Mountain Side Wiring

[djsr123@aol.com]

Does any one know of a product listed to be ran on top of the ground coming down a mountain in the woods.
I have to run 400 feet , 480volt 200 amp down the side of a large hill that trenching or blasting is not an option. The hill is also dense woods with no kind of traffic.
I am struggling with this question because the NEC is addressing a few issues. Protection from physical damage, UV protection and means of support.
It just does not seem viable to run some type of conduit above the ground or rock unless it had 2 inches of concrete on top of it. The concrete is not an option either going up hill.
I am hoping for a magic answer.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

You can run conduit on the ground or just off the ground and support it with unistrut.

 

[augie47]

I can't see the Code allowing it, but I can't help but wonder if this would be a spot for type W Cable.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I can't see the Code allowing it, but I can't help but wonder if this would be a spot for type W Cable.

Are you saying pipe is not allowed on the ground or just above grade? or do you mean cable?

 

[augie47]

No. I agree with your post #2.
That said, I've seen GRS conduit with support on the ground that has obviously lead a rough life.
I was just thinking aloud that a cable that is allowed on the surface of mines and sublet to traffic wold seem like a good product for the OPs application. I can't justify it by Code... just babbling (the drugs, I guess )

 

[Dennis Alwon]

No. I agree with your post #2.

Okay I was not clear where you stood there. Thanks :thumbsup:

 

[augie47]

Okay I was not clear where you stood there. Thanks :thumbsup:

I always have your back

 

[kwired]

Is a few poles and overhead conductors out of the question?

 

[Cow]

Is a few poles and overhead conductors out of the question?

That was my first thought but figured he's on a rock ledge so blasting post holes would be ruled out....

 

[cowboyjwc]

That was my first thought but figured he's on a rock ledge so blasting post holes would be ruled out....

I wouldn't rule it out, simply for the fun factor.:happyyes:

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Oy Vey... Now that's a tough one.

 

[kwired]

That was my first thought but figured he's on a rock ledge so blasting post holes would be ruled out....

A few post holes sounds easier than a trench for the entire distance.

 

[Cow]

A few post holes sounds easier than a trench for the entire distance.

I agree.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

A few post holes sounds easier than a trench for the entire distance.

But laying it on the ground is easier than that.

 

[kwired]

But laying it on the ground is easier than that.

It is easier, will it stay where it is placed?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It is easier, will it stay where it is placed?

Sure just drive a short piece of unistrut in the ground. Easier then posts.