Hello! I have been researching depths of detectable warning tape above underground installations and the NEC only has it applying to service conductors. Are there any other industry or code direction for other conductors? I typically like to mention detectable tape 12" above the installation - whatever type - to limit the chances of them being accidentally dug up. Any thoughts?
Detectable warning tape above underground installations
- Thread starter thorpe16
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
I don't believe you need to use tape for other than service conductors but it certainly doesn't hurt to do so. I suspect there are others that include the tape with feeders either because it is speced or they feel better about the install but it is not always done
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
IMO it's somewhat cheap insurance and may prevent damage to the buried conductors. Like you mentioned it's required for direct buried SEC's but not SEC's in raceways.
big john
Senior Member
- Location
- Portland, ME
Other than customer requirements, I don't know of anything that says it must be installed for all underground.
I agree it's a good idea to have it above any underground, especially direct burial. Otherwise the only way somebody is gonna know there's something down there is when they hit it with the shovel.
I agree it's a good idea to have it above any underground, especially direct burial. Otherwise the only way somebody is gonna know there's something down there is when they hit it with the shovel.
- Location
- Massachusetts
The NEC only requires a ribbon for service conductors.
It does not require detectable type ribbon.
JDB3
Senior Member
- Location
- San Antonio, Texas
Along the same lines, I had talked to a man who lost phone service to his house. The phone technician came out to check it. No signal to the house. Looked at the man working in yard, planting shrubs. Asked if the phone went dead after planing the shrubs. Reply, yes. The technician pointed to the "yellow tape". Do you know what this is? Just some trash in the fill ! NOPE, to mark where the phone line runs along the road. Neighbors also had lost phone service! :happysad:
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