Buried cable- NEC 300.5 Underground installations

[cgermoso]

Hello All,

Two questions.

First, I will like some clarification on the statement" Emerging from grade" mentioned in page 302 of the 2011 NEC.

Second, I will like members professional thoughts on installing a direct buried cable below a concrete water ditch. Does this violates the code? Cna you help me finding some support information on reasons why not to do this?

Thanks in advance.

 

[petersonra]

Hello All,

Two questions.

First, I will like some clarification on the statement" Emerging from grade" mentioned in page 302 of the 2011 NEC.

Second, I will like members professional thoughts on installing a direct buried cable below a concrete water ditch. Does this violates the code? Cna you help me finding some support information on reasons why not to do this?

Thanks in advance.

The only place I can find this phrase is in 300.1(D). I think it means you have to protect DB cables to the specified distance below grade. i don't see what else it could mean.

Off the top of my head I can't see any reason the code would prohibit running a cable under a ditch as long as the minimum cover requirements were met and the cable was suitable for direct burial. I might argue it would be a bad idea if it was a dirt ditch as erosion might over time reduce the cover that is required, but that would not likely be an issue with a concrete ditch.