Running 4/0 in 3" pvc

[Tron]

i have to run 60 feet of 4/0 in a 3" pvc with 2 sweep 90s from the transformer to the meter box. it is a 200amp service. is it ok to use 4/0 triplex and how should i pull it through the pvc.

thanks for your help.

 

[infinity]

I don't think that triplex cables are listed for use in conduit. What's wrong with pulling 3 separate conductors?

 

[480sparky]

The only mention of 'triplex' in the Code is 392.2, Messenger-Supported Wiring.

However, I have heard people refer to direct-burial cables, such as USE, as 'triplex.' Maybe that's what the OP is using.

 

[Tron]

so what type wire do you recommend

and could i pull all three at once?

thank you

 

[brantmacga]

use long radius 90's. i pulled 2x 2/0 copper, ,a #4 & #6 through 1 1/2" a couple of weeks ago for a 200a servicec w/o using long radius bends and a full 360 deg. run; i've been to the chiropractor twice in the last 4 days. oh my back!

how should i pull it through the pvc.

3 4/0's should leave plenty of wiggle room, and at 60', just get a fish tape and a helper; and plenty of lube never hurts. oh, and don't use your back.

 

[infinity]

If AL, I would use XHHW. 60' is a short pull and you should be able to pull it by hand with a decent rope and a few men.

 

[Tron]

thanks for your help guys. i could pull 2 4/0 lines and 1 2/0 for the neutral right?

 

[Bulldog1401]

Pull

Pull

Yes, but pull them all at once. Much easier to pull a group of wires 1 time if you can. If you pull them seperately, the second pull could damage the first, etc... A lot of the service csbles I use are XLPE, not XHHW. Explore this also.
Good luck.

 

[enosez]

Dont know where you live but they make (I might get the names crossed but,) "greenbriar" is 2 conductor 4/0 wire AL and 1 conductor 2/0 AL that is direct burial and twisted together that looks similar to triplex. There is also "monmouth" which is 3 conductor 4/0 AL that is also direct burial and twisted. In our area both are used for 200 amp underground service.

As a side note, our utility lets you direct burial this wire without any conduit.

 

[ptonsparky]

The triplexed cable is harder to pull than three individual conductors, it is stiffer, but the 3" will help considerably. Cost is a bit less.

 

[EV607797]

It's not a good idea to pull triplex cable in conduit because you can't remove one conductor in the event of a failure. I know, I know, someone will say that if one conductor fails, chances are that it will damage the others either due to heating or due to friction when pulling in a new one.

I'd stick with individual runs of XLPE if it was my project. That pull should be a breeze with 3" conduit.

 

[480sparky]

This is what most of us call 'triplex";

AKA messenger supported wiring, Art 396.


Type USE, which is called 'triplex' sometimes, looks like this:

 

[Bulldog1401]

Pulls in conduit

Pulls in conduit

Its not a good idea to do multiple pulls in a conduit with wires already in place. The pulling rope can act like a saw and cut the first cunductor while you pull the second, etc.. also any pulling gear can do the same.. as for pulling out an individual conductor because it failed, if the others did not, they may after you get done abraidibng them with the new pull. Then you get to do it all over again. Ff you suspect a failure, pull the whole assembly out and check all wires near the fault if you can. Then replace the bad wire and pull them all in again.

 

[kbsparky]

...


Type USE, which is called 'triplex' sometimes, looks like this:

Around here, that type of 'triplex' is commonly called URD cable. We have successfully installed this stuff in 2" PVC conduit on longer runs than the OP is considering. You have to use plenty of lube, however. Installing it into a 3"conduit should be a breeze.

We have recently changed over to using XHHW instead of the URD for such feeders, and it pulls in much easier, too! :grin:

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Just be certain not to pull the triplex with the bare aluminum. It is not rated for underground, but rather for overhead runs.