System of plastic conduits, junction boxes and fittings for electrical installations with hydrophobic properties

Abstract

This invention concerns a plastic conduits system that consists of conduits, junction boxes and fittings intended to protect cables in above-ground and underground electrical installations where the thermoplastic composition of the materials from which it is made is hydrophobic, thereby reducing the concentration of water drops on the surface. The water drops on the surface of the system may accelerate the ageing of the material and pose a risk to the safety of the installation. To date, in the field of electrical installations there is no integrated plastic conduit system that includes all the necessary parts, which provide hydrophobic protection which in their entirety. To make the surfaces of the plastic conduit system hydrophobic, a compatible additive containing one or more agents is incorporated in the composition of each polymer.

Description

DESCRIPTION System of plastic conduits, junction boxes and fittings for electrical installations with hydrophobic properties The present invention concerns a system of conduits, junction boxes and fittings used in above-ground and underground electrical installations. In some cases, the prolonged presence of water on the surface of a cable protection conduit made of plastic or a cable junction box made of plastic can pose a risk of moisture penetration inside the conduit or junction box, particularly if there are microcracks or incomplete connections. This may cause damage to the insulation of the cables and increase the risk of short circuit or electrical faults. Moreover, water drops remaining on the surface of the conduit or junction box may contribute to the growth of fungi or bacteria, thus reducing the life of the material. Also, in outdoor electrical installations, the influence ofthe environment accelerates the ageing ofthe material through the environmental weathering effect. The object of this invention is a system of plastic conduits, junction boxes and fittings for electrical installations with increased resistance to environmental influences. A further object of the invention is an element or part of an electrical installation system with enhanced resistance to ageing. According to the invention, a part of the electrical installation system has relatively enhanced hydrophobic properties. The invention is defined in the independent claims or clauses. Characteristics providing further advantages to the invention are mentioned in the dependent claims or clauses. The enhanced hydrophobic capacity provides additional protection against the accumulation of water drops on the surface of its parts, so that the drops can roll with the help of gravity and not remain attached to the surfaces. It has been observed that the continuous presence of water, in conjunction with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and temperature changes, accelerates the process of polymer photo-oxidation, leading to loss of mechanical properties, yellowing, and creation of microcracks. Water can penetrate microstructures of plastic, causing hydrolytic degradation, while temperature fluctuatìons increase mechanical stress due to expansions and contractions. When combined, these factors shorten the life ofthe material, rendering it more fragile and less resistant to the demands of its application. When the parts of an electrical installation are in accordance with the invention, the ageing of the material through the environmental weathering effect is slowed down since, clue to the increased hydrophobicity, the water is not collected on the surfaces of a system of plastic conduits and boxes. More obvious improvement is observed on outdoor electrical installations. The part may be, among others, a rigid single-layer or multi-layer conduit, pliable single-layer or multi-layer corrugated conduit, double structured wall conduit for underground and / or above-ground networks, conduit connector or coupler, single-layer or multi-layer bend, conduit clip, junction box, junction box cover or lid, junction box cap or plug, junction box adaptor. The outer surface is exposed to the surrounding area and the inner wall encloses the internal space of the part, where cables etc. are located. Each part has a wall that may be configured in various ways. Some configuration examples are listed below: a) single-layer single wall, i.e. a single wall made of a uniform material, which (wall) has an inner and an outer surface, b) multi-layer single wall, i.e. a wall consisting of two or more layers, which include an inner layer forming the inner surface and an outer layer forming the outer surface, c) double or multiple structured wall, with an inner wall forming the inner surface and an outer wall forming the outer surface. The part is made ofa thermoplastic material containing a hydrophobic additive (masterbatch). The hydrophobic additive includes a) a hydrophobic agent, which includes siloxane, and b) an antiblock agent, which includes silica. In the case of either single-wall multi-layer parts or multiple-wall parts, the hydrophobic additive is included at least in the layer or wall, respectively, that forms the inner surface or the outer surface. The parts outer surface and / or inner surface exhibits hydrophobic properties that are comparatively superior to the corresponding properties of the corresponding surface of a similar part made ofthe same thermoplastic material without the hydrophobic additive. These