Pvc expansion couplings

[angus1]

So I inspected 3 different jobs in the last two days that were underground pvc conduits emerging from grade into fixed points, LB or meter socket
no expansion couplings were used and I did not approve any of the installations
one guy buried the expansion on the verticle riser from below grade to the 400 amp meter
Where is the common sense. How can it do its job buried!!! Not to mention it should not be buried
one electrician argued with me that it wasn't needed or required
any thoughts

 

[peter d]

I'm an hour south of Boston and it's standard practice to use them on all underground raceway installations, at least where I work. It's expected they will be used and inspectors look for them, but more importantly, they are required by the code.

 

[Mystic Pools]

Any risers we have to our sub-panels, pool light deck boxes, anything eminating from the ground all have expansion fittings.

I've seen "seasoned" electricians not install them on house services or put a 2 hole strap on the fitting bottom portion or below it which entirely defeats the purpose of expanding. Yet inspectors pass it.

I'm not even a licensed electrician and I know this. Good thing my electrician is sharp. He's taught me well.

Knuckleheads out there.

 

[Smart $]

...one electrician argued with me that it wasn't needed or required
any thoughts

Whether required is something you have to decide, but Code says a method to counter the potentially damaging effect of earth movement is required.

300.5 Underground Installations.

...

(J) Earth Movement. Where direct-buried conductors,
raceways, or cables are subject to movement by settlement
or frost, direct-buried conductors, raceways, or cables shall
be arranged so as to prevent damage to the enclosed conductors
or to equipment connected to the raceways.

Informational Note: This section recognizes “S” loops in
underground direct burial to raceway transitions, expansion
fittings in raceway risers to fixed equipment, and, generally,
the provision of flexible connections to equipment subject
to settlement or frost heaves.

 

[electrofelon]

I frequently see "non use or mis-use" of expansion couplings on common code violations lists. If the ground does not freeze, and the bottom of the conduit is on undisturbed or compacted ground, one can make a reasonable argument that they are not required, IMO.

 

[iwire]

I frequently see "non use or mis-use" of expansion couplings on common code violations lists. If the ground does not freeze, and the bottom of the conduit is on undisturbed or compacted ground, one can make a reasonable argument that they are not required, IMO.

Sure you can but the inspector can say that ground is subject to movement and there is nothing you can do about it.

 

[peter d]

...... Duplicate

 

[peter d]

I frequently see "non use or mis-use" of expansion couplings on common code violations lists. If the ground does not freeze, and the bottom of the conduit is on undisturbed or compacted ground, one can make a reasonable argument that they are not required, IMO.

This is certainly true in Florida and other warm weather places, they are never used there for residential services.