Electrical Conduit located inside gutter drain pipe

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Switcher

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Hello all,
I have a customer that wants us to install an electrical conduit (PVC) inside an existing gutter drain pipe in order to save on the expense of cutting concrete and trenching. The drain pipe is 6 inch PVC (white) and the installation possibility is marginal at best as the electrical conduit will probally be a 1 inch pipe and the drain pipe could have a restrictive elbow somewhere underground. It is not something that I think is ok to do, yet i cant find any codes against it. Does anyone know what code this would violate?
 
iwire said:
First code would be support.

1" PVC requires a support every 3'.
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Not if it is "fished"


I honestly don't really see this being a violation of anything in NEC, possibly some issues when it comes to how it is done, but just running it through the drain pipe not really a problem. There could be other codes involving that drain pipe the would prohibit putting such an obstruction in the pipe though.
 
iwire said:
I am citing 352.30(A) & (B).

What code are you citing?
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After further review the ruling on the field has been changed:)

I guess only the flexible raceways and cable methods are allowed to be fished?:huh:

I have fished (more like pushed) rigid raceways many times through building voids, I guess every one of them was not properly supported.

I don't think I will loose any sleep over any of them either though.
 
kwired said:
There could be other codes involving that drain pipe the would prohibit putting such an obstruction in the pipe though.
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That's what I was thinking. If it's still an active drain it really wouldn't make sense to put an obstruction in it. Plus if the drain needs cleaned it would be subject to physical damage.

If it's an unused drain and being used as a sleeve I would still run this by the AHJ.
 
But pull LFNC flex through there instead of rigid PVC and it don't need any additional securing/supporting.
 
kwired said:
But pull LFNC flex through there instead of rigid PVC and it don't need any additional securing/supporting.
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Maybe, of course that is not the product the OP asked about is it?

It would be up to the AHJ.

Exception No. 1: Where LFMC is fished between access
points through concealed spaces in finished buildings or
structures and supporting is impractical.
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iwire said:
Yet strangely the support requirements still apply.
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Ummm... there's a difference between support and secure. A conduit lying on the ground—or inside another horizontal pipe—is supported continuously... as it is not hanging in mid-air. :D
 
Smart $ said:
Ummm... there's a difference between support and secure. A conduit lying on the ground—or inside another horizontal pipe—is supported continuously... as it is not hanging in mid-air. :D
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Yet we need specific permission to allow holes in framing members to do that supporting.


I am sticking with the following:

1) Bad idea

2) Up to the AHJ but I don't see it happening.
 
iwire said:
Yet we need specific permission to allow holes in framing members to do that supporting.


I am sticking with the following:

1) Bad idea

2) Up to the AHJ but I don't see it happening.
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I agree with this part of your assessment. :thumbsup:
 
Switcher said:
Hello all,
I have a customer that wants us to install an electrical conduit (PVC) inside an existing gutter drain pipe in order to save on the expense of cutting concrete and trenching. The drain pipe is 6 inch PVC (white) and the installation possibility is marginal at best as the electrical conduit will probally be a 1 inch pipe and the drain pipe could have a restrictive elbow somewhere underground. It is not something that I think is ok to do, yet i cant find any codes against it. Does anyone know what code this would violate?
Click to expand...

NEC aside, I'd think that if you ask the plumbing inspector if you can run a 1" pipe through his 6" drain, it's going to be a nogo.
 
growler said:
That's what I was thinking. If it's still an active drain it really wouldn't make sense to put an obstruction in it. Plus if the drain needs cleaned it would be subject to physical damage.

If it's an unused drain and being used as a sleeve I would still run this by the AHJ.
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It is an active drain. I think that adding this pipe would create an obstruction point where debris could build up and clog. The method to clean would likely be aggressive therefore causing the pipe to be subject to physical damage. since the pipe is not designed to move (strap requirement) i could see how this could cause glued couplings to degrade and come loose. I really appreciate everyone's input!
 
A Roto-Rooter (TM) cutter blade to clear roots will not cut the inside surface of a pipe but could easily damage a loose piece of PVC pipe in the middle of the 6" pipe.
At best it would prevent the plumber from using a tool designed to fit a 6" pipe.

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