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PVC Type DB-100 Conduit – 90 mm (3″) | Direct Burial
PVC Type DB-100 Conduit – 90 mm (3″) | Heavy-Duty Direct Burial
Heavy-Duty Direct Burial Electrical Conduit for Power, Telecom & Utility Projects in KSA & Gulf Region
What Is PVC Type DB-100 Conduit – 90 mm (3″)?
Conduit PVC Type DB-100 90 mm (3”) is an underground burial conduit. It is made of a very thick wall, making it suitable for the very harsh underground conditions of electrical and telecommunications cable protection. The letter “D” refers to Direct Burial, while the number “100” indicates heavy-wall classification, meaning the conduit is strong enough to take the underground conditions without needing concrete encasement.
The 90 mm (3”) diameter has a capacity for large cable installations which means it can carry many large conductors, communication cables, and fiber-optic streams. The conduit is suitable for modern infrastructure demands in large areas power distribution, commercial utility corridors, and industrial setups.
Understanding DB-100 Direct Burial Classification
DB-100 is a heavy-wall conduit class in the direct burial category. It is designed to:
Resist soil pressure and environmental loads
Withstand minor impacts during backfill and surface activity
Maintain conduit integrity without concrete encasement
Support larger diameter cable installations with ease
The DB-100 classification ensures the product meets higher mechanical strength requirements compared to medium or standard wall conduits, making it suitable for demanding underground applications found in Gulf infrastructure.
Why PVC Conduits Are Ideal for Gulf Region Infrastructure
Corrosion & Chemical Resistance
PVC is already resistant to rust and corrosion and to saline soils as well as chemicals, which makes it an excellent choice for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with their coastal and desert areas.
Thermal Stability
PVC does not lose any of its physical properties even when exposed to very high soil and air temperatures, which is the case in the Gulf region.
Non-Conductive & Safe
Since PVC does not conduct electricity, the risk of electrical hazards in underground installations is minimized.
Lightweight & Easy Installation
PVC is much lighter than metal or concrete ducts, and because it is easier to handle, the costs of labor and installation are also lower.
Long Service Life
PVC conduits are capable of performing for 30-50 years or longer without much maintenance, even in the most difficult conditions.
Therefore, these factors make the PVC DB-100 conduits the best choice for the direct burial installations throughout the Gulf region.
Material Standards & Compliance
The PVC DB-100 90 mm conduit is manufactured to comply with the following core standards and specifications:
ASTM D1785 / ASTM D2241 — Rigid PVC conduit and pipe standards
NEMA TC-6 & TC-8 — PVC electrical conduit performance
IEC 61386 — International conduit system standards
UL 651 / ETL (optional) — Electrical safety certification
Compliance ensures that the material meets mechanical, electrical, and environmental performance criteria necessary for Gulf region applications and global infrastructure projects.
Technical Specifications — DB-100 90 mm Conduit
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Nominal Diameter | 90 mm (3″) |
| Material | Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Conduit Type | DB-100 (Heavy Wall, Direct Burial) |
| Installation | Direct burial without concrete encasement |
| Standard Lengths | 2 m, 3 m, 6 m |
| Joint Type | Solvent weld / Mechanical coupler |
| Operating Temperature | −10°C to +60°C |
| Color | Grey (standard) |
| Standards Compliance | ASTM, NEMA, IEC, UL/ETL (optional) |
| Service Life | 30–50+ years |
These specifications ensure that the conduit delivers consistent performance, structural reliability, and long service life in direct burial applications.
Key Features & Performance Benefits
Heavy-Wall Construction
A classification of DB-100 stands for thicker walls which in turn has a superior mechanical strength to carry soil loads and be able to resist small impacts.
Large Internal Diameter
It's a pipe with its internal diameter of 90 mm (3") that allows the installation of numerous cables, like power feeders, big fiber bundles, and communication circuits.
Smooth Internal Surface
The smooth inside of the PVC makes it easy to pull cables and at the same time it minimizes the risk of damaging the cables during installation.
Corrosion & Chemical Resistance
PVC which is the material used for the pipes has the property of being resistant to corrosion and chemical attacks which makes the pipes suitable for saline soil and harsh underground conditions.
Non-Conductive
Non-conductive property of PVC enhances safety in underground electrical installations.
Direct Burial Ready
The installation does not need concrete encasement which, in turn, reduces the time, labor, and material costs of installation.
Long Service Life
It is a product that is mainly designed to last for decades and at the same time has low maintenance needs.
Typical Applications
The PVC DB-100 90 mm conduit is widely used in:
Residential & Urban Infrastructure
Underground power distribution lines
Utility corridors in master-planned communities
Commercial & Institutional Projects
Large office complexes
Shopping centers
Public facilities requiring high-capacity underground cabling
Municipal Utilities
Street lighting distribution
Public data and communication lines
Traffic signaling networks
Industrial Facilities
Refineries
Manufacturing plants
Heavy electrical and control cable runs
Telecommunications
Fiber optic backbone networks
High-capacity telecom infrastructure
In all these applications, the DB-100 90 mm conduit provides reliable protection and future-ready capacity.
How DB-100 Direct Burial Systems Work
Conduit systems for direct burial are composed of conduit lengths buried in a trench made for that purpose, couplers connecting them, and soil covering the whole arrangement. The conduit offers the underground cables a secure passage that is protected from pressure of the soil, moisture, and small mechanical impact.
Main Components of the System
- PVC DB-100 conduit parts
- Couplers for solvent welding or mechanical means
- Directional elbows and bends
- Equipment for pulling cables
- Warning tape and marker mesh
The installation of PVC DB-100 conduits will be cheaper and quicker since these ducts do not need concrete encasement as it is the case with concrete duct banks.
Installation Best Practices
Step 1: Site Evaluation
Assess soil type, depth requirements, existing utilities, and project layout.
Step 2: Trench Excavation
Excavate to the specified depth with proper safety measures.
Step 3: Bedding Preparation
Level the trench bottom and lay a smooth soil or sand bed to protect the conduit from sharp stones.
Step 4: Conduit Placement
Lay DB-100 90 mm conduit sections in the trench, ensuring alignment and direction.
Step 5: Jointing
Join sections using solvent weld or mechanical couplers for secure, leak-resistant connections.
Step 6: Cable Pulling
Use cable pulling lubricant and proper equipment to run cables through the conduit.
Step 7: Backfilling & Compaction
Backfill in layers, compacting soil to prevent settlement.
Step 8: Warning Tape Installation
Place a warning tape above the conduit to alert future excavations.
Following these steps ensures a secure, durable, and long-lasting installation.
Design Considerations for KSA & Gulf Region
Climate Adaptation
Consider the extreme temperature variations in the ground environment during the installation of underground cables; it is likely that such variations will cause a performance decrease in the cables.
Soil Conditions
Evaluate the occurrence of sandy, saline, or alkaline soils that are characteristic of marine and desert regions.
Load Requirements
Design the installation with the current soil load, surface loads, and potential future expansions in mind.
Regulatory Compliance
Check that the installation adheres to the electric codes imposed by the local electricity provider and the municipality.
Accessories & Fittings
The accessories listed below are the perfect partner of the DB-100 90 mm conduit system:
- Solvent Weld Couplers – provide undetectable connections
- Mechanical Couplers – add flexibility to the joint making
- 45° & 90° Elbows – for change of direction
- Pulling Eyelets – to speed up the cable pulling process
- Warning Tape & Marker Mesh – for the safety of the future excavation
The use of good quality fittings guarantees the system's strength and reliability for many years to come.
Performance in Harsh Environmental Conditions
The PVC DB-100 90 mm conduit is engineered to perform in:
Desert Conditions
High thermal cycling
Dry, sandy soils
Coastal Environments
Saline soil exposure
Moisture fluctuations
Urban Installations
Minor excavation activity
Soil settlement and vibration
PVC’s inherent material properties ensure lasting performance in all these conditions.
Maintenance & Inspection Guidelines
Less maintenance is required for PVC direct burial conduits:
- Routine trench excavation inspection
- Conduit alignment checking during cable upgrades
- Warning tape integrity verification
- Cable diagnostics performing as needed
Resistance to corrosion that PVC presents removes many problems which are frequently seen in metal conduits.
Cost Efficiency & Lifecycle Value
Lower Installation Costs
- Direct burying saves the cost of concrete encasement
- Less expenditure on labor and materials
Reduced Downtime
- Quick installation
- Better protection for cables
High Durability
- Life span of over 30 years
- Little maintenance
Future Expansion Ready
- Large diameter allows for more cables without the need for more digging
These reasons lead to a significant return on investment (ROI) for infrastructure projects.
Comparing DB-100 with Other Conduit Types
| Feature | DB-100 90 mm PVC | DB-60 90 mm PVC | Standard PVC | Steel Conduit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Strength | High | Medium | Low | Very High |
| Direct Burial | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Poor |
| Installation Cost | Medium | Low | Low | High |
| Service Life | 30–50+ yrs | 30–50 yrs | 20–30 yrs | 15–25 yrs |
PVC DB-100 offers a balanced combination of strength, cost efficiency, and longevity, making it ideal for Gulf infrastructure.
Conclusion
The PVC Type DB-100 Conduit – 90 mm (3″) | Direct Burial has been designed as a heavy-duty, but a reliable, and also cost-effective solution for the protection of underground cables in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. The conduit finds its applications in power distribution, communication networks, municipal utilities, and industrial establishments due to its large diameter, thick walls, corrosion resistance, electrical safety, and long service life.
The choice of DB-100 90 mm PVC conduit not only provides safe, efficient, and future-ready underground infrastructure but also ensures that the maintenance is minimal, and the long-term reliability is high—even in the most extreme Gulf environmental conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is PVC DB-100 90 mm conduit used for?
It is used for direct burial protection of power, telecom, and control cables in residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial projects.
2. Does DB-100 conduit require concrete encasement?
No, it is designed for direct burial without concrete, making installation faster and more cost-effective.
3. How is DB-100 different from DB-60 conduit?
DB-100 has a heavier wall, providing higher mechanical strength than the medium-wall DB-60.
4. Is PVC DB-100 suitable for Gulf region climate?
Yes, it withstands high temperatures, saline soils, and moisture, making it ideal for the Gulf.
5. Can DB-100 conduit be used for fiber optic cables?
Yes, its smooth interior surface makes it suitable for fiber optic and communication cabling.
6. What lengths are available?
Standard lengths include 2 m, 3 m, and 6 m.
7. Is PVC DB-100 electrically safe?
Yes, it is non-conductive, ensuring safe underground installations.
8. What types of fittings are used?
Solvent weld couplers, mechanical couplers, elbows, pulling eyelets, and warning tapes.
9. What is the expected service life?
Typically 30–50+ years depending on installation quality and soil conditions.
10. Is this conduit compliant with international standards?
Yes, it meets ASTM, NEMA, IEC, and optional UL/ETL standards.