properties are: a) the water drops contact angle in relation to the surface, b) the drops roll- off angle, c) the hysteresis of the drops contact angle when rolling along the surface of the part. A part may show an increase in the contact angle and / or a decrease in the roll-off angle and / or a decrease in the contact angle hysteresis during the rolling of the drops, compared to a part that differs from the invention part in that the thermoplastic material does not include the hydrophobic additive. ln some examples, the hydrophobic additive is included at least in the layer or wall forming the outer surface, and the content by weight of the hydrophobic additive relatively to the weight of said layer or wall ranges from 1% to 15%. In some examples, the hydrophobic additive includes organically modified siloxane and, optionally, at least one of the following hydrophobic agents: polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS), functionalized polydimethyl siloxane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), erucamide, oleamide. The weight of the hydrophobic agent may be at least 30% of the weight of the hydrophobic additive and at least 0.3% of the weight of the thermoplastic material of the layer or wall containing it. When the part has a single wall of a single layer, the material of the single wall is uniform throughout its volume and the above percentages refer to the entire volume of the thermoplastic material of the part. In some examples of the invention, the weight of the antiblock agent is at least 5% of the weight of the hydrophobic additive and at least 0.05% of the weight of the thermoplastic material of the layer or wall containing it. In some components the hydrophobic additive includes organically modified siloxane as a hydrophobic agent and silica as an antiblock agent. In some cases, the hydrophobic agent is exclusively organically modified siloxane and / or the antiblock agent is exclusively silica. A part according to the invention may have a multi-layer wall comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, with the hydrophobic additive included in the outer layer and / or the inner layer, in identical or different weight ratios relative to the weight of the respective layer in which it is included. The hydrophobic agent and / or antiblock agent may be the same substance or may differ in one or both layers. The weight ofthe inner layer can range between 1%-30% of the weight of the part. Such a part can be a multi-layer conduit. A part according to the invention may have two or more walls. The hydrophobic additive may be included in the outer wall and / or inner wall, in identical or different weight ratios relative to the weight of the respective layer in which it is included. The hydrophobic agent and / or antiblock agent may be the same substance or may differ in one or both walls. The weight of the inner wall can range between 1%-30% of the weight of the part. Such a part may be a double structured wall conduit with a corrugated outer wall and a smooth inner wall. In some cases, the accumulation of moisture inside a plastic conduit or box leads to condensation effects and to the formation of droplets on the inner surfaces, due to the temperature difference between the internal and external environment. This mainly occurs when the temperature of the external air is lower than that of the internal air, resulting in the condensation of moisture on the internal surfaces of the enclosure. These drops may accumulate and drip onto cables or electrical connections, thereby increasing the risk of corrosion of metal terminals, degradation of cable insulation, and potential short-circuits. For this reason, a suitable drainage design may be provided for the box, in order to remove any water that may accumulate inside it. Typically, this design includes a hole in each side of the box, which is covered by a plug that can be removed using a suitable tool, such as an electricians screwdriver. On the inner side of the box, behind each hole, a special configuration is provided, with a protective surface that prevents the tool from penetrating the inside of the box and potentially coming into contact with live conductors. In these cases, it is recommended that at least the inner surface of the wall of the conduit or box have increased hydrophobicity. The degree of the hydrophobic protection of a plastic surface can be evaluated by measuring the contact angle and / or roll-off angle and / or contact angle hysteresis at the start of rolling. As is shown in Figure 5, the contact angle is the angle formed between the surface ofthe water and the plastic (19) (20), when the drop of water (15) is in static equilibrium on the surface of the plastic (16). The roll-off angle is defined as the minimum inclination of the surface (16) where the drop of water (15) begins to move and the two three-phase points (17) (18) shift by at least 1mm, as shown in Figure 6. The three-phase points (17) (18) are the points where the surface of the plastic material (16), the surface of the water droplet (15) and the surrounding air meet. The contact angle hysteresis is the difference between the advancing contact angle (22) and the receding contact angle (21) when the drop of water (15) begins to move with the surface (16) inclined. The advancing angle (22) is the contact angle when the drop (15) moves in one direction and the receding angle (21) is the contact angle when the drop (15) recedes due to the inclination of the plastic surface (16). According to the relevant theory, a surface is characterised as hydrophobic when the static contact angle of water exceeds 90°. An improvement of the contact angle in the order of 3° contributes to the reduction of the water drops adhesion and to improved resistance to moisture and is considered technically sufficient for enhancing the hydrophobicity of the surface. The standards EN ISO 19403-2:2024 Paints and varnishes Wettabìlìty Part 2: Determination of the surface free energy of solid surfaces by measuring the contact angle and EN ISO 19403-7:2024 Paints and varnishes Wettability Part 7: Measurement of the dynamic contact angles and the roll-off angle on a tilt stage" provide the methodology for measuring the contact angle, roll-off angle, ancl dynamic contact angle, which also includes roll-off hysteresis. This measurement enables the evaluation of the interaction between the drop and the surface of the material. Although the EN ISO 19403 series of standards primarily focuses on paints and varnishes, the principles applied are also used for plastic surfaces. ln some examples of the invention, the increase in the contact angle of a drop of water with a volume of 20ul on the outer surface of the part is at least 3 degrees. In some examples, the contact angle of a drop of water with a volume of 20ul on the outer surface of the part is at least 105°. ln some examples of the invention, the reduction in the roll-off angle of a drop of water with a volume of 20ul or 40u| on the outer and / or inner surface of the part is at least 8°. In some examples, the roll-offangle ofa drop of water with a volume of 20ul on the outer and / or inner surface of the part is equal to or less than 30°. ln some examples of the invention, the reduction in the contact angle hysteresis of a drop of water with a volume of 20ul on the surface of the part is at least 5°. ln some examples, the contact angle hysteresis of the 2 three-phase points at the start of rolling of a drop of water with a volume of 20ul on the surface of the part is equal to or less than 5°. To date, in the field of electrical installations and, in particular, cable protection, there is no integrated plastic conduit system that includes all the necessary parts required for the integration of the installation, where such parts provide hydrophobic protection in their entirety. The plastic conduit system of this invention is used for the management and protection of cables in above-ground or underground telecommunications ancl electricity transmission networks. Such management may include routing of the cables inside the conduit and the junction boxes during the network construction, extension or maintenance phase; protection of the cables from mechanical stresses during network operation; electrical insulation; and fire retardation. The system of the invention includes parts produced either by extrusion or injection moulding technology, from thermoplastic raw material (polymer), which may indicatively be: polyethylene (PE), or polypropylene (PP), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or polycarbonate (PC), or polycarbonate / acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS), or polystyrene (PS), or polyamide (PA), where these raw materials are mixed, under suitable conditions, with special hydrophobic additives for the removal of water drops from the surface of the system with the help of gravity, as well as with other auxiliary additives, such as colorants. Since there is a variety of specifications for the construction of the system of plastic conduits, junction boxes and fittings that constitute an electrical installation, it is highly expected that different plastic raw materials will be used in their construction, which may vary depending on the requirements of each application. Examples of the invention are described below, with reference to Figures 1 to 6, where: Figure 1 presents a system with different parts. Figure 2 presents double wall conduits with a connector or coupler. Figure 3 presents a pliable single-wall multi-layered conduit. Figure 4 presents a double-wall conduit. Figure 5 schematically presents the contact angle in static equilibrium according to tests conducted. Figure 6 presents the roll-off angle on an inclined surface according to tests conducted. The parts forming the plastic conduit system of the present invention, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, are the rigid single-layer and multi-layer conduits (1), the pliable single-layer and multi-layer corrugated conduits (2), the double structured wall conduits (3), the conduit connectors (couplers) (4), the single-layer and multi-layer bends (5), the conduit clips (6), the junction boxes (7), the junction box covers (lids) (8), the junction box caps (plugs) (9), and the junction box adaptors (10). The parts in the example of Figure 1 and Figure 2 follow the specifications of the EN IEC 61386 series of standards and the EN IEC 60670 series of standards. Conduits may be multi-layer, where one wall may consist of more than one layers, without limitation as to their number. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the conduits (2) may consist of a corrugated wall that comprises a corrugated layer externally (11) and a different corrugated layer internally (12). Also, the conduits (1) may consist of a rigid wall that comprises an outer layer and a different inner layer. The layers are of the same form and adjacent layers are in contact over their entire surface. Additionally, the conduits may have more than one wall (multi-wall). For example, as illustrated in Figure 4, the conduits (3) may consist of a corrugated wall externally (13) and a different smooth wall internally (14), i.e. a double-wall structure. The conduits may have longitudinal colour marking lines along their outer layer or wall. In order to achieve hydrophobic protection for the surfaces of all of the above parts, a compatible additive (masterbatch) containing one or more agents / active ingredients is incorporated in the composition of each polymer. The hydrophobic additive (masterbatch) is compatible with the type of polymer from which the individual parts of the plastic conduit system are made and therefore it may contain, by way of example and without limitation, organically modified siloxane as a hydrophobic agent, in combination with silica as an antiblock agent. Other examples of hydrophobic agents that may be used are erucamide, oleamide, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) and functionalized polydimethyl siloxane. Another antiblock agent may be added, such as talc, in combination with one or more hydrophobic agents, to enhance the hydrophobic properties. It has been observed that the hydrophobic agent acts as a surface lubricant, reducing interfacial friction and water adhesion. The antiblock agent increases micro-roughness, creating a more heterogeneous surface that reduces contact with water. The combination of these two additives can lead to an ultrahydrophobicity effect similar to lotus leaves (lotus effect). According to the present invention, the hydrophobic active ingredient and the antiblock active ingredient are contained in a mixture of hydrophobic additive (masterbatch) which will be added to the final composition of the polymers from which the parts of the plastic conduit system will be produced. The system of plastic conduits, junction boxes and fittings for electrical installations as specified in the invention may, depending on the requirements of each application, provide a different degree of hydrophobic protection depending on the type and the percentage content by weight of the hydrophobic additive in the composition of the thermoplastic materials from which its individual parts are manufactured. Moreover, each layer (11) (12) and / or wall (13) (14) of the conduits (1) (2) (3) (5) may contain the same or different hydrophobic additive that provides the same or different hydrophobic protection to each of them, while it is also possible that some of the walls and / or layers may not contain a hydrophobic additive. For example, a hydrophobic additive may be contained only in the inner or only in the outer layer and / or wall of the conduits. According to a proposed application of the invention, a hydrophobic additive (masterbatch) is prepared that contains a hydrophobic agent, indicatively organically modified siloxane, and an antiblock agent, indicatively silica, with a polyethylene (PE) carrier and a content by weight in the order of 50% for the hydrophobic agent and in the order of 10% for the antiblock agent, which hydrophobic additive is proposed to be added to the final composition of the polymer from which the system parts are made, in a content of, indicatively, 1% to 10% by weight. The composition of the aforementioned application of the invention results in a system that offers improved self-cleaning of the surfaces from water and, specifically, improved contact angle, roll-off angle, and contact angle hysteresis. Indicative applications of the invention of the system of plastic conduits, junction boxes and fittings for electrical installations are presented in the following examples. Example 1 Parts ofthe plastic conduit system were produced, specifically rigid multi-layer pipes (1) made of PP. In all of the aforementioned produced products, the thermoplastic raw material used had a composition with a content of 6.5% by weight of a hydrophobic additive (masterbatch, which included in its composition a hydrophobic agent (organically modified siloxane) in a ratio of 50% by weight and an antiblock agent (silica) in a ratio of 10% by weight. In specimens of the above produced products, a drop of 40ul was placed inside the conduit and the roll-off angle of the drop was measured; it was found to be reduced from an inclination of 65° from the horizontal surface to an inclination of 49°, i.e. a reduction of -25%, compared to conduit specimens that did not contain the hydrophobic additive. The specimens were conditioned for at least 16 hours at 23:2 ° and at a relative humidity of 50+5% and the measurement was carried out under the same conditions. Example 2 Plastic junction box covers (8) made of PP were produced, with a flat outer surface. The thermoplastic raw material used in the specimens had a composition with a content of 6.5% by weight of a hydrophobic additive which included in its composition a hydrophobic agent (organically modified siloxane) in a ratio of 50% by weight and an antiblock agent (silica) in a ratio of 10% by weight. In the specimens containing the hydrophobic additive (masterbatch), an improvement of up to -29% was measured in the roll-off angle, as well as up to -31% in hysteresis and up to 60% in the contact angle, compared to conduit specimens that did not contain the hydrophobic additive. The specimens were conditioned for at least 16 hours at 2312 ° and at a relative humidity of 50+5% and the measurement was carried out under the same conditions. The relevant measurements are