For the Electricians in our TBN neighborhood...

[Spiffy]

<font color="blue"> I wondered if you got hit in the head recently.......</font> /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Does that mean I occasionally give good advice too? /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Actually, I did recently whack my head when I forgot the cab was on one of the FILs tractors [sounds stupid, but when you're used to climbing on without it: too easy /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif].......

Of course, the same day I stuck my finger in a fuse socket, but was smart enough to pull the main first......the bump on my head must have a delayed effect. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[RichT]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( The NEC states that " Listed boxes shall be permitted where covered by gravel, light aggergate, or noncohesive granulated soil if their location is effectively identified and accessible for excavation." Yes, you can burry a box )</font>

mudcat, does the NEC explain "Listed"?

 

[Cityboyfarmer]

Correction to my previous post: I stated THHN, but should have said THWN, although every spool I have purchased in the last several years has been rated THHN/THWN. There may still be manufacturers out there that separately manufacture THWN and THHN.

Mudcat is referring to the exception in the NEC in section 370-29. The way I have seen this done is by using an outer buried box similar to a water meter housing. A water-tight junction box is installed inside the housing and the cover of the external housing can be at ground level and the cover is marked "Electrical". THWN can be spliced under these conditions.

Inspector507 is also correct, in that the box must be accessable.

Common sense and good workmanship apply to all electrical installations.

 

[hobbyfarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I'm no electrician, and California Code is about as tough as it comes, so ignore what I have to say, )</font>

Close,
But, I understand Massachusetts has a "tough as a boot & rough as a cob" /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif code.
Cal's code for "earthquake rated" is almost there too. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[Noodlearm]

thanks for the info.

 

[Farwell]

As a last resort, you may be able to run overhead lines if you want to increase your available amperage. May not be pretty but it will work if they will let you do it in your area.
Farwell

 

[RichT]

Overheads not permitted my area. After contemplating all the responses this board (thx!) and other sources, I've decided on the following approach:

Withdraw the 8/8/8/10 from the ~120ft of 3/4 UG conduit. Fish ~150ft of 6/6/6/10 from the main panel to the opening at the ~120ft point, with enough wire to cover the additional 30ft to the barn subpanel.

If I'm successful with the pulls, I'll change the main panel breaker from 50a to 60a.

I'll have to connect at least one leg of the conduit run with the wires inside. Plan to wrap this area of the wires with electrical tape to protect from the cement and also cement only the male portion of the conduit to minimize spillin.

Can anyone recommend a good grease to use when I fish the 6/6/6/10?

 

[mudcat]

Listed - Euipment, materials, or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptible to the AHJ. Basically a UL sticker.
You can burry a box, just can't doit under concrete. You don't have to put another box over it.You just have to mark it. A peice of rebar driven beside it, set below grade or a landscape button would be fine. Definately not a common practice, would not reccomend it from a service standpoint, but it is legal by code

 

[Inspector507]

Yep mudcat, there is almost always an exception, isn't there?

 

[SPIKER]

You SHOULD be able to PULL the #8's one at a time and leave one in there to PULL IN the NEW wire with.

like stated by Inspector, codes in you're state will be very different.
the nec is a general rule guide and can be expanded on at the local level. often interpeted at the local level too /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

anyhow you should run all 4 wires, treat the barn panel as a sub and disconnect the N and G buss from each other drive a NEW ground rod at the sepperate building too...

I haven't gotten the NEW 2005 updates so some of the info may have been changed...

Markm /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif