FAQ

Yes, the packaging of all KOUVIDIS products is made of 100% recyclable materials.

All GEONFLEX, GEOSUB, GEODRAIN PLUS, GEODRAIN and GEOSAN double-structured wall conduits that are intended for use in underground networks can be stored outdoors. Other KOUVIDIS conduits and fittings intended for use in surface networks cannot be stored outdoors, due to their packaging.

Before each installation you should take into account the shrinkage and expansion of the conduit system, in order to avoid the disconnection or distortion of parts of the system due to permanent stresses that may be caused by a large temperature resistance.

The classification code consists of 14 digits, according to the EN 61386.01 standard, and defines the key properties of the conduits. The first 5 digits correspond to the classification of the conduits based on their resistance to compression, resistance to impact, minimum and maximum application/installation temperature and bending resistance. Learn more.

No, these conduits are manufactured according to the ΕΝ 61386-24 standard that exclusively refers to conduit systems for networks buried underground. Based on the specifications of this standard, the conduits are not self-extinguishing and are therefore unsuitable for exposed installations.

Each side of CONDUR junction boxes can be used for drainage and the relevant drainage hole is accessible using just a simple tool (e.g. screwdriver). A special barrier behind the drainage hole prevents the tool from harming the interior of the box.

Plastic conduits are considered better than their metal counterparts in many respects; they are cheaper, lighter and have a smaller environmental footprint. They also ensure electrical insulation, for increased safety, they offer protection against corrosion and high mechanical strength, while ensuring system circuit integrity. Finally, they ensure a high degree of watertightness using simple fittings, they have a low roughness coefficient and constant quality characteristics. If you require more information, you may contact the Technical Support department using our free helpline 801 11 400 500 daily from Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:00.

No, the use of such pipes directly violates European and national laws regarding the implementation of the European Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. Apart from legal issues, it should be taken into account that plumbing pipes are designed and checked for their suitability for other application fields, such as the drainage of wastewater, which are not related to the protection of underground cables. This creates significant issues related to installation safety, both during the construction as well as the operation of the network.

No, compression tests are performed using different methods based on different application standards. When referring to a conduit’s compression testing, the relevant application standard should be mentioned. For example, a CONDUR conduit has a compression resistance of 1250Nt according to ΕΝ 61386.21.

For surface networks, the classification code consists of fourteen (14) digits, according to the EN 61386.01 standard, and defines the key properties of the conduits. These digits classify the conduits according to their resistance to compression, resistance to impact, minimum and maximum application/installation temperature, bending resistance, electrical characteristics, protection against ingress of solid objects and dust, protection against ingress of water, corrosion resistance, tensile strength, resistance to flame propagation and suspended load capacity, fire effects and their environmental impact.

For underground networks (intended to be buried), the classification code consists of two parts, according to the EN 61386-24 standard, and defines the conduit’s key properties. The first part consists of the letter ‘’L’’ or ‘’N’’ and classifies the conduit according to its impact resistance, while the second part consists of a three-digit number, “250” or “450” or “750” and classifies the conduit according to its resistance to compression.

All information must be printed on the conduits in indelible, easily readable print. Regarding conduits intended for surface networks, the key information according to the ΕΝ 61386.01 standard includes the manufacturer’s name or a relevant logo and the product name or code number in a way that enables the user to perform a relevant search in the corresponding catalogue/user manual.  The information must also include the classification code, at least the first four digits, the connection capabilities with other fittings, as well as earthing specifications, if required.

In the case of conduits intended for underground networks, the key information according to the ΕΝ 61386-24 standard includes, in addition to the above, the impact resistance class (L or N), as well as the compression resistance class (Type 250, 450, 750). Regarding the order of information, the conduit’s impact resistance class is printed first, followed by its compression resistance class (e.g. N750). Individual information may also include the connection capabilities with other fittings.

In both cases, the manufacturer must provide a CE marking for the conduit in order to indicate the product’s compliance with the European Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU and also include in the relevant documentation all required information regarding the proper and safe transportation, storage, installation and use of the conduits. The relevant information must be repeated along the conduit at one to three-metre intervals.

Yes, all CONDUR fittings are halogen-free. Specifically, CONDUR couplers, clips, adaptors and junction boxes used to construct CONDUR – CONFLEX (1250Nt), MEDISOL – MEDIFLEX (750Nt), SILCOR – SIFLEX (320Nt), CONDUR HF – CONFLEX HF (1250Nt), SILCOR PLUS – SIFLEX PLUS (320Nt) and MEDISOL PLUS – MEDIFLEX PLUS (750Nt) conduit systems are halogen-free.

You may select any CONDUR junction box that fits your needs. All CONDUR junction boxes are halogen-free.

If you use DUROSOL PLUS – DUROFLEX PLUS conduit system, then you may use DUROSOL PLUS junction boxes which are produced in the the same black color RAL 9004 and are also halogen free.

