SERVICE LATERALS INSTALLED IN DRAINAGE PIPE?

[al]

Had a homeowner with good intentions install a 4" corregated drainage pipe for the purpose of running two 4/0-4/0-2/0 service laterals from the ICF basement walls to the meters. These were put in before pouring and backfilling. Any comments? Code violation?

[ August 18, 2005, 04:40 PM: Message edited by: al ]

 

[petersonra]

Re: SERVICE LATERALS INSTALLED IN DRAINAGE PIPE?

i'd say pull the wires out and replace with use.

 

[al]

Re: SERVICE LATