Conductive Mule Tape

[Cap'n Kirk]

We have a specification for our contractors to pull in conductive mule tape when installing underground conduits for our fiber optic lines. Unfortunately the engineers added the specification for when installing 240 VAC conductors to new construction street lighting poles. While we don't have any need for the tape in the electrical conduits, the lengths of the runs are long enough that pulling all of the mule tape out doesn't make a lot of sense. The concern is that the the mule tape could pick up enough induction for it to exceed 50 volts or could other wise become accidentally energized suggesting that we should bond the tape. (1) Is there a code ruling/code rulings that apply to this, and (2) what would be the best way to bond it? Thanks.

 

[LarryFine]

Welcome to the forum, Jim.

What if it was an unused wire? Would there be the same concerns?

I don't see it becoming a hazard, and could make tracing the conduits easier.

 

[Cap'n Kirk]

Thank Larry. The thought was with it being the equivalent of an uninsulated conductor in a non-conductive raceway that there might be an elevated risk. One of our guys threw it out in a team meeting and none of us had thought about it before... thought I'd throw it out for whatever input there might be on it. Thanks for your time to respond.

 

[kwired]

Thank Larry. The thought was with it being the equivalent of an uninsulated conductor in a non-conductive raceway that there might be an elevated risk. One of our guys threw it out in a team meeting and none of us had thought about it before... thought I'd throw it out for whatever input there might be on it. Thanks for your time to respond.

It may end up with capacitively coupled voltage on it, but chances are it is a pretty weak capacitor and is for the most part harmless.

This is the same thing that happens with "ghost voltage" on unused conductors in a raceway with energized conductors.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

If there is a real concern, just bond it at both ends. If it is conductive the bonding would not permit it to become a capacitor.