presented in the following table: 102 34 26 additive --- Example 3 Plastic junction box covers (8) made of PP were produced, with a flat outer surface. The thermoplastic raw material used in the specimens had a composition with a content of 3% by weight of a hydrophobic additive which included in its composition a hydrophobic agent (organically modified siloxane) in a ratio of 50% by weight and an antiblock agent (silica) in a ratio of 10% by weight. In the specimens containing the hydrophobic additive (masterbatch), an improvement of up to -36% was measured in the roll-off angle, as well as up to -57% in hysteresis and up to 12% in the contact angle, compared to conduit specimens that did not contain the hydrophobic additive. The specimens were conditioned for at least 16 hours at 2312 ° and at a relative humidity of 50+5% and the measurement was carried out under the same conditions. The relevant measurements are presented in the following table: -- 100 30 additive __H- Example 4 Plastic junction box covers (8) made of PE were produced, with a flat outer surface. The thermoplastic raw material used in the specimens had a composition with a content of 6.5% by weight of a hydrophobic additive which included in its composition a hydrophobic agent (organically modified siloxane) in a ratio of 50% by weight and an antiblock agent (silica) in a ratio of 10% by weight. In the specimens containing the hydrophobic additive (masterbatch), an improvement of up to -38% was measured in the roll-off angle, as well as up to -32% in hysteresis and up to 6% in the contact angle, compared to conduit specimens that did not contain the hydrophobic additive. The specimens were conditioned for at least 16 hours at 2312 ° and at a relative humidity of 50+5% and the measurement was carried out under the same conditions. The relevant measurements are presented in the following table: 104 37 22 additive --- ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION ARE SET OUT IN THE FOLLOWING CLAUSES 1. Part of an electrical installation system, which is one of the following: rigid single-layer or multi-layer conduit (1), pliable single-layer or multi-layer corrugated conduit, (2), double structured wall conduit for underground and / or above-ground networks (3), conduit connector-coupler (4), single-layer or multi-layer bend (5), conduit clip (6), junction box (7), junction box cover or lid (8), junction box cap - plug (9), junction box adaptor (10), where the part is at least partially made of thermoplastic material containing a hydrophobic additive that includes a) a hydrophobic agent including siloxane and b) an antiblock agent that includes silica. 2. Part according to claim 1, where the part has an inner and an outer surface and consists of a) a single-layer single wall, with a single wall made ofa uniform material, which (wall) forms the inner and outer surface; or b) a multi-layer single wall, which (wall) includes an inner layer (12) forming the inner surface and an outer layer forming the outer surface; or c) a multiple structured wall, with an inner wall forming the inner surface and an outer wall forming the outer surface. 3. Part according to clause 2, where the hydrophobic additive is contained in at least one layer or wall and the weight content of the hydrophobic additive ranges from 1% to 15% of the weight of said layer or wall respectively. 4. Part according to clause 3, where the weight of the hydrophobic agent is at least 30% of the weight of the hydrophobic additive and at least 0.3% of the weight of the thermoplastic material of the layer or wall containing it. 5. Part according to one of the clauses 2 to 4, where the antiblock agent is silica. 6. Part according to clause 5, where the weight of the antiblock agent is at least 5% of the weight of the hydrophobic additive and at least 0.05% of the weight of the thermoplastic material of the layer or wall containing it. 7. Part according to one of the clauses 2 to 6, where the hydrophobic additive includes organically modified siloxane. 8. Part according to one of the clauses 2 to 7, where the part consists of a single multi- layer wall and the weight of the inner layer ranges between 1% - 30% as a percentage of the weight of the part. 9. Part according to clause 8, where the part has a multi-layer wall comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, and the hydrophobic additive is included in the outer layer and the inner layer, in identical or different weight ratios relative to the weight of the respective layer in which it is included. 10. Part according to one of the clauses 2 to 7, where the part consists of a multiple structured wall and the weight of the inner wall ranges between 1% - 30% as a percentage of the weight of the part. 11. Part according to clause 10, where the part consists of a double-structured wall and the hydrophobic additive is included in the outer wall and the inner wall, in identical or different weight ratios relative to the weight of the respective wall in which it is included. 12. Part according to clause 10, where the part is a double structured wall conduit with a corrugated outer wall (13) and a smooth inner wall (14), and the hydrophobic additive is included in the outer wall. 13. Part according to clause 10, where the part is a double structured wall conduit with a corrugated outer wall (13) and a smooth inner wall (14), and the hydrophobic additive is included in the outer wall and the inner wall, in identical or different weight ratios relative to the weight of the respective wall in which it is included. 