Direct Buriel Service Wires

[m5352]

Question: I installed Alum.Direct buriel service (I believe it may be called Tri-plex, or something) lines for a 200A service, and I plan to plant trees(Arborvittes) along the path that the lines are buried. Should I be concerned that the root systems of said trees may compromise the direct buriel wires years from now?

Thanks, Mike

 

[barbeer]

I am not an arborist, I didn't even stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night......but I do not believe the roots would damage the cables, they may grow around them completety though.

 

[ItsHot]

roots

roots

That is a good question! I have never made repairs to tri-plexe from root damage. But have made a lot of repairs from moisture/corrosion damage that originated from other means such as post hole diggers and minor damage during install. I don't know if nec has article on this. I would consider off setting your planting to one side. How deep is original root ball going to be?

 

[KJay]

We are not allowed to direct bury service cables in my area anymore. My guess would be because there were a lot of incidences from contractors not taking the time to properly cushion the conductors before backfilling with the front end loader, which is especially important with aluminum USE cables.
The conduit requirement is fine until somebody damages it and the conductors with a backhoe. If you can?t manage to put in a hand hole at the damage point, since in-line butt splices and cold shrinks are no longer an option, you basically just make a repair to the conduit and pull all new full-length conductors, making for a very expensive repair.
I?m thinking that if tree roots can poke through clay sewer pipes, concrete block foundations and asphalt roadways, XLPE shouldn?t present that much of a challenge for them. Especially if they have a few rocks ahead of them. :grin:

 

[220/221]

Of course the roots could cause future damage.

Imagine a hairline root starting off thru a gap in the triplex and getting bigger as it grows. Once the insulation is even slightly compromised the AL will turn to dust.


They stopped direct burial here (AZ) in the 80's.

 

[wireman71]

I've seen a lot of USE-2 (URD) used in underground services. Even the POCO around here direct buries their wires sometimes. I think it makes sense when the ditch has a lot of turns and will make a wire pull extremely difficult.