Busway in Trench

[Turk1957]

Is it permissible to install 1600A. feeder bus in a floor trench? I have an installation that comes down an interior wall and needs to get into a basement area.... Below the wall is unexcavated ground, but if I trench the floor approximetely 20 feet, I can then get down into the basement area... Any insight would be GREATLY appreciated....

 

[iwire]

Looks like a no to me

II. Installation
368.10 Uses Permitted. Busways shall be permitted to be
installed where they are located in accordance with 368.10(A)
through (C).

(C) Through Walls and Floors. Busways shall be permitted
to be installed through walls or floors in accordance
with (C)(1) and (C)(2).

(1) Walls. Unbroken lengths of busway shall be permitted
to be extended through dry walls.

(2) Floors. Floor penetrations shall comply with (a) and (b):

(a) Busways shall be permitted to be extended vertically
through dry floors if totally enclosed (unventilated) where
passing through and for a minimum distance of 1.8 m (6 ft)
above the floor to provide adequate protection from physical
damage.

(b) In other than industrial establishments, where a vertical
riser penetrates two or more dry floors, a minimum
100-mm (4-in.) high curb shall be installed around all floor
openings for riser busways to prevent liquids from entering
the opening. The curb shall be installed within 300 mm
(12 in.) of the floor opening. Electrical equipment shall be
located so that it will not be damaged by liquids that are
retained by the curb.

 

[jim dungar]

Is it permissible to install 1600A. feeder bus in a floor trench? I have an installation that comes down an interior wall and needs to get into a basement area.... Below the wall is unexcavated ground, but if I trench the floor approximetely 20 feet, I can then get down into the basement area... Any insight would be GREATLY appreciated....

Do you mean in a backfilled trench or in a 'tunnel'?
The busway need to be accessible after it is installed.