When you’re stepping a conduit run down from 50 mm to 40 mm, you want the transition to be simple, secure, and compliant. That’s exactly where the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer earns its place in your toolkit. This small PVC fitting might look unassuming, but it plays a big role in keeping electrical installations tidy, safe, and easy to maintain.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer: what it is, how it works, where it fits best, how to install it correctly, and how it compares with other reducers in the Clipsal 264 series. Whether you’re working on a large industrial project or a smaller commercial or residential job, understanding this humble fitting can save time, reduce rework, and help keep your installation compliant.
What Is the Clipsal 264/5SM Screwed Reducer?
At its core, the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer is a PVC conduit fitting designed to join a 50 mm conduit to a 40 mm conduit securely. On one side, you have a 50 mm external (male) threaded end; on the other, a 40 mm internal (female) threaded end. This male-to-female combination allows a smooth, watertight transition between the two conduit sizes, making it ideal wherever a reduction in conduit diameter is needed.
Because the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer is made from durable grey PVC, it’s lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and well suited to everyday cable management in industrial, commercial, and residential settings. At approximately 32 mm long, it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to a run, but it provides enough engagement length on both sides to create a secure joint when used with appropriate conduit and PVC cement.
You’ll often see the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer used in main-to-branch transitions: a 50 mm main conduit coming from a distribution board or switchboard stepping down to a 40 mm branch feeding a subcircuit or a particular section of a building. Instead of trying to “make do” with mismatched fittings or improvised workarounds, this reducer provides a neat, engineered solution.
From a design perspective, the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer is also part of a broader ecosystem. It belongs to the Clipsal 264 series of reducers, each stepping from one standard conduit size down to the next. That means you can count on consistent dimensions, materials, and performance across the range.
Key Specifications of the Clipsal 264/5SM Screwed Reducer
Understanding the technical details of the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer helps you quickly verify whether it’s the right choice for a job. Below are the key specifications that define this fitting and explain why it has become a go-to option in many installations.
First, the thread sizes are critical. On the 50 mm side, the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer has an external (male) thread designed to screw into compatible 50 mm female fittings such as couplings or conduit boxes. On the 40 mm side, it offers an internal (female) threaded end that accepts 40 mm conduit or fittings. This is what allows seamless connection between the two conduit sizes without needing a stack of adaptors.
The Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer is manufactured from grey PVC (polyvinyl chloride), using the standard Clipsal colour code GY. PVC brings several advantages: it is resistant to moisture, many common chemicals, and normal environmental conditions within its rating. This makes the fitting suitable for a wide range of indoor and covered outdoor electrical installations.
Temperature ratings are another important aspect of the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer. It is typically rated for normal operating temperatures from –15 °C up to +65 °C, which covers most common Australian and New Zealand installation environments. Within this range, the fitting maintains its structural integrity and performance when installed correctly as part of a compliant conduit system.
Physically, the reducer length is around 32 mm. That may sound modest, but it’s enough to provide adequate thread engagement for both the 50 mm and 40 mm ends while keeping the overall conduit route compact. As a result, the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer fits nicely into tight corners, distribution areas, or congested cable routes where space is at a premium.
The fitting is designed to comply with AS/NZS 2053, the standard that governs non-metallic electrical conduit and fittings in Australia and New Zealand. This means the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer is part of a system that has been designed, tested, and specified to work reliably as a complete solution.
Standards, Safety and Environmental Compliance
In modern electrical work, it’s not enough for a fitting like the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer to be mechanically sound. It must also align with relevant standards, safety requirements, and environmental expectations. Clipsal and Schneider Electric have designed this reducer with those considerations in mind.
The Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer is built to meet AS/NZS 2053, the key standard that defines requirements for rigid non-metallic conduit and fittings. Operating within this standard helps electricians and designers trust that the fitting will perform correctly in typical Australian and New Zealand installations. Using a compliant fitting like the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer reduces the risk of inspection issues and supports consistent, code-aligned installations.
Thread standards are equally important. The conduit thread on the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer follows metric threading conventions, with a 1.5 mm pitch according to AS 1721 for sizes 16–63 mm. That means you can rely on proper engagement with matching Clipsal and compatible fittings, and you won’t be struggling with non-standard, hard-to-match threads.
