Phenolic Electrical Conduit Promotes Safety in Toronto Transit Tunnels

EIN Champion Fiberglass Logo

May 12, 2022

Hazardous, fire-prone areas and electrical currents don’t mix. In construction site design and development, thoughtful consideration must be given to protect cables and, ultimately, stakeholders in the event of a fire emergency.

One such environment that requires fire safety considerations is transit tunnel applications. For these areas, coding standards groups recommend electrical conduit that meets requirements such as 2-hour safety ratings. 

Many project managers, including those working on the Toronto Transit tunnel, have found success using fiberglass phenolic conduit in hazardous situations, as it is a safe option in extreme conditions. For this railway tunnel, project owners sought to replace aging conduit infrastructure, such as galvanized rigid steel conduit within the tunnel as well as provide the latest in safety enhancements for new tunnels.

For areas like tunnels and elevator shafts where fire is also concerning, this is where fiberglass phenolic conduit excels. It is two-hour fire-rated up to 1895℉ and is smokeless. Made with a phenolic resin base, it contains no toxins that release halogens, chlorine, and formaldehyde when burning.

Additionally, Champion Flame Shield® phenolic conduit:

  • Meets NFPA 130, NFPA 502, ASTM E84, ASTM E136, ASTM E162, ASTM E662, and Flammability Classification UL94 VO
  • Is UL 2515-A Listed for phenolic XW conduit
  • Recently achieved UL 2196 FHIT 28E for RHH Dry Applications with our partner Radix Wire & Cable.

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) provides public transit services to approximately 1.7 million daily commuters. It operates bus, subway, streetcar, and paratransit services in Toronto, Peel Region, and York Region in Southern Ontario, Canada.

TTC was formed in 1921. It is the oldest and largest of the urban transit service providers in the Greater Toronto Area, with numerous connections to systems serving its surrounding municipalities.

CHALLENGE

Like other transit systems of the same vintage, TTC had some aging infrastructure in place. Previous galvanized electrical conduit created a safety concern in the event of an emergency situation like a fire, where the metals would create a brass alloy and render cables useless.

Additionally, the TTC was expanding. They had opened some new stations, so the organization wanted to take advantage of the latest innovations for safety.

SOLUTION

TTC project stakeholders researched the safest options in fire-proof electrical conduit. They discovered Champion Fiberglass® Flame Shield phenolic electrical conduit provided a superior level of safety required for the transit system. That is, in a transit fire situation, the Champion Fiberglass phenolic conduit provides a two-hour fire rating when used in conjunction with the fire-rated life safety circuit (fire sprinkler, ventilation & lighting) cables.

Further, the conduit meets the following safety standards and listings: NFPA 130 and NFPA 502, ASTM E136, UL 2196 tested and UL 2515-A Listed for Phenolic XW Conduit.

On top of the safety benefits, fiberglass phenolic conduit comes in at less weight than steel. Plus, labor takes less time per the NECA Manual of Labor Units.

As for installation, the TTC tunnels performed a jack and bore installation technique utilizing Champion Fiberglass epoxy conduit. The mechanical strength of Champion Fiberglass epoxy conduit allows it to be utilized for this type of specialized complex installation.

Another advantage that Champion Fiberglass conduit has over steel electrical conduit is that it provides some installation flexibility. Heavy steel conduit is very rigid. Champion Fiberglass phenolic and epoxy conduits offer enough flexibility to adapt to minor tunnel elevational and directional changes while still providing mechanical protection.

RESULTS

For the TTC, Champion Fiberglass Flame Shield phenolic offered a safe electrical conduit pipe solution in established and new tunnels for Toronto area commuters. With low smoke characteristics and a 2 hour temperature rating, Champion Fiberglass phenolic conduit helps insulate cables for reliable fire protection in tunnels. Finally, the conduit’s light weight yet strength aided jack and bore installation.

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Ontario Solar Incentives with Essex Energy

    Ontario Solar Incentives with Essex Energy

    August 20, 2025 Essex Energy is helping municipalities, universities and colleges across Ontario take advantage of incentives under Ontario’s Retrofit DER Program including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. What’s Available Significant rebates available to eligible businesses and institutional organizations deploying rooftop or parking lot solar PV systems. These incentives are paid upon completion of the project, accelerating project… Read More…

  • Beyond the Bid: How Modern Estimating Solutions Drive Contractor Success

    Beyond the Bid: How Modern Estimating Solutions Drive Contractor Success

    August 18, 2025 By Brooke Stewart In today’s fast-paced construction landscape, electrical contractors are constantly pressured to keep their estimates competitive, often at the expense of healthy profit margins. Compounding this challenge are rising material costs, a shortage of skilled labor and siloed data, all of which make it increasingly difficult to stay competitive and… Read More…

  • Hammond Power Solutions Helps EFC Champion Sustainability as First Carbon Neutral Sponsor at Annual Industry Conference

    Hammond Power Solutions Helps EFC Champion Sustainability as First Carbon Neutral Sponsor at Annual Industry Conference

    August 18, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada Did you know that carbon emissions from this year’s Annual Industry Conference were offset? With the help of Hammond Power Solutions (HPS), EFC took an important step toward reducing our environmental impact by offsetting the emissions associated with the event. This milestone reflects a growing commitment within the electrical… Read More…

  • FortisBC Detail Impact of their Energy-Efficiency Programs in 2024

    FortisBC Detail Impact of their Energy-Efficiency Programs in 2024

    August 18, 2025 In 2024, FortisBC Energy Inc. and FortisBC Inc.’s (collectively FortisBC) conservation and energy-efficiency programs helped lower gas and electricity use while helping create more comfortable living and working spaces for customers. Building on 2023 reductions, its gas programs cut close to one million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) 1 in 2024. “Our customers’… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Blackline Safety Announces Quality Assurance Program Expansion

    August 18, 2025 Blackline Safety Corp. has announced a major expansion of its quality assurance (QA) program. As part of the expansion, the company has increased its QA team, upgraded its inspection equipment, and boosted in-lab testing of its entire product line. Headquartered in Canada with offices in the UK, France, U.S., and UAE, Blackline… Read More…

  • EB Horsman Introcuce New Burnaby Branch Manager

    EB Horsman Introcuce New Burnaby Branch Manager

    August 18, 2025 EB Horsman & Son is pleased to announce the promotion of Sean O’Brien to Branch Manager of their Burnaby location, effective August 6, 2025. Sean brings over 15 years of experience in the electrical and lighting industry, with a strong background in sales, technical leadership, project management, and clean energy initiatives. He… Read More…

  • BCCA Response to “Report on 2026 Budget Consultation”

    BCCA Response to “Report on 2026 Budget Consultation”

    August 18, 2025 BCCA is pleased to receive the Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services’ Report on the 2026 Budget Consultation, and celebrates the emphasis placed on supporting BC’s construction industry and workforce. Chris Atchison, President of the BCCA, spoke to the Committee on the recommendations and priorities of BC’s construction industry. These included:… Read More…

  • NSAA Introduces Mentorship for Women Apprentices Program

    NSAA Introduces Mentorship for Women Apprentices Program

    August 18, 2025 This program is designed to support the retention and progression to certification of women apprentices in the 39 Red Seal Construction or Manufacturing trades. The program pairs women apprentices with experienced tradespeople to provide guidance, career development, and support throughout their apprenticeship journey. The program is for 6 months, with the mentor and… Read More…