Repair or conceal conduit?

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sfav8r

Senior Member
Location
San Francisco Bay Area
We came across a situation yesterday where a client store a battery near the conduit that feeds the service panel. Apparently this did not make the 2" galv. conduit happy. it is corroded from the point at which it penetrates the concrete up about 2". it is completely eaten through just on the back side which a sizable hole. This si the conduit that runs to the utility vault. I assume it is not Galv. all the way to the vault, but rather transitions to PVC under the ground but I haven't confirmed that. My question is, would there be a problem just sealing the hole by flashing with aluminum tape and then pouring concrete around the conduit? The location of the conduit will make it very difficult to cut the concrete and dig down, cut the conduit and replace the bad section.

Thanks
 
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sfav8r,

IMO, ...this is a Property Maintenance Code issue "IF" there are adopted codes in place in your location.
From the `12 IPMC:

Ch. 6, Section 604.3 - Electrical system hazards:
"Where it is found that the electrical system in a structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants or the
structure by reason of inadequate service, improper fusing, insufficient receptacle and lighting outlets,
improper wiring or installation, deterioration or damage, or for similar reasons, the code official shall
require the defects to be corrected to eliminate the hazard."

From Ch. 6, Section 605.1 - Installation:
"All electrical equipment, wiring and appliances shall be properly installed and maintained in a safe and
approved manner."

It would be my recommendation to visit the local AHJ Building Official to discuss this issue.......I
personally would not accept aluminum tape wrapped around ridgid conduit as an approved substitute.
In just thinking about some other options, ...what about taking a small sheet of thin, galvanized
steel, ...wrapping it around the damaged area and securing it with steel, adjustable bands [ i.e. -
no zip ties ] ?


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north star said:
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sfav8r,

IMO, ...this is a Property Maintenance Code issue "IF" there are adopted codes in place in your location.
From the `12 IPMC:

Ch. 6, Section 604.3 - Electrical system hazards:
"Where it is found that the electrical system in a structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants or the
structure by reason of inadequate service, improper fusing, insufficient receptacle and lighting outlets,
improper wiring or installation, deterioration or damage, or for similar reasons, the code official shall
require the defects to be corrected to eliminate the hazard."

From Ch. 6, Section 605.1 - Installation:
"All electrical equipment, wiring and appliances shall be properly installed and maintained in a safe and
approved manner."

It would be my recommendation to visit the local AHJ Building Official to discuss this issue.......I
personally would not accept aluminum tape wrapped around ridgid conduit as an approved substitute.
In just thinking about some other options, ...what about taking a small sheet of thin, galvanized
steel, ...wrapping it around the damaged area and securing it with steel, adjustable bands [ i.e. -
no zip ties ] ?


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Click to expand...

Thanks for your reply. I wasn't suggesting that it be wrapped with aluminum tape and that's all. the point of the aluminum tape was to prevent concreted from entering the conduit because I was going to have them pour concrete around the pipe. I like your idea of the flashing and clamps, that would be better. My general question to folks is whether or not they feel this is a reasonable, safe solution that is code compliant. I don't believe there is a specif code section, but one could probably argue that if there is a hole in conduit it isn't suitable for use any longer. This hole is almost flush with the existing concrete which is why I wanted to pour a small concrete curb around the conduit after it was patched.
 
ActionDave said:
The whole hole is above is above grade right? Sounds like it could be patched to me.

What is the reason to pour concrete?
Click to expand...

The hole is right at grade. The plan is to "patch" it. What we're are trying to avoid is removing the bad section of conduit because it is flush against the footing and the hole is at grade. We were going to wrap the conduit to prevent concrete from entering the conduit and then pour a 4-6" curb around it.
 
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sfav8r,

Is there a Code Official that you can go discuss your options with ?
Creating a concrete curbing around it; with some type of approved barrier
to the conductors inside before placing the concrete, is also a good
suggestion.

Recommend that a meeting with the AHJ take place to "coverest thy arse" ! :D

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I don't see an issue with you repairing the conduit (putting flashing) and having concrete around it, as long as it does not get in the conduit. However, make sure the underground conductor insulation is not damaged.
 
The pupose of conduit is to protect from phyical damage.

The pupose of conduit is to protect from phyical damage.

Could you Split a short section of conduit ( the next size up) lenghtways, then, sandwich the conduit and use pipe clamps or such to hold it together???

One concern is the conduit used as a mechinacal ground??
 
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