Burying a generator vault into a bank

[jenkinsph]

High and low voltage can be in same conduit as long as the insulation on all wires is rated for the highest voltage present.

I agree with this^^^^
If the low voltage circuit is for remote starting you can get away with it in the same conduit. Analog audio, video and comm. wire I would have in an isolated conduit.

 

[Sodo]

Them'r some good numbers Jenkins! Thanks! I think its about 1gal/hr. I agree the 435cfm fan seems too small with those numbers. We'll see how this plays out.

Signal wires are for remote start relays, no data. And for 12v LED lighting. I like these "little dot" 12v LEDs, they put out great light at 16mA. One 16mA LED will illuminate that vault. The wires are 44 feet. Also have a 10ga 12VDC pair, dunno what for (yet).

 

[jenkinsph]

I would recommend you use THHN wiring for both power and dc circuits. Make sure you account for the voltage drops on all circuits.

FWIW, if you think you will ever want an air compressor I would definitely plan on putting it in the vault too. You could add an airline to the trench now just in case.

 

[dragoneggs]

I would recommend you use THHN wiring for both power and dc circuits. Make sure you account for the voltage drops on all circuits.

FWIW, if you think you will ever want an air compressor I would definitely plan on putting it in the vault too. You could add an airline to the trench now just in case.

jenkins, you are full of good info and ideas! Are you sure you belong here? :laughing:

 

[Sodo]

Haha I was thinking the same!

Also had a little crisis about the air compressor too. But the reality is I never use air tools. And the compressor runs a little while & shuts off (not like a generator). However if I HAD some tubing in my possession this morning, it would go in the trench!! Gonna cover it up by noon today. (snow tonite!!

What I have is Romex 10-2 & 12-2. My 12v pair is stranded THHN 10ga. For signal all I have is telephone cable 24ga. Why THHN ? (Thermoplastic High Heat Nylon). I'm doing my best to seal it but its like a level bucket. Seems like it could fill with water and remain full forever. I've been more worried about water than heat. (THWN Thermoplastic Heat Water resistant Nylon). Any ideas how to drain a level conduit with up-ends?

 

[Industrial Toys]

I run Air line everywhere. Makes for a nice reservoir of air. Recently I used 3/4 or 1" 200 PSI tubing, got off craigs list.

Do those BTU numbers account for much of the heat going out in the exhaust?

 

[prichard]

Phone cable insulation is unlikely to have sufficient voltage rating. THHN is also easier to pull in conduit.

 

[Sodo]

All energy that doesn't go out the cable (& pumping losses) is heat that must exit the duct. The intake & exhaust help a little, adding CFM because they have their own pump. .

Since its from a generator I doubt voltage will ever exceed 120v (per leg). Lucky no inspectors.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I'm not a by the book person by any means. But it's nice to know what is code and why, before you do anything.

 

[ultrarunner]

My Uncle's WWII Winco Generator has run 30 years in the concrete hillside bunker... never an issue with heat and it is well vented.

It is powered by a small Briggs and Stratton of the type where you start it be wrapping a rope with a wood handle around the flywheel...