Handhole Sizing

[Bob2319]

I am currently working on a project where the handholes and conduits were installed by others and I am pulling in the conductors. The handholes are open bottom type 13"x 24"x 12" and have numerous 2" PVC conduits entering / exiting from the bottom , ranging from 2 to as many as 7. The plans call for multiple feeders to be spliced in these handhole ( typically 2-#4/0, + #2 Grd and 2-#2/0, +#3 grd), but some have as many at 21 conductors ( various sizes, but all within the 40% conduit fill for 2" PVC) that need pulled in and spliced. My concern is that the installation meet the requirements of NEC. I have look at the sizing requirements within article 314 (2011 edition) , but they are very confusing (IMHO), and there are no examples illustrated for open bottom handholes. Can anyone explain where I can find the following:

1. Maximum number of conduits that can enter bottom
2. Spacing between conduits for u-pulls and splices ( all conduits enter from bottom and are opposite of the cover)
3. Maximum conductor fill for handhole

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

Bob

 

[LEO2854]

I am currently working on a project where the handholes and conduits were installed by others and I am pulling in the conductors. The handholes are open bottom type 13"x 24"x 12" and have numerous 2" PVC conduits entering / exiting from the bottom , ranging from 2 to as many as 7. The plans call for multiple feeders to be spliced in these handhole ( typically 2-#4/0, + #2 Grd and 2-#2/0, +#3 grd), but some have as many at 21 conductors ( various sizes, but all within the 40% conduit fill for 2" PVC) that need pulled in and spliced. My concern is that the installation meet the requirements of NEC. I have look at the sizing requirements within article 314 (2011 edition) , but they are very confusing (IMHO), and there are no examples illustrated for open bottom handholes. Can anyone explain where I can find the following:

1. Maximum number of conduits that can enter bottom
2. Spacing between conduits for u-pulls and splices ( all conduits enter from bottom and are opposite of the cover)
3. Maximum conductor fill for handhole

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

Bob

Hello Bob,Welcome to the forum..:thumbsup:

There is some commentary included in the 2011 handbook on 314.30 that may help you as well,..

314.30 Handhole Enclosures. Handhole enclosures shall be designed and installed to withstand all loads likely to be imposed on them. They shall be identified for use in underground systems.Informational Note:? See ANSI/SCTE 77-2002, Specification for Underground Enclosure Integrity, for additional information on deliberate and nondeliberate traffic loading that can be expected to bear on underground enclosures.
(A) Size. Handhole enclosures shall be sized in accordance with 314.28(A) for conductors operating at 600 volts or below, and in accordance with 314.71 for conductors operating at over 600 volts. For handhole enclosures without bottoms where the provisions of 314.28(A)(2), Exception, or 314.71(B)(1), Exception No. 1, apply, the measurement to the removable cover shall be taken from the end of the conduit or cable assembly.
(B) Wiring Entries. Underground raceways and cable assemblies entering a handhole enclosure shall extend into the enclosure, but they shall not be required to be mechanically connected to the enclosure.
(C) Enclosed Wiring. All enclosed conductors and any splices or terminations, if present, shall be listed as suitable for wet locations.
(D) Covers. Handhole enclosure covers shall have an identifying mark or logo that prominently identifies the function of the enclosure, such as ?electric.? Handhole enclosure covers shall require the use of tools to open, or they shall weigh over 45 kg (100 lb). Metal covers and other exposed conductive surfaces shall be bonded in accordance with 250.92 if the conductors in the handhole are service conductors, or in accordance with 250.96(A) if the conductors in the handhole are feeder or branch-circuit conductors.