Service conductor above ground along exterior wall

[zemingduan]

I am an electrical engineer. Recently, we got question from electricians for some projects asking if they can run service conductors along the exterior wall like on the ground or 10' above the ground before entering into the building to avoid trenching... This has hazardous and a bad idea for me. But I didn't find a NEC code section that forbid it. Which code section governs it? Any distance limitation to run service conduit along exterior wall horizontally and vertically?

We have another project that has new 4.6kv underground incoming service to an existing building. The electrical room is on the second floor. Can I run the 4.6kv underground conduit stub up to ground and vertically on exterior wall then enters to the switchgear in electrical room behind the exterior wall? Any better idea?

Thanks!

 

[infinity]

Any distance limitation to run service conduit along exterior wall horizontally and vertically?

What is the wiring method SE cable? One thing that is applicable is will the location of the service conductors make them being subject to physical damage. If not then they can be run on the outside surface of the structure for an unlimited length.

 

[zemingduan]

What is the wiring method SE cable? One thing that is applicable is will the location of the service conductors make them being subject to physical damage. If not then they can be run on the outside surface of the structure for an unlimited length.

It is RGS conduit or Sch80 PVC. It's side alley without traffic. I think it's not an environment subject to damage.

Ok, if code permits it, is it rule of thumb installation? Does it increase fire hazardous to install live service conduit on building exterior wall?

 

[infinity]

It is RGS conduit or Sch80 PVC. It's side alley without traffic. I think it's not an environment subject to damage.

Ok, if code permits it, is it rule of thumb installation? Does it increase fire hazardous to install live service conduit on building exterior wall?

RMC and SCH80 PVC are both permitted when installed in areas where subject to physical damage. If there is a possibility of something like vehicle impact then additional protection in the form of guard rails or bollards can be used.