Buried LB

[k947]

This LB is for service conductors after a meter base and it then enters the structure and terminates just inside the basement wall. It is going to be buried either by dirt or gravel. Is the LB allowed to be buried where the top is approximately 12 inches below grade and the bottom is approximately 18 inches below grade ? We have several different opinions. This is installed according to the 2008 NEC. 314.29 and states "Boxes, conduit bodies shall be installed so that the wiring contained in them can be rendered accessible without excavating sidewalks, paving, earth or other substances used to establish finish grade. Exception Listed boxes shall be permitted where covered by gravel, light aggregate or soil if their location is effectively identified and accessible for excavations."

Some of us believe that this LB cannot be buried and others believe they can be buried with no concern for depth and still others believe they can be buried just under the finish grade a few inches. If the code states "LISTED" in the exception, does this allow the LB to be buried?

Any guidance is appreciated so it can either be buried or installation done differently.

Thanks

 

[Buck Parrish]

Looks like you've got some gravel in the pic. So the exception covers you. Just have to label it some how.

Also you don't want water leaking into the panel. Just had to dig one up that water was getting in last week. The lady called hysterical. She said "my breaker box is leaking."

 

[texie]

Not compliant.

 

[tom baker]

The exception lists boxes, not LBs. Remove the LB, install a box, build a pressure treated wall, backfill with gravel, or build a lid. Install a sign.

 

[K8MHZ]

I am in the group that feels LB's can't be buried.

 

[infinity]

Just us an elbow below grade.

 

[oldsparky52]

The exception lists boxes, not LBs.

What might be the difference between the LB and the "box" that would cause one to be allowed and the other not? Any idea?

 

[oldsparky52]

Where is the ceiling level of the basement in reference to the bottom of the siding?

 

[infinity]

What might be the difference between the LB and the "box" that would cause one to be allowed and the other not? Any idea?

Boxes that are listed for direct burial are permitted LB's are not listed for DB.

 

[augie47]

314.29 Boxes, Conduit Bodies, and Handhole Enclosures to Be Accessible. Boxes, conduit bodies, and handhole enclo‐ sures shall be installed so that the wiring contained in them can be rendered accessible without removing any part of the building or structure or, in underground circuits, without excavating sidewalks, paving, earth, or other substance that is to be used to establish the finished grade. Exception: Listed boxes and handhole enclosures shall be permitted where covered by gravel, light aggregate, or noncohesive granulated soil if their location is effectively identified and accessible for excavation

 

[Coppersmith]

Does "listed boxes" mean they are specifically listed for direct burial or just listed in general? I know @infinity said direct burial above, but I wanted to verify with group.

 

[drcampbell]

Where is the ceiling level of the basement in reference to the bottom of the siding?

More to the point, with regard to the finished grade. Can you move the wall penetration up so the LB isn't buried?

 

[oldsparky52]

More to the point, with regard to the finished grade. Can you move the wall penetration up so the LB isn't buried?

You know, if there is enough room I would think a shepards hook would work and eliminate the need for a box or an LB.

 

[GoldDigger]

Does "listed boxes" mean they are specifically listed for direct burial or just listed in general? I know @infinity said direct burial above, but I wanted to verify with group.

I think that is you use a listed box and the listing specifications do not specifically allow direct burial, then you cannot bury it! The exception is for rendering the box less accessible, not for violating the direct burial rating.

 

[sameguy]

Isn't the basement ceiling above the block, penetrate at the first row of siding. Siding is ~5" per clapboard 10" per piece, floor joists 2x10? so 1-1/2"+8"-10" gets you to the bottom of the first floor.
Doubt spray foam will be waterproof for long.

 

[jap]

Best to leave it just like it is and don't bury anything.

Once you bury it you're in violation of the NEC and open up even more issues with water encroaching in through the basement wall.


JAP>

 

[readydave8]

Isn't the basement ceiling above the block, penetrate at the first row of siding. Siding is ~5" per clapboard 10" per piece, floor joists 2x10? so 1-1/2"+8"-10" gets you to the bottom of the first floor.
Doubt spray foam will be waterproof for long.

this is how to do it, do not bury the LB

 

[tom baker]

Shepards hook would be best and can use same hole. Since it will be buried it will not be seen.

 

[k947]

This LB is for service conductors after a meter base and it then enters the structure and terminates just inside the basement wall. It is going to be buried either by dirt or gravel. Is the LB allowed to be buried where the top is approximately 12 inches below grade and the bottom is approximately 18 inches below grade ? We have several different opinions. This is installed according to the 2008 NEC. 314.29 and states "Boxes, conduit bodies shall be installed so that the wiring contained in them can be rendered accessible without excavating sidewalks, paving, earth or other substances used to establish finish grade. Exception Listed boxes shall be permitted where covered by gravel, light aggregate or soil if their location is effectively identified and accessible for excavations."

Some of us believe that this LB cannot be buried and others believe they can be buried with no concern for depth and still others believe they can be buried just under the finish grade a few inches. If the code states "LISTED" in the exception, does this allow the LB to be buried?

Any guidance is appreciated so it can either be buried or installation done differently.

Thanks View attachment 2553057


The finished grade will be just under the siding and the basement ceiling is just above the siding. Another question, does listed mean in the exception that the manufacturer must indicate its use is permitted to be direct buried?

Thanks for all of the input.

 

[jap]

This LB is for service conductors after a meter base and it then enters the structure and terminates just inside the basement wall. It is going to be buried either by dirt or gravel. Is the LB allowed to be buried where the top is approximately 12 inches below grade and the bottom is approximately 18 inches below grade ? We have several different opinions. This is installed according to the 2008 NEC. 314.29 and states "Boxes, conduit bodies shall be installed so that the wiring contained in them can be rendered accessible without excavating sidewalks, paving, earth or other substances used to establish finish grade. Exception Listed boxes shall be permitted where covered by gravel, light aggregate or soil if their location is effectively identified and accessible for excavations."

Some of us believe that this LB cannot be buried and others believe they can be buried with no concern for depth and still others believe they can be buried just under the finish grade a few inches. If the code states "LISTED" in the exception, does this allow the LB to be buried?

Any guidance is appreciated so it can either be buried or installation done differently.

Thanks View attachment 2553057

As far as an option to do it differently, at this point, you could always take the meter off the house and mount it on a rack away from the basement wall.

It doesn't need to be on the house anyway.

With it moved away from the house you could 90 up into the meter and 90'd out of a meter/main straight back through the existing hole.

That service wouldn't fly in my area anyway.
We're only allowed 3' after the meter before we hit the 1st OCPD.

The Service conductors are beyond what's allowed in our area.

JAP>