A red color coding indicates that there are electrical installation cables (strong currents) inside the conduits. On the contrary, a green label indicates the presence of communication cables (weak currents).  The color coding follows the rules set by the NF P 98-332 standard which specifies conduit colours based on their application field, as well as the minimum distances between them.

Installation instructions are available in our company’s official catalogue, as well as in the technical manuals of specific product ranges. If you require more information, you may contact the Technical Support department using our free helpline 801 11 400 500 daily from Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:00.

Since 2008, the company has developed a color coding for its packaging, in order to enable the user to distinguish between the various types of conduits. The color coding is marked on the conduit packaging, with blue indicating heavy type (heavy duty) conduits (1250Nt), red indicating medium type (mid-duty) conduits (750Nt) and light blue indicating light type (light duty) conduits (320Nt). If the conduits are not packaged, you can identify their mechanical strength based on the marking on their external surface. On rigid conduits, all technical characteristics are laser-printed, while on pliable conduits they are marked using embossed printing.

The cable guide has a minimum tensile strength of 650Nt (66kg) according to the European standard ΕΝ ISO 2062. It is made of PET polyester material and is placed inside the conduits during their manufacturing process. For heavier weights, you can use the preinstalled steel cable guide.

Depending on the method of installation, GEONFLEX or GEOSUB conduits can be used to protect optic fibres. If you require more information, you may contact the Technical Support department using our free helpline 801 11 400 500 daily from Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:00.

First of all, they have different mechanical resistance to compression, 750Nt and 450Νt respectively, whereas they have the same mechanical resistance to impact, that is “N” category. GEONFLEX conduits do not attract rodents, due to the special rodent repellent used in their internal surface. They also require shorter cable routing times, due to the considerable (approximately 50%) reduction of friction achieved thanks to the special slip integrated in the internal wall during the manufacturing process. Moreover, GEONFLEX conduits ensure a higher Ingress Protection of IP 44 when connected using couplers with hooks, while GEOSUB conduits ensure an IP40 rating. Finally, GEONFLEX conduits are packed in both 25m and 50m coils, while GEOSUB conduits are only packed in 50m coils.

Switch boxes have specially designed collars that allow them to connect to each other, so that the distance between their centres is 71mm, allowing them to accommodate multi-gang switches. Also, through the special distance adapter, this distance can be increased to 91mm, allowing you to use single-gang switches.

Our company’s halogen-free conduits are manufactured using a blend of specially stabilized thermoplastic raw materials of much higher resistance than PVC.

Yes, you can, specifically the CONDUR HF – CONFLEX HF heavy-type conduit system, which is resistant to ultraviolet solar radiation.

You may refer to the application field table that is available in the official company catalogue, as well as in the Technical Support section of our website. This table contains various application fields for which we propose the appropriate conduit systems. If your application field is not included in the above table, you may contact the Technical Support department using our free helpline 801 11 400 500 daily from Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:00.

For surface networks, a conduit that has been successfully tested for compression at 1250Nt is considered to be mechanically stronger than a conduit tested at 750Nt. This means that it has been manufactured from a material able to withstand higher mechanical pressures.

The classification of the conduit according to its minimum temperature resistance indicates the temperature at which the conduit has successfully passed the impact resistance test, according to the relevant ΕΝ 61386 standard. Therefore, a conduit with a minimum temperature resistance of -25^οC is much more resistant to impact than the corresponding conduit with a minimum temperature resistance of -5^οC.

A pliable conduit can be bent manually using reasonable force, but it is not intended to be bent frequently. In contrast, a flexible conduit can be bent manually and will be frequently bent during its entire installation period. KOUVIDIS only manufactures pliable conduits.

The conduits used in surface and underground electrical networks are subject to the ΕΝ 61386 range of harmonised European standards (ΕΝ 61386.01, ΕΝ 61386.21, ΕΝ 61386.22, ΕΝ 61386.23, ΕΝ 61386.24, ΕΝ 61386.25) and therefore are also subject to the new European Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU relating to the making available on the market of electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits (50V÷1000V for alternating current and 75V÷1500V for direct current) which repeals the previous Directive 2006/95/EC. The new European Directive is transposed in Greek legislation through Government Gazette issues 1425Β and 1426Β. The new Directive aims to ensure that electrical equipment available in the market complies with the requirements that guarantee a high level of protection of the health and safety of persons and domestic animals.

It is worth noting that the new Directive 2014/35/EU stipulates stricter penalties in case of violation of its provisions. Anything related to the absence of the CE marking, improper or misleading use of the CE marking, lack of a Declaration of Conformity, absence of safe installation instructions, or missing data in the technical documentation carries a financial penalty of up to €50,000 depending on the type of violation.

Public gathering spaces such as airports, tunnels, hotels, subway stations, conference centres, schools etc., as well as areas accommodating costly technical equipment or areas with special temperature requirements, such as engine rooms, server/computer rooms, boiler houses, warehouses, cold stores, etc.