14. Part according to one of the clauses 2 to 7, where the part consists of a single-layer single wall and the hydrophobic additive is included throughout the volume of the thermoplastic material of the part. 15. Part according to one of the clauses 2 to 7, which is one of the following: junction box (7), junction box cover - lid (8), junction box cap - plug (9), junction box adaptor (10), where the part has a multi-layer wall, with an inner layer and an outer layer and the hydrophobic additive is included at least in the inner layer. 16. Part of a system according to one of the clauses 2 to 15, where at least the outer or inner surface has hydrophobic properties, which (properties) are assessed through the increase of the contact angle of the water drops with the surface, and / or the reduction of the drops roll-off angle, and / or the reduction of their contact angle hysteresis as they roll on the surface of the part, in relation to a similar part made of the same thermoplastic material without the hydrophobic additive. 17. Part according to clause 16, where the increase of the contact angle ofa drop of water with a volume of 20ul on the outer and / or inner surface of the part is at least 3 degrees. 18. Part according to clause 16, where the reduction of the roll-off angle of a drop of water with a volume of 20u| or 40ul on the outer and / or inner surface of the part is at least 8 degrees. 19. Part according to clause 16, where the reduction in the contact angle hysteresis of a drop of water with a volume of 20ul on the outer and / or inner surface of the part is at least 5 degrees. 20. Part according to clause 16, where the contact angle of a drop of water with a volume of 20ul on the outer and / or inner surface of the part is at least 105 degrees. 21. Part according to clause 16, where the roll-off angle of a drop of water with a volume of 20ul or 40ul on the outer and / or inner surface of the part is equal to or less than 30 degrees. 22. Part according to clause 16, where the contact angle hysteresis of a drop of water with a volume of 20ul on the outer and / or inner surface of the part is equal to or less than 20 degrees. 23. Part according to one of the clauses 1 to 22, where the part is cast or extruded from a thermoplastic material which is one, or a combination of at least two, of the following: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polycarbonate / acrylonìtrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, polyamide. 24. A system of plastic conduits, junction boxes and fittings for electrical installations, which includes at least two different parts, each of which is in accordance with one of the clauses 1 to 23. 25. A system of plastic conduits, junction boxes and fittings for electrical installations, which includes more than two parts among the following: rigid single-layer or multi- layer conduit (1), pliable single-layer or multi-layer corrugated conduit, (2), double structured wall conduit for underground and / or above-ground networks (3), conduit connector-coupler (4), single-layer or multi-layer bend (5), conduit clip (6), junction box (7), junction box cover or Iid (8), junction box cap - plug (9), junction box adaptor (10), where each of the above parts is in accordance with one of the clauses 1 to 23. 26. Method of production of an electrical installations part which consists of a) a single-layer single wall with a single wall made of a uniform material, which (wall) forms the inner and outer surface; or b) a multi-layer single wall, which (wall) includes an inner layer (12) forming the inner surface and an outer layer forming the outer surface, with the weight of the inner layer of the part ranging between 1%-30% of the weight of the part, or c) a double structured wall, with an inner wall forming the inner surface and an outer wall forming the outer surface, with the weight of the inner wall of the part ranging between 1%-30% of the weight of the part, where the method involves the mixing of a pre-prepared hydrophobic additive - masterbatch that includes a) a hydrophobic agent including siloxane and b) an antiblock agent including silica, with a thermoplastic material to produce the part of the aforementioned mixture through the technology of extrusion or coextrusion, or injection moulding. 27. Method according to clause 26, where the antiblock agent is silica. 28. Method according to clause 26 or clause 27, where the part produced by the method is in accordance with one of the clauses 1 to 23. 29. Part of an electrical installation system, as a rigid single-layer or multi-layer conduit (1), pliable single-layer or multi-layer corrugated conduit, (2), double structured wall conduit for underground and / or above-ground networks (3), conduit connector- coupler (4), single-layer or multi-layer bend (5), conduit clip (6), junction box (7), junction box cover or lid (8), junction box cap - plug (9), junction box adaptor (10), with an inner surface and an outer surface and made of a thermoplastic material containing a hydrophobic additive - masterbatch, with at least the outer or inner surface having hydrophobic properties, which result to the increase of the contact angle of the water drops with the surface, and / or the reduction of the drops' roll-off angle, and / or the reduction of contact angle hysteresis as they roll on the surface of the part, in relation to a similar part made of the same thermoplastic material without the hydrophobic additive.

