Caution Buried Electric Line Below

[chris kennedy]

I was installing some 5" PVC underground today for POCO primary conductors. I will be installing warning tape above them but I see in 300.50 that it is not required. (Only mention of tape/ribbon is a note to column 4 Table 300.50)

Yet 300.5(D)(3) requires ribbon for service conductors.

I'm aware of the fact that POCO primaries don't fit the NEC definition of service conductors, just find it odd it's not a requirement.

Is the incident energy lower with primaries?

 

[JJWalecka]

Was the duct bank encased in concrete?

JJ

 

[peter d]

Is the incident energy lower with primaries?

I've read here that it IS lower at high voltages than a typical large 480 volt service.

But as it applies to a backhoe bucket cutting through a duct bank, it's going to be a bad day whether it's 7200 volts or 480.

 

[chris kennedy]

I hear that, and JJ, single 5" in sugar sand, about 4' deep, no concrete.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Best read the POCO specs they likely demand it.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

Was the duct bank encased in concrete?

JJ

Look at where he works !!!!!!!!!!!! chances are high that back hoe operator can't even read what tape says.

 

[nakulak]

Put the tape in 12" above the lines. If you don't do it you are a damn fool, plain and simple.

 

[chris kennedy]

Best read the POCO specs they likely demand it.

FPL Jim, I have 4 pages of the typical specs and tape isn't one of them.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

FPL Jim, I have 4 pages of the typical specs and tape isn't one of them.

You should see the TECO BOOK many pages

 

[chris kennedy]

Look at where he works !!!!!!!!!!!! chances are high that back hoe operator can't even read what tape says.

LOL Now that you mention it, one of the few thing on my truck that not written in more than one language.

Put the tape in 12" above the lines. If you don't do it you are a damn fool, plain and simple.

I'm not a fool. The wife says I'm an idiot.

Tape is going in, I'll have pics tomorrow, its a cool ditch.

 

[hardworkingstiff]

Put the tape in 12" above the lines. If you don't do it you are a damn fool, plain and simple.

Short, sweet, and spot on!

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

LOL Now that you mention it, one of the few thing on my truck that not written in more than one language.



I'm not a fool. The wife says I'm an idiot.

Tape is going in, I'll have pics tomorrow, its a cool ditch.

I was in Stuart last week to do a wire pull.Thats as far as i want to get. Do like Haulover beach LOL

 

[dezwitinc]

FPL Standards

FPL Standards

Chris,
I have an e copy of the FPL installation standards.
Do you need it?

 

[brantmacga]

But as it applies to a backhoe bucket cutting through a duct bank, it's going to be a bad day whether it's 7200 volts or 480.

i saw the aftermath of a backhoe digging up a primary; it was buried only 12" deep! there were lots of roots in the ground and instead cutting through them, REA went above them w/ a 7.2kv primary. the teeth on the bucket that weren't blown off were curled backwards; like they'd been in the grips of a massive can opener.

 

[chris kennedy]

Chris,
I have an e copy of the FPL installation standards.
Do you need it?

If you have time, thanks Doug.

 

[JJWalecka]

Put the tape in 12" above the lines. If you don't do it you are a damn fool, plain and simple.

I feel simular

JJ

 

[chris kennedy]

Put the tape in 12" above the lines. If you don't do it you are a damn fool, plain and simple.

I feel simular

JJ

Cool, two votes I'm a fool. You guys missed the point. My observation had to do with the requirements of warning tape or the lack there of.

Do I use tape?

Now back to incident energy levels.:smile:

 

[Rockyd]

Red tape 12" above the line is the exact time and distance, that the spotter recognizes the hazard, and has time enough to turn away from explosion about to occur, but not stop the hoe operator.

 

[The Iceman]

300.5 D 3 warning ribbon is only for underground service conductors. I thought this was only for underground service conductors, not service conductors installed in conduits underground. Chris do you need a ribbon in your situation?

 

[chris kennedy]

300.5 D 3 warning ribbon is only for underground service conductors. I thought this was only for underground service conductors, not service conductors installed in conduits underground. Chris do you need a ribbon in your situation?

IMO not required. An inexpensive safety feature....