Underground electric/drainage question

[LouNY]

After the meter base it will be up to your local electrical inspector as to what is allowed in your area.
I would assume that at the meter base you will have a main disconnect (breaker) which will feed a pair
of sub mains. Not knowing the amperage of the sub mains it's hard to say what would be next but
most places will allow URD direct burial cable, aluminum 2/0 is rated for 225 Amps direct bury but only
170 Amps in conduit.
https://www.wireandcableyourway.com...te-underground-secondary-distribution-cable-1
but just a quick check it looks like code may have been changed again, I'm seeing 4/0 aluminum for 200 amp feeders.

 

[LD1]

This one really has you worked up doesn't it.

I wouldn't say I was too worked up. I read it and just shook my head and thought it worthy of comment.

 

[aczlan]

They require grey Schedule 40 of 3 inch from the transformer to the meter. I did not really see a specification from the meter to the buildings on PVC. Any reason white could not be substituted as the power company says their responsibility as I understand it ends at the meter? Thereafter it is on me for repair, maintenance etc. Of course the caution tape would be placed over all the PVC.

Use gray, if you use white your electrical inspector will probbaly fail you.

Aaron Z

 

[Johnsechrist@centurylink.]

Here in NC, the power company usually runs the underground and overhead services. Underground is supposed to be 36" deep & conduit is not required unless you are going to cover a section with concrete. Rigid galvanized conduit is required for overhead services running thru a roof where it has to serve as the connection point.

 

[Lineman North Florida]

Use gray, if you use white your electrical inspector will probbaly fail you.

Aaron Z

The worst part is not being failed, a tradesman was electrocuted when cutting thru a white pipe that someone had substituted for gray pipe that had a 480 volt circuit in it. You NEVER use white pipe in an electrical project.

 

[ovrszd]

The worst part is not being failed, a tradesman was electrocuted when cutting thru a white pipe that someone had substituted for gray pipe that had a 480 volt circuit in it. You NEVER use white pipe in an electrical project.

I was just going to suggest someone explain why the color difference is important. And here it is.....

 

[aczlan]

The worst part is not being failed, a tradesman was electrocuted when cutting thru a white pipe that someone had substituted for gray pipe that had a 480 volt circuit in it. You NEVER use white pipe in an electrical project.

I won't say that I have never used white pvc for limited things (slip to threaded adapters coming out of a low voltage condolet to put a gland nut on), but any pipe used for electrical conduit is grey PVC or metal for that exact reason.

Aaron Z

 

[etpm]

I was talking years ago to one of my plastics suppliers about PVC and he said that grey and white PVC were no different except for the color. Grey is actually the most commonly produced color for solid PVC. But if white PVC was used to carry power the inspector should not only fail the inspection he should chew out the person who did the work.
I wired my machine shop and always followed or exceeded code requirements. I have 500 volts running through some conduits. I don't want anyone killed because I cheated.
Eric