Exemption to 514.8 for natural gas facilities?

[greenspark1]

This follows up a previous thread on the subject: http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=161017

Is there a way to bypass the requirements of 514.8 for a natural gas facility since the gas will never get underground?

As 514 is currently written, Table 514.3(B)(2) says CID2 5' in all directions from a natural gas dispenser. But then 514.8 says underground conduit below Class I locations must RMC (with an exception for PVC if buried 24" deep). This seems like a silly requirement since natural gas is lighter than air and will not penetrate the ground. Any way to remedy this conflict?

On a related note- how does one get involved in the NEC creation/editing process?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

...
On a related note- how does one get involved in the NEC creation/editing process?

Take a look here. The public input (proposal) stage is complete for the 2017 code. The "first draft" will be published for public comment in July of 2015. You can find the schedule here Scroll down to "annual 2016 NEC".

You can down load all of the public inputs for the 2017 code here. These are the "raw" inputs without any code making panel action or comments. The inputs are called "first draft meeting agendas" and are filed by Code Making Panel.

This is the first cycle of a new process for the revisions of the NEC.

Public inputs for the 2020 NEC will be due on the first Friday of November, 2017.

 

[rbalex]

While Don's comment is relevant, I recommend reading the FPN/INs to the Titles of Articles 511-516. The essence is, unless you get the base documents changed, you will have little hope getting your desired change to the NEC. I mentioned that in the thread you referenced in the OP. Before you get the NEC revised, you will need to convenience the Technical Committee for NFPA 30A-2008, Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages - remember, as far as the NFPA is concerned, NFPA 30A-2008 is a code too. The process for Public Input is the same though..

 

[greenspark1]

Thank you both for the replies about actually changing the required codes. The base documents are definitely the key to starting the process.

Besides resorting to this extreme, do you see any language in the NEC that allows me to bury PVC <24" under a CID2 natural gas area?

 

[rbalex]

...
Besides resorting to this extreme, do you see any language in the NEC that allows me to bury PVC <24" under a CID2 natural gas area?

You are still constrained by Section and Table 300.5. I don't see you justifying less than 24" in any case.

 

[jmargolis79]

I work at a facility that make liquefied natural gas. As a liquid this will "sink" below grade then boiloff to the atmosphere releasing gas natural gas into the area some times below grade. This may be one area of concern.