Products whose composition does not include halogenated chemical compounds such as chlorine, fluorine, bromine and iodine. These specific substances are present or added in a number of plastic products, acting as improvers (e.g. improving the self-extinguishing capacity of plastics or their fracture resistance). Yet their behaviour in case of fire may be disastrous. During combustion, they release toxic and corrosive gases and emit a dense smoke wave.

The effectiveness of the antimicrobial technology of KOUVIDIS conduits is tested according to the ISO 22196 international standard. At the same time, the antimicrobial technology incorporated in the raw material of the product complies with Regulation (EU) No 528/2012. This ensures the functioning and effectiveness of the antimicrobial activity.

Antimicrobial technology is incorporated in the raw material of KOUVIDIS conduit systems during the manufacturing process, ensuring continuous antimicrobial protection. The active ingredients rising to the surface of the antimicrobial conduit system come into contact with the deposited microbes and, after intervening in their cellular structure, prevent their reproduction, thus reducing their number. Specifically, they destroy their proteins and their cellular structure, cause oxidative damage to their interior and create a genetic disorder, preventing the replication of their genetic material (DNA), thus inhibiting their reproduction.

In order for a conduit system to be designated as “heavy type”, the conduits’ resistance to compression and resistance to impact must be greater or equal to 1250Nt and greater or equal to 6J respectively.

In order to ensure maximum safety in a surface installation, the proposed distance between clips is 50cm for vertical installations and 40cm for horizontal installations.

KOUVIDIS clips are mounted using 4mm screws and plugs and have side slots so that they can be easily mounted on rails.

Some microbe types are dangerous and constitute a common cause of infections. These types of pathogenic microbes constitute the main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The most common organisms that can contaminate a conduit surface are Staphylococcus (MRSA), Salmonella (SALMONELA SPP), Klebsiella (KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIAE) and E-coli.

Yes, the packaging of all KOUVIDIS products is made of 100% recyclable materials.

It is very important to use lubricant before each connection with GEOSAN pipes. This protects the O-ring and ensures that it will not be dislocated or damaged. Please follow the connection instructions before each use.

Firstly, reduced installation time, since the rubber sealing O-ring is pre-installed inside of the female end of the pipe. Secondly, improved connection capacity thanks to the design of the smooth walls of both ends of the pipe (male and female), preventing the watertightness problems that were caused by incorrectly positioning the O-ring on the male end of 1^st generation drainage pipes.

GEOSAN double-structured wall pipes offer a number of extremely important advantages over PVC pipes with smooth walls or the cement pipes used in the past. Thanks to the special geometry of the external wall, GEOSAN pipes achieve the same mechanical strength at a much lower weight than conventional PVC pipes or cement pipes. This ensures a lower purchase cost, as well as lower storage, transportation and installation cost.

GEODRAIN drainage pipes with a perforation of 220^ο are manufactured in rigid bars with a length of 6m and drainage pipes with a perforation of 360^ο are manufactured in flexible 50m coils. The degrees of perforation affect the total water collection surface area, thus covering different drainage needs.

GEODRAIN pliable pipes are suitable for the drainage of water/stormwater in all kinds of residential buildings (perimeter drainage, support walls), solar farms, agricultural applications, road networks (rural roads), industrial and commercial applications, sanitary landfills, uncontrolled landfills, sports courts, as well as for landscaping.

The fittings of GEOSAN pipes are compatible with all GEODRAIN pipes. Special attention must be paid to the use of appropriate O-rings.

The penetration of water into the mass of a structural element (foundations) may gradually cause chemical alterations which may lead to mechanical damage. Soil resistance may be reduced, resulting in subsidence and, therefore, damage to the buildings (settlement). Perimeter drainage protects the underground parts of the buildings from the results of chronic exposure to water.

The maintenance of moisture at normal levels provides multiple benefits for structural elements

as well as crops, since it keeps the soil ≪healthy≫. It enables its proper ventilation, it does not erode it or affect its degree of heat, it does not prevent the proper growth of root systems through the correct absorption of its nutrients and it does not cause damage to the foundations of structures.

All company certificates are available in our website, at the downloads section. For any other information, you may call our free helpline 801 11 400 500 daily from Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:00

The maximum delivery time in Greece and Cyprus is 24 hours. In areas where there is a distribution and storage centre of our company, such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion in Crete, or Nicosia, this period may be shorter, as deliveries are made by a fleet of company-owned trucks.

No, KOUVIDIS only sells wholesale. In order to buy the products, you should contact the electrical or hydraulic product stores that are part of our network of authorised dealers. Learn more

Of course you can. Training programmes are held at scheduled times at specific locations in Greece and Cyprus and they are either OPEN DAY, OPEN SEMINAR or OPEN HOUSE. Please send us your particulars and one of our representatives will contact you in order to inform you of the availability of places for participants.