During a routine inspection of a commercial parking lot, an electrician notices that exposed non-metallic conduit (PVC) is showing signs of degradation due to prolonged sun exposure. According to the CEC, which of the following practices should have been followed during installation to prevent this?

Question: During a routine inspection of a commercial parking lot, an electrician notices that exposed non-metallic conduit (PVC) is showing signs of degradation due to prolonged sun exposure. According to the CEC, which of the following practices should have been followed during installation to prevent this?

Answer options:

• Using Schedule 80 PVC conduit instead of Schedule 40.
• Painting the conduit with UV-resistant paint. ✅ Burying the conduit or using a type approved for direct sunlight.
• Encasing the conduit in a concrete envelope where exposed.

Correct answer: Burying the conduit or using a type approved for direct sunlight.

Explanation: Rule 12-1302(2) states that non-metallic conduit shall be installed so it is not exposed to mechanical injury or to sunlight unless it is of a type approved for such exposure. Therefore, burying it or using a UV-resistant conduit (if available and approved) would be the correct approach. Schedule 80 primarily offers mechanical strength, not UV resistance. Painting is not a CEC-mandated solution, and concrete encasement is for specific applications but not a general requirement for all exposed conduit.