Code Question: Above Ground Conduits

[snerts50]

If one wanted to run high voltage conductors along a landfill, and over head was not an option, and in this case since one cannot penetrate the cap covering the landfill, direct buried conductors was not an option, would it be code compliant to simply install the conductors in above ground rigid metal conduit? Could one simply lay these along the ground with clear markers? Or would one need to encase the conductors in concrete, similar to a buried ductbank?

I was looking over section 300.37 for Aboveground Wiring Methods: Seems like if the conductors were installed in rigid metal conduit this might be acceptable. I just don't know if 300.50 also comes into play, since these would normally be under ground conductors and would be buried.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I believe you can run them above the ground in RMC but I would think you would have to drive some unistrut or something into the earth to support the raceway. Now I don't know much about Voltages over 600 so maybe someone else has some other article that may effect this.

 

[ptonsparky]

It may LLS, but can you lay out the conduit then cover with dirt on top of the cap? Will methane be a problem?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It may LLS, but can you lay out the conduit then cover with dirt on top of the cap? Will methane be a problem?

What is LLS?

 

[Smart $]

It may LLS, but can you lay out the conduit then cover with dirt on top of the cap? Will methane be a problem?

That's the thing about the way the code is written...

If you lay conduit above grade and cover with dirt, you then have buried conduit and the minimum cover requirements kick in. :happyyes:

 

[Smart $]

I believe you can run them above the ground in RMC but I would think you would have to drive some unistrut or something into the earth to support the raceway. Now I don't know much about Voltages over 600 so maybe someone else has some other article that may effect this.

Between run termini, other than secured within 3' of such, the conduit only needs to be supported... which the ground is very effective means of support

 

[jwr570]

TEC cable is also an option, much easier than rigid.

 

[ptonsparky]

What is LLS?

Look like sh__ ,until the grass grows over it.

Yes, minimum cover requirements would kick in.

 

[snerts50]

Thanks for the replies. I believe the plan is to support the RMC with spaced concrete foundations, with the conduit firmly attached to each block, to keep it elevated and I would assume cut back any vegetation growth.

 

[meternerd]

Seems to me it would be no different than a primary riser on a pole going to a padmount transformer. The conduit is exposed and supported until it hits the dirt. I know as a POCO, we are exempt from much of the code, but I assume the safety rules are similar.