Buried PVC Connectors

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John Valdes

John Valdes

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Location
SC.
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Retired Electrician
I will have a couple of underground pull boxes. System is all Sch 40 PVC. Does anyone manufactor conduit connector gaskets. I would like to keep as much water out of these boxes as possible. Rubber gaskets/washers would be ideal. Feedback appreciated.
 
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John I would work that problem from the other direction.

I assume that I will not be able to stop water from getting in so I make sure there is a way for it to get out.

Drill some drain holes in the bottom of your PVC can.

If you still want to seal the male terminal adapters I suggest high quality silicone sealant.
 
They are called "sealing rings", and can be used with a "sealing locknut" if you want. Often, there's not enough thread on PVC box connectors to use sealing rings, a locknut, and still have enough thread left for a bushing.
 
stickboy1375 said:
IMO, I would opt for open bottom manhole type boxes and fill the bottom of the hole with stone...
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Word :cool:

I'll use a Quazite type box in a heartbeat. Much less labor to worry about. Of course, the soil in my neck of the woods drains just fine. I know that some areas are clay, and that might not be such a hot idea.
 
Drainage is not good. (Clay). But drain holes seem to be a better option than a sealed encloser. I will look at whats available as far as gaskets/washers.
Thanks guys...just wanted some feedback.
 
Guy at one of the supply houses in my area said they ran some "experiments" on some Quazite boxes. They involved a hi-lo, a column, and some bored stock guys. Apparently the boxes came out on top 'cause that guy sure had a lot of respect for them.
 
Open bottom handholes have been used for many years in traffic signal and roadway lighting. Quartzite makes a listed box, but it only has to be identifed, not listed. In this area we use concrete J-boxes, with metal lids and frames.

A recommendation is to insall pea gravel in the bottom, and use XHHW-2 wire with direct burial splices, although the NEC only requires wet location wire/spices.
 
There will be no connections made in the boxes. Just pull boxes. So I will just consider the box to be a raceway and not concern myself with different wire or splicing. I Plan on using THWN. The silicone sounds to be the easiest way. I always have some.....LOL
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
Tom,

How do you bond the metal cover?
Don
Click to expand...

There are threaded studs on the bottom of the covers. There is also a metal lip at the top of the concrete and it, too, has threaded studs on it for bonding.
 
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