From a chemical compliance viewpoint, manufacturer data typically indicates that the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer is REACH SVHC-free and RoHS-compliant, meaning it does not contain banned substances such as certain toxic heavy metals or mercury. While PVC itself is a halogen-containing material, the fitting is produced within environmental guidelines and is often supplied in recycled or recyclable packaging to help minimise overall environmental impact.
Schneider Electric commonly provides an environmental profile and may note that the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer has a relatively low carbon footprint for its class. Users concerned with sustainability can take some reassurance from this, knowing that the product has been assessed for environmental impact across its life cycle.
In terms of warranty, the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer typically carries an 18‑month manufacturer warranty when used in line with specifications. This indicates the confidence the brand has in the durability and performance of the fitting.
All of these factors—AS/NZS 2053 compliance, metric thread standards, chemical safety, and environmental responsibility—combine to make the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer a dependable choice on site. Instead of worrying about whether a reducer will pass inspection or hold up long-term, you can concentrate on designing and installing a robust overall system.
Compatible Accessories for the Clipsal 264/5SM Screwed Reducer
The Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer really shines when it is used as part of a coordinated system of conduit, couplings, junction boxes, and accessories. Understanding the main compatible parts around it makes planning your installation much more straightforward.
On the 50 mm side, you’ll often pair the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer with a 50 mm PVC coupling or conduit box. A typical example is the Clipsal 242/50-GY coupling, a solid PVC coupler designed specifically for 50 mm conduit. The male threaded end of the reducer engages with the female side of such fittings, creating a solid, watertight transition.
On the 40 mm side, the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer is designed to accept 40 mm conduit or compatible 40 mm fittings, such as the Clipsal 242/40-GY coupling. This means you can continue your conduit run in 40 mm without having to change brands or compromise on quality.
End plugs are another common accessory. If you need to seal off a conduit run, you can use matching 50 mm and 40 mm screw plugs such as the 220S50 and 220S40. These plugs can be threaded into compatible conduit ends to create a closed, protected termination. They complement the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer nicely when you’re managing complex runs or preparing for future extensions.
In many installations, standard conduit supports and clamps come into play as well. Saddles or U-brackets sized for 50 mm or 40 mm conduit help support the run on walls, ceilings, or structural members. When properly spaced and secured, they ensure that the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer isn’t taking mechanical stress that should be carried by the conduit and supports.
Because the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer is part of a well-defined Clipsal ecosystem, it also integrates seamlessly with elbows, junction boxes, inspection tees, and other fittings in the product family. This consistency is a major advantage during planning and installation: you can design an entire conduit system on paper knowing that every Clipsal component—from the 50 mm conduit to the 40 mm accessories and the reducer itself—will fit together correctly.
In short, the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer is most powerful when you think of it not as an isolated part, but as a link within a larger chain of compatible Clipsal conduit and fittings.
How to Install a Clipsal 264/5SM Screwed Reducer Step by Step
Installing the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer is relatively straightforward, but like any conduit fitting, it needs to be done properly to maintain mechanical strength, water resistance, and compliance with the AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules and related standards. Below is a step-by-step overview of a typical installation approach.
1. Plan the Conduit Route
Before you touch the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer, take time to map out your conduit route. Identify where the run starts at 50 mm and where it needs to step down to 40 mm. Ensuring this is clear from the beginning helps you avoid awkward transitions and ensures the reducer ends up in the most accessible, logical position.
Good planning also means allowing room for future modifications. If you think the conduit route may be extended or modified later, consider mounting the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer in a location where it can be accessed without tearing apart finished surfaces.
2. Cut and Prepare the Conduit
Next, measure and cut your 50 mm and 40 mm conduit sections to length. Use a fine-tooth saw to avoid ragged edges. After cutting, remove any burrs with a deburring tool or utility knife. Clean the cut ends with a cloth and a small amount of methylated spirits to remove dust, grease, or other contaminants.
Proper preparation at this stage is essential. If conduit ends are rough, dirty, or out of square, it can be harder to seat the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer fully, and you may compromise the seal or joint strength.
3. Dry Fit the Clipsal 264/5SM Screwed Reducer
Before opening the cement, dry fit all components. Place the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer between the 50 mm and 40 mm conduit sections, checking that everything lines up correctly. Confirm that threads engage smoothly and that the reducer sits in the intended orientation.
This dry-fit stage lets you spot issues early—such as misaligned brackets, conduit lengths that are slightly too short or long, or obstructions that you may have overlooked on the drawing. It’s easier to correct these now than after the cement has cured.
4. Apply PVC Solvent Cement
Although the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer has threaded ends, best practice under AS/NZS 2053 is to use PVC solvent cement to achieve a permanent, watertight connection. Shake the cement container, then apply a thin, even layer to the outside of the conduit ends and the corresponding inside surfaces of the reducer.
Work steadily but not slowly; solvent cement typically flashes off quickly. When applied properly, it softens the PVC surfaces slightly, allowing the material from the conduit and the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer to fuse together as it cures.
5. Assemble and Rotate
Immediately after applying the cement, push the 50 mm conduit into the male side or appropriate mating fitting, then screw the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer into place. Rotate about a quarter turn as you bring the parts together. This helps spread the cement evenly and ensures full surface contact.
Repeat the same process on the 40 mm side: apply cement (if required), insert the 40 mm conduit into the female end of the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer, and rotate slightly. Make sure to wipe away any excess cement that squeezes out, as it can become brittle or untidy when dry.
6. Hold and Allow to Cure
Hold each joint firmly together for at least a minute to prevent the parts from slipping apart while the solvent begins to cure. Once the joints feel secure, you can gently let go, but avoid placing mechanical stress on the assembly.
Most manufacturers recommend allowing around 24 hours for full cure before loading the conduit run or exposing it to water, significant heat, or other demanding conditions. Giving the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer and the surrounding conduit time to bond properly greatly increases long-term reliability.
7. Final Inspection and Testing
Once cured, inspect the assembly visually. Check that the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer is fully seated, threads are properly engaged, and there are no gaps or cracks. Confirm that saddles or supports are positioned so that the reducer itself is not bearing the weight of long conduit runs.
If the installation is part of a system that may be exposed to moisture or ingress, you may also test for leaks or water tightness where appropriate. With the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer installed correctly, you should have a robust, secure step-down transition from 50 mm to 40 mm conduit.
Practical Applications for the Clipsal 264/5SM Screwed Reducer
The situations in which you can use the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer are almost as varied as the places you can run conduit. Anywhere you need to change from a 50 mm conduit to a 40 mm conduit, this fitting offers a neat, engineered solution.
One of the most common applications is branching from a main trunk. You might have a 50 mm main conduit serving a switchboard or main distribution board, and from that main run, you branch off circuits using 40 mm conduit. The Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer becomes the simple transition point that maintains a clean, secure route without introducing unnecessary turbulence or stress into the system.
Another scenario involves routing around obstacles. Sometimes there isn’t enough physical space to continue with 50 mm conduit all the way through an area—maybe you are navigating around structural steel, ductwork, or architectural elements. In these cases, you can reduce the run using the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer and complete the tight section in 40 mm conduit instead.
Retrofits and upgrades are another area where this reducer proves its worth. When an existing 50 mm conduit system is being modified, you may want to add new circuits or re-route cable paths using 40 mm. The Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer lets you adapt old infrastructure to new requirements without ripping out entire runs.
In multi-use facilities—such as warehouses, factories, shopping centres, and commercial buildings—the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer offers flexibility as layouts and cable demands evolve over time. You might initially install a 50 mm main with a few 40 mm branches, then later add additional branches or rearrange existing ones, using reducers at key points.
Even in residential contexts, the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer can appear where larger conduits are used for main feeds, then stepped down for specific zones or outbuildings. The goal is always the same: maintain safe, well-protected cabling while adapting conduit sizes to actual load and space requirements.
Clipsal 264 Series vs the Clipsal 264/5SM Screwed Reducer
The Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer is part of a broader family of conduit reducers designed to step down between standard conduit sizes. Understanding how it fits into the series can help you select the right fitting for each part of your project.
Within the Clipsal 264 series, you’ll typically find models such as:
- 264/1SM: Reducer 20 mm → 16 mm
- 264/2SM: Reducer 25 mm → 20 mm
- 264/3SM: Reducer 32 mm → 25 mm
- 264/4SM: Reducer 40 mm → 32 mm
- 264/5SM: Reducer 50 mm → 40 mm
Each of these is similar in concept to the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer: a sturdy grey PVC fitting that steps down one conduit size at a time. This stepped approach helps designers maintain smooth transitions in conduit systems without abrupt changes that might compromise cable pulling, mechanical strength, or aesthetics.