Claims

1. Part of an electrical installation system, being one of the following: rigid single or multilayer tube (1), flexible single or multilayer ribbed tube, (2), double-walled pipe for underground and / or aboveground networks (3), pipe connector coupling (4), single or multilayer bend (5), pipe clamp (6), junction box (7), lid or cover for junction box (8), cap - plug for terminal box (9), adapter for terminal box (10), where the component at least is partially manufactured from thermoplastic material containing a hydrophobic additive contains that a) comprises a hydrophobic agent with siloxane and b) an anti-blocking agent includes that contains silica.

2. Component according to claim 1, where the component has an inner surface and a has an outer surface and consists of a) a single-layer single wall, with a single wall made of a homogeneous material which (wall) forms the inner and outer surface; or b) a multilayer single wall, which (wall) comprises an inner layer (12) which the forms an inner surface and an outer layer that forms the outer surface; or c) a multi-layer wall, with an inner wall forming the inner surface and an outer wall that forms the outer surface.

3. Component pursuant to claim 2, where the hydrophobic additive is incorporated in ten at least one layer or wall and the weight content of the hydrophobic additive varies from 1% to 15% of the weight of the said layer or wall, respectively.

4. Part pursuant to claim 3, where the weight of the hydrophobic agent at amounts to at least 30% of the weight of the hydrophobic additive and at least 0.3% of the weight of the thermoplastic material of the layer or wall in which it has been recorded.

5. Component pursuant to one of claims 2 to 4, where the anti-lock braking agent silica is.

6. Component pursuant to claim 5, where the weight of the anti-lock braking agent at amounts to at least 5% of the weight of the hydrophobic additive and at least 0.05% of the weight of the thermoplastic material of the layer or wall in which it has been recorded.

7. Part pursuant to one of claims 2 to 6, where the hydrophobic additive includes organically modified siloxane.

8. Part according to one of claims 2 to 7, where the part consists of a single multilayer wall and the weight of the inner layer is between 1% - 30% as a percentage of the weight of the part.

9. Component under claim 8, where the component has a multilayer wall that comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, and the hydrophobic additive is incorporated in the outer layer and the inner layer, in identical or different weight ratios relative to the weight of the respective layer in which it is incorporated.

10. Part according to one of claims 2 to 7, where the part consists of a multi-layer wall and the weight of the inner wall is between 1% - 30% if percentage of the weight of the part.

11. Component in accordance with claim 10, where the component consists of a double wall and the hydrophobic additive is incorporated into the outer wall and the inner wall, in identical or different weight ratios relative to the weight of the respective wall in which it is incorporated.

12. Component under claim 10, where the component is a double-walled tube with a ribbed outer wall (13) and a smooth inner wall (14), and the A hydrophobic additive is incorporated into the outer wall.

13. Component under claim 10, where the component is a double-walled tube with a ribbed outer wall (13) and a smooth inner wall (14), and the A hydrophobic additive is incorporated into the outer and inner walls, in identical amounts. or different weight ratios relative to the weight of the respective wall in which it is incorporated.

14. Part according to one of claims 2 to 7, where the part consists of a single-layer single wall and the hydrophobic additive is absorbed by the entire volume of the thermoplastic material of the part.

15. Part pursuant to one of claims 2 to 7, being one of the following: junction box (7), lid - cover for junction box (8), cap - plug for junction box (9), adapter for junction box (10), where the component has a multilayer wall has, with an inner layer and an outer layer, and the hydrophobic additive is included at least in the inner layer.

16. Part of a system pursuant to one of Claims 2 to 15, where at least the outer or inner surface has hydrophobic properties, which (properties) are assessed by the increase in the contact angle of water droplets with the surface, and / or the decrease in the rolling angle of the droplets, and / or the decrease in their contact angle hysteresis while rolling over the surface of the part, compared with a similar part made of the same thermoplastic material without the hydrophobic additive.

17. Component according to claim 16, where the increase in the contact angle of a water droplet with a volume of 20u| on the outer and / or inner surface of the part amounts to at least 3 degrees.

18. Part under claim 16, regarding the decrease in the roll-off angle of a water droplet with a volume of 20u| or 40u| on the outer and / or inner surface of the component amounts to at least 8 degrees.

19. Part according to conclusion 16, regarding the decrease in contact angle hysteresis of a water droplet with a volume of 20u| on the outer and / or inner surface of the component amounts to at least 5 degrees.

20. Part under claim 16, where the contact angle of a water droplet with a volume of 20u| on the outer and / or inner surface of the component at amounts to at least 105 degrees.

21. Part under claim 16, where the rolling angle of a water droplet with a volume of 20µl or 40µl on the outer and / or inner surface of the part is equal to or less than 30 degrees.

22. Component according to claim 16, regarding the contact angle hysteresis of a water droplet with a volume of 20µl on the outer and / or inner surface of the part is equal to or less than 20 degrees.

23. Part according to one of claims 1 to 22, where the part is cast or extruded from a thermoplastic material that is one, or a combination of at least two of the following: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polystyrene, polyamide.

24. A system of plastic pipes, junction boxes and fittings for electrical installations, comprising at least two distinct components, each of which correspond with one of conclusions 1 to 23.

25. A system of plastic pipes, junction boxes and fittings for electrical installations, comprising more than two components from the following: rigid single or multilayer tube (1), flexible single or multilayer ribbed tube, (2), double-walled pipe for underground and / or aboveground networks (3), pipe connector coupling (4), single or multilayer bend (5), pipe clamp (6), junction box (7), lid or cover for junction box (8), cap - plug for terminal box (9), adapter for terminal box (10), where each of the above parts is in accordance with one of conclusions 1 to 23.

26. Production method of a component of electrical installations, consisting of a) a single-layer single wall with a single wall made of a homogeneous material which (wall) forms the inner and outer surface; or b) a multilayer single wall, which (wall) comprises an inner layer (12) which the forms an inner surface and an outer layer that forms the outer surface, whereby the weight of the inner layer of the part is between 1%-30% of the weight of the part, or c) a double wall, with an inner wall forming the inner surface and a outer wall forming the outer surface, where the weight of the inner wall of the part lies between 1%-30% of the weight of the part, where the method involves mixing a pre-prepared hydrophobic additive - masterbatch that a) comprises a hydrophobic agent with siloxane and b) a anti-lock agent contains silica, with a thermoplastic material to the to produce part of the said mixture via extrusion technology or co-extrusion, or injection molding.

27. Method according to claim 26, where the anti-lock agent is silica.

28. Method pursuant to claim 26 or claim 27, whereby the component produced with the method is consistent with one of claims 1 to 23.

29. Part of an electrical installation system, being a rigid single- or multi-layer tube (1), flexible single or multilayer ribbed tube, (2), double-walled tube for underground and / or aboveground networks (3), pipe connector coupling (4), single or multi-layer bend (5), pipe clamp (6), junction box (7), lid or cover for junction box (8), cap - plug for junction box (9), adapter for junction box (10), with an inner surface and an outer surface and manufactured from a thermoplastic material containing a hydrophobic additive - masterbatch, whereby at least the outer or inner surface has hydrophobic properties, causing the contact angle of water droplets with the surface increases, and / or the rolling angle of decreases the drops, and / or the contact angle hysteresis decreases when she over the rolling the surface of the part, compared to a similar part manufactured from the same thermoplastic material without the hydrophobic additive. 1 / 2

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