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Monday, August 16, 2021
Question:
Hello CQD,
Love the readership keeps me on my toes. My question for general discussion is : There are lots of town houses being built in today’s market, not always is the inspector on site to see if the Service lateral that crosses under a driveway is in PVC conduit or not. Usually installed by the diggers and not electricians, then the Ends which are poking up and the electricians install the Meters and slip joints. Is that driveway pass under required to be in Schd 40 or Schd 80 PVC conduit, or just laid down deep in dirt and sand? Asking this for discussion on friends that read this COQ of the day as well.
Bill Schell
A
Answer:
Hi Bill,
Thanks for the discussion question. The wiring methods for underground service entrance conductors are provided in Part III of Article 230. Section 230.30(B) mentions several types of conduit are included along with underground service entrance cable (USE). Underground installations should meet the burial depth requirements in either 300.5 or 300.50 of the NEC as applicable. Direct buried cables are typically buried using some sand for shading. Often conduit sleeving is installed under driveways for access and installation of the underground cables. Schedule 40 or 80 could be used for this purpose. Also, it is common that electric service requirements from the applicable utility company must be met. It is advised to verify any requirements that might have regarding installing the UG cables under a driveway. Perhaps others will comment and have input.