Electrical PVC comes in two (2) thickness sizes that most people do not know. One is Schedule 40, which is the standard size for 99% of installations nationwide. The other is Schedule 80, which is much thicker and costs about 1.5 times that of standard Schedule 40 PVC. There is a huge difference between the two and the biggest is the long term protection that Schedule 80 gives when it is installed above ground and in the way of lawn mowers, yard equipment, etc. Schedule 80 is just about unbreakable, while Schedule 40 breaks and splits much easier, especially in freezing conditions. Many city inspectors nationwide, will not even allow Schedule 40 above ground for this very reason. Both are rated for UV protection so they will not rot in the sunlight, but like I mentioned, most inspectors will not allow Schedule 40 above ground. It is too easy to damage. PVC must be buried a minimum of 18 inches to the top of the pipe in most cases. There are some applications that require it to be buried up to 48 inches. Schedule 40 below ground is perfectly safe and will last a lifetime. The biggest difference between the two is the above ground applications. If you want extra long lasting in above ground installations, Schedule 80 is the only way to go.