In addition to the screwed reducers, Clipsal also offers plain reducers, such as the 264/5M, which transitions from 50 mm to 40 mm without threaded ends. These plain versions are designed for solvent-welded joints without the screw-type connection. Depending on the installation, you may choose a plain reducer or a screwed reducer like the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer.
The choice between plain and screwed often comes down to how the reducer will interface with other fittings. If you are connecting into threaded junction boxes or existing threaded couplings, the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer is generally the more convenient option. If the entire system is built with plain solvent-welded conduit, a non-screwed reducer may be more appropriate.
Because all of these reducers share common materials, colours, and compliance with AS/NZS 2053, they can be mixed and matched within a single installation where needed. The key is to plan your conduit sizes and reduction points early, then choose the specific Clipsal 264 reducer—whether the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer or another variant—that best fits each location.
Best Practices for Reliable Conduit Transitions
To get the most from the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer, it helps to follow a few general best practices that apply to conduit transitions in general. These habits can extend the life of an installation, reduce call-backs, and improve safety.
First, always avoid over-tightening. The Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer is made from PVC, which, while durable, can be brittle if subjected to excessive torque. Tighten by hand, and if tools are used, apply only light pressure. The goal is a firm, seated connection—not a crushed thread.
Second, ensure that conduit runs are properly supported. Saddles and brackets for 50 mm and 40 mm conduit should be spaced in line with codes and manufacturer recommendations. The Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer should not be left hanging in mid-air, carrying the weight or tension of long conduit runs. Instead, supports should be placed so that the reducer is essentially a passive connector.
Third, be generous but controlled with cleaning and preparation. Smooth, clean conduit ends allow the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer to seat correctly and ensure that solvent cement can do its job. Likewise, wiping away any excess cement helps maintain a neat appearance and prevents brittle residues.
Fourth, think ahead about accessibility. If you suspect a particular transition point might one day need adjustment, replacement, or modification, consider where you place the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer. Locating it in a junction box area or above accessible ceiling panels, rather than embedded deep in a wall, can save hours of labour later.
Finally, always align your work with relevant standards and local rules. The Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer is designed for use as part of a compliant system, which means it works best when your overall installation also respects the AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules and associated standards. Referencing manufacturer data and recommendations is a key part of this.
By building these practices into your workflow, you help ensure that every Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer you install contributes to a safe, orderly, and long-lasting conduit system.
Related Product Collections for Conduit Installations
When you’re planning a conduit system around the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer, it helps to have fast access to compatible fittings and accessories. Here are three product collections from Industrial Electrical Warehouse that pair perfectly with this reducer and similar conduit fittings.
-
Cable, Wire, Conduit & Accessories ➜
Build out complete cable and conduit runs with matching conduit, fittings, glands, and accessories. This collection is ideal when you’re designing systems that rely on the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer to step down between conduit sizes while keeping everything neatly managed. -
Elbows ➜
Keep your conduit routes clean and efficient with a range of elbows designed for tight corners and directional changes. Pair these elbows with the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer to navigate around structural elements without compromising cable protection. -
Weatherproof Plugs Sockets & Outlets ➜
For outdoor or harsh environments, this collection offers weatherproof plugs, sockets, and outlets that work hand-in-hand with your conduit system. Use them alongside the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer to create robust connections into enclosures and 56 Series-style installations.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Clipsal 264/5SM Screwed Reducer
The Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer may be a small fitting, but it plays a crucial role in building flexible, compliant, and future-ready conduit systems. By allowing a smooth step down from 50 mm to 40 mm, it helps you adapt to space constraints, branch circuits efficiently, and upgrade or modify existing installations without unnecessary demolition.
When you understand its specifications, standards compliance, compatible accessories, and correct installation method, the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer becomes more than just a piece of plastic—it becomes a reliable link in the chain that protects your cables from mechanical damage, moisture, and environmental stress.
Whether you’re designing a new system from scratch or adapting an existing one, it’s worth giving a bit of thought to where a Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer can simplify your layout and improve long-term serviceability. If you’re planning your next project and want to see current stock levels, technical details, and related fittings, take a moment to visit the relevant product page on your preferred electrical supplier’s website. Reviewing the Clipsal 264/5SM screwed reducer in context—alongside its matching conduit, couplings, and accessories—can help you finalise a design that’s cleaner, safer, and easier to work with for years to come.
