Power across a lake

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Caligula

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I'm in the early stages of a project that requires electrical run around a lake. I'm trying to investigate whether it will be cost effective to just run power across the lake rather than around it, but I'm having trouble finding any kind of recommendations on how to do this.

NEC doesn't have anything like "suberged locations", only "wet locations" but that just doesn't seem to apply here.

Can anyone offer any advice on the types of products rated for this application? Would just using some liquid-tight be sufficient?
 
Is it safe to assume that you are not planning on doing this work yourself (it makes a difference on how we respond to your question)? :confused:
 
What you call a lake and what I call a lake are probably very different. What is the size of the lake? What is the voltage, amperage? There are a lot of intelligent, wise electricians on this forum, but we need more information.
 
It's not a large lake. We're talking a parkside decorative lake, I would be running approximately 750'-1000' in water 10'-12' deep. I guess 'big pond' is more accurate than 'lake'. 480v 3phase, less than 50 amps. Just trying to cut across it rather than go all the way around.
 
I don't really see any difference between submerged and wet, or underground and underwater, except for keeping the wiring submerged and free from damage.
Caligula said:
I would be running approximately 750'-1000' in water 10'-12' deep.
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What would be the distance around it?
 
Boring outfits cross under rivers and ponds all the time. Whether it's cost effective for you will be the question.
 
If the cable is on the bottom of the lake, someone's fish hook or anchor will snag it and then the water will become energized. It needs to be under the lake (pond?) or around the outside. :)
 
interesting problem...I fished a lot on a lake that had submerged cables that were well marked and it was always a concern for the boaters, swimmers, and fish chasers...I also have a large pond (2 acres) on my farm that needs to have the silt removed...Cost effective or not, going around may be a higher initial charge but a lot easier to deal with over one's lifetime. If you own the lake/pond you may want to consider the future...
 
charlie said:
If the cable is on the bottom of the lake, someone's fish hook or anchor will snag it and then the water will become energized. It needs to be under the lake (pond?) or around the outside. :)
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This pond sounds too small. Caligula, does your install meet this scope?


555.1 Scope.
This article covers the installation of wiring and equipment in the areas comprising fixed or floating piers, wharves, docks, and other areas in marinas, boatyards, boat basins, boathouses, yacht clubs, boat condominiums, docking facilities associated with residential condominiums, any multiple docking facility, or similar occupancies, and facilities that are used, or intended for use, for the purpose of repair, berthing, launching, storage, or fueling of small craft and the moorage of floating buildings.
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Or the last sentence of the same article?

Private, noncommercial docking facilities constructed or occupied for the use of the owner or residents of the associated single-family dwelling are not covered by this article.
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If you meet the first part of this article then...

555.13(3) Wiring Over and Under Navigable Water. Wiring over and under navigable water shall be subject to approval by the authority having jurisdiction.
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If the later then...

682.13 Wiring Methods and Installation.
Liquidtight flexible metal conduit or liquidtight flexible nonmetallic conduit with approved fittings shall be permitted for feeders and where flexible connections are required for services. Extra-hard usage portable power cable listed for both wet locations and sunlight resistance shall be permitted for a feeder or a branch circuit where flexibility is required. Other wiring methods suitable for the location shall be permitted to be installed where flexibility is not required. Temporary wiring in accordance with 590.4 shall be permitted.
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charlie said:
If the cable is on the bottom of the lake, someone's fish hook or anchor will snag it and then the water will become energized. It needs to be under the lake (pond?) or around the outside. :)
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An anchor in a pond about a foot deep seems unlikely.......:wink:
 
Cow said:
Boring outfits cross under rivers and ponds all the time. Whether it's cost effective for you will be the question.
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I was going to say this, but Cow already did. :)

You can do directional boring underneath the body of water in question and if memory serves it is not that expensive. You should look into it.

Here is some info if you are unfamiliar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Directional_boring
 
Caligula said:
No, I'm designing it, not building it.
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If it's still in the design phase, then you have many options. I missed the post I just quoted, and was under the impression the lake was already there and full of water. Concrete encased conduit comes to mind, but I've never been involved in such a project and don't know the fineries of it. I would also think that the emerging ends of the conduit coming from the lake would be considerably higher than the projected water level.
 
I recall hearing about a "link seal"(?) (possibly leak-seal?) that prevents water from entering buildings from flooded manholes or conduits that emerge into the buildings. Used especially for changes in elevation. Or coming from below a lake...

Again, something to think about while in the design phase.
 
Caligula said:
It's not a large lake. We're talking a parkside decorative lake, I would be running approximately 750'-1000' in water 10'-12' deep. I guess 'big pond' is more accurate than 'lake'. 480v 3phase, less than 50 amps. Just trying to cut across it rather than go all the way around.
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Can you own a lake where you are? If not the DNR might have something to say about you laying a line in the bottom of there lake. Or whatever it's called in your state. Wherever you may be. Might be worth asking before they fine people right into the bottom of that lake.
 
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