300.5 D 3

[lavacano]

I recently received a correction saying

WARNING TAPE REQUIRED FOR SERVICE CONDUCTORS NOT INSTALLED IN CONDUIT. LEAVE ENDS OF DITCH OPEN TO SHOW HOW TAPE WAS INSTALLED.

My guy on the job site had a roll of yellow CAUTION tape which had always been sufficient for my buried service wires to meet the NEC code. I have looked throughout the WAC http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=296-46B&full=true and every single electrical currents newsletter my state's agency has posted (I've been told that if its in the currents it can be referred to as code) for instances of "buried" "ribbon" "tape" and "warning" Nowhere have I found anything that supports my inspector's claims that CAUTION tape in insufficient for direct buried wire over 18" deep and will instead have to use the red "warning electrical line buried" tape instead. His argument is that CAUTION is too vague to meet code.

Is there a definition of identifiable warning ribbon I am missing or is this inspector in need of a complaint?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I only know of what 300.5(D)(3) states and I believe that you met the intent of the NEC. Now if there are local amendments then I cannot say

(3) Service Conductors. Underground service conductors that are not encased in concrete and that are buried 450 mm (18 in.) or more below grade shall have their location identified by a warning ribbon that is placed in the trench at least 300 mm (12 in.) above the underground installation

 

[infinity]

That only applies to direct buried conductors not conduits.

 

[Smart $]

That only applies to direct buried conductors not conduits.

Which seems to be the OP's case... "SERVICE CONDUCTORS NOT INSTALLED IN CONDUIT".

FWIW, I've always been taught through countless safety talks and instruction that warning tape is basically red, caution tape basically yellow, and use of either must indicate in some manner the present danger.

 

[John120/240]

Before you start to dig you call Dig Safe for locates. Notice the red paint & flags in the ground.

Transformer is here, building is over there. Anybody with a brain the size of a squirrel that digs

here, when coming across red or yellow tape should stop & think BURIED WIRE

 

[augie47]

Was he careful to follow the 2nd part of that requirement ?
a warning ribbon that is placed in the trench at least 300 mm (12 in.) above the underground installation

 

[renosteinke]

Silly me ... I always thought the red tape went about 6" over the wires, and the yellow a foot above that.

 

[kwired]

So we have a 'warning ribbon'. Does it identify what it is warning about? If you were excavating and uncovered a yellow ribbon that just said "caution" what would be your first thought, especially if you had no idea something was buried there? If the warning ribbon said electric, gas, or communications you at least have better idea of what to expect to find.

That said I am not really that big of a believer in using these ribbons in the first place. When I have hit a warning tape unexpectedly in the past the ribbon was only useful at telling me what utility I already damaged before I noticed the ribbon.

 

[infinity]

Which seems to be the OP's case... "SERVICE CONDUCTORS NOT INSTALLED IN CONDUIT".

FWIW, I've always been taught through countless safety talks and instruction that warning tape is basically red, caution tape basically yellow, and use of either must indicate in some manner the present danger.

That's what I get for answering at 4:46 am. The word not disappeared. :roll:

 

[Gregg Harris]

There is an ANSI standard Z535.1 that is an industry color code standard used by The American Public Works Association.

Red= electric power lines, conduit, and lighting cables

Yellow= gas, oil, steam,petrolium

Orange= communication cables, alarm, cable TV

Blue =water

Green= sewer and drain

White= proposed subsurface line or excavation

Purple= reclaimed water

 

[lavacano]

There is an ANSI standard Z535.1 that is an industry color code standard used by The American Public Works Association.

Red= electric power lines, conduit, and lighting cables

Yellow= gas, oil, steam,petrolium

Orange= communication cables, alarm, cable TV

Blue =water

Green= sewer and drain

White= proposed subsurface line or excavation

Purple= reclaimed water

which applies to locate marks not warning tape. I know this isnt his gripe as the buried line tape is actually yellow which he now accepts since it says CAUTION BURIED ELECTRICAL LINE instead of just CAUTION.