For the Electricians in our TBN neighborhood...

[RichT]

I'm finishing up a steel barn as a new residence for my Kubota BX22 among other things. There is an existing underground service installed by previous homeowner for several wooden sheds which I demolished to make room for the barn - 3/4 conduit with 2 #8 black, #8 white, and #10 green (yes I wish they were #6). This service originates from 50 amp circuit breaker at main panel (about 100ft from barn) and ends about 20ft from the barn location.

Pulling new line through the existing conduit or laying a new UG service is not practical, so I plan to tie-in to the existing UG service. Is there a NEC approved method for an underground tie-in, or do I have to bring the tie-in to above ground jbox?

A related question - is there a method to locate underground pvc conduit (without digging up my wife's garden)? If need be I can energize the cable inside the conduit.

 

[bczoom]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( A related question - is there a method to locate underground pvc conduit (without digging up my wife's garden)? If need be I can energize the cable inside the conduit.)</font>

A metal detector?

Nice looking barn you got there.

 

[RedRocker]

Yeah, how bout some info on your barn.

 

[hobbyfarm]

There are a couple of ways to find the buried conduit. One is to have the cable located by the professionals who find utility cables. You could call your local electric utility and they will refer you to whom they use.

Another way, without digging up the Mrs. flowers is a long "T" handled tool called a tile locater or tester. This is pushed into the ground numerous times until the conduit is located. Once you have a direction, you can move along at almost the length of the conduit each time.

 

[Noodlearm]

Yeah, I agree, how about some info on that barn. Looks really nice. Sorry I cant help out on your question though.

 

[hobbyfarm]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Pulling new line through the existing conduit or laying a new UG service is not practical, so I plan to tie-in to the existing UG service. Is there a NEC approved method for an underground tie-in, or do I have to bring the tie-in to above ground jbox? )</font>

I'm wondering why the old service wasn't demo'd and removed also with the old building, since it is not really what you're wanting now? Splices underground aren't the best way to go, splices to a ground-level jbox should be OK.
Yes, NEC will have a code to follow, I'd check with the officials in California for the local code.

 

[bczoom]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Another way, without digging up the Mrs. flowers is a long "T" handled tool called a tile locater or tester. This is pushed into the ground numerous times until the conduit is located.)</font>

I've had pretty good success doing the same thing although I just used a piece of rebar and a hammer. BTW, once you do find it, take pics and/or write down your findings to make it easier next time.

 

[RichT]

Thx all for inputs. Raised center aisle barn is all steel on 6in concrete pad. Front, large sliding door with dual "horse" doors on one end and regular workshop entry door on other. Barn will be used for car storage, restoration. MB Barns is the manufacturer, in Ontario CA, fairly local to me. Excellent outfit.

Other pic attached.

Re the electrical thing, I think my best bet is to pull 6/6/6/10 wire through the existing 3/4 conduit (tight, but I believe its NEC compliant), and then just extend the underground service line to the barn.

 

[Noodlearm]

Would you mind giving approxiamte size and cost on something like that?

 

[Spiffy]

I won't even venture to guess how codes are enforced down your way, but I don't see running a neut or a ground.

It should work fine, and I think its even legal, to run new ground rods right at your barn. Then 2 #6's should be no problem to run.

Of course, I may be all wet and opened a can of worms here too. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif