which is better, I would like to hear real world experiences with Pros and Cons. Thanks for sharing. PS: I leaning toward 6in PVC but maybe this post will change my mind.
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I used to have 4"pvc with a ground wire inside. I got real tired real quick having to take the pipe apart to clear clogs - always jammed on the wire. When I built my cabinet shop a year ago, I wanted metal pipe but the price is pretty steep. I was nervous about explosion until I read the article in FWW in which the author claimed that 4" pipe isn't big enough to have an explosion in it for one reason or another. Anyhow, I used 4" pvc. It's under the wood floor where I can't get at it (concrete under that) so clogs in the pipe weren't acceptable. So for grounding, I wrapped the pipe with braided copper wire, drilled holes every 4" or so and put in a 1/4" sheet metal screw with the braided wire wrapped around it. The end of the wire is grounded to the dust collector body. I have a fire sprinkler above the DC itself. The system has never clogged or done anything nasty. Hope this helps.
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