In ground box

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marissa2

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Is it ok to drill a hole in the bottom of a in ground nema rated box to let condensation water drain out? I was asked this question yesterday but could't give a good answer, but I have seen it done befor.
Lou
 
There's normally already a hole or holes in them. Unless it's some special NEMA rating (direct spray, submersible, etc.), I sure wouldn't hesitate to add a drain hole.
 
marissa2 said:
Is it ok to drill a hole in the bottom of a in ground nema rated box to let condensation water drain out?
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Why are you concerned about condensation?

314.30(C) Enclosed Wiring. All enclosed conductors and any splices or terminations, if present, shall be listed as suitable for wet locations.
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Baring some special NEMA rating, as mdshunk stated, I try to arrange all outdoor enclosures to drain. I was taught that there was a chance that water could get in and it needs somewhere to get out.

Two cents

JJ
 
Why would you drill a hole in a box that will be in the ground. No I don't believe it will be okay unless it is no mounted in the ground.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Why would you drill a hole in a box that will be in the ground. No I don't believe it will be okay unless it is no mounted in the ground.
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Why is that a problem, all the hand holes and manholes we install have no bottoms at all.
 
iwire said:
Why is that a problem, all the hand holes and manholes we install have no bottoms at all.
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I guess I didn't think it thru --- as long as the connections are water tight I guess it should be fine.
 
Let me give you somemore information, its a OZ 24x12x10 metal box and cover with gasket and is set in concrete. There are 33 conduits that enter at different hights and I can't tell you how many wires but there is a large number of splices. Some of the wires are low voltage controls for a fuel overflow system, which seems to have proplems sence day one, about 10 years ago. I had nothing to do with it but have been asked how to fix it.
Lou
 
I had nothing to do with it but have been asked how to fix it.
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If the concrete is a slab on grade, I wouldn't hesitate for a second to drill holes in it and thru the slab to give the water somewhere to go.

If it is a second story or higher slab your task gets more difficult.
 
Lou,

Is this in a CL1 Div1 location ? Like a gas station or similar location ? If so, a

hole in the box would be a bad idea. The words " fuel overflow system" caught

my eye.
 
benaround
It is in a JP truck filling area but at least 30 feet from any of the stands. I havent checked my book on this but isn't 20 feet the minimum distance, if not then we really have a big problem.
Lou
 
You mention that there is control wiring in the same enclosure as power???
That may be an issue, depending on what application the wiring in this box is for.

In Connecticut:
A metal box set in concrete...is this at grade level? I do not see a long life span for this type of installation.
 
It is at grade in concrete, but it looks like cast aluninum. Also they must have drilled and taped all the holes for the 33 plus conduits.
Lou
 
marissa2 said:
It is at grade in concrete, but it looks like cast aluninum. Also they must have drilled and taped all the holes for the 33 plus conduits.
Lou
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Time to post pictures Lou.
 
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