SER and PVC

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ty said:
Aluminum SER has a bare ground. It is covered, but not insulated.

Code violation or not, I would not do it, or recommend it.
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I agree. I don't design with aluminum SE-R, and I don't call out SE-R in conduit. What does happen is that I get calls from electricians who (1) claim they didn't get the electrical palans, or (2) claim they overlooked the 3 #4/0 XHHW CU, #4 CU E.G.C., 2" PVC callout, or (3) say that they've been doing electrical for 40 years and no engineer is going to tell them what to do. They've put in AL SE-R instead and the inspector has red tagged the job because it's not per the prints. They want me, the engineer, to sign off on what they've done. I can just say no. Maybe I should. But if the installation meets Code saying "no" might not be in the best interest of the client.

At issue here is whether SE-R in PVC underground is acceptable per Code. I don't think that question has been answered yet. There are strongly held opinions both ways, but no difinitive answer. If it is acceptable it provides an option. It not, it would be really good to have a clear statement to that effect from someone authoratative like NFPA or UL. If the guys here can cite code for both sides of this issue, it's not settled, and the lawyers could have a field day if a case went to court, either because a legal installation wasn't allowed or because an illegal installation was.

Martin
 
UL white book lists SE cable for aboveground, also look at 338.10 (B) (4) (b),
IMO it is a violation of the cable listing & a violation of art 338.
 
Well, I'd venture to say I'd never staple SER to the side of a building in lieu of a mast, but the UL says that's perfectly fine. To each their own, I guess. :)
 
dlhoule said:
Yeah, but sometimes someone will re-read a article and/or section, and then we get to start all over.:smile:
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I was trying to add a little humor. We never really completely figure it out.
 
hmspe said:
At issue here is whether SE-R in PVC underground is acceptable per Code. I don't think that question has been answered yet. There are strongly held opinions both ways, but no difinitive answer.
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I can certainly agree with that.:)

The only time this issue comes up for me is when we are installing temp feeders for job or job trailer power.

For that use I do not see any issue as the time it will be in use will not be long enough to degrade the bare (but covered) EGC.

For permanent installation we normally use copper and often underground is specified with XHHW-2 insulation which IMO is pretty tough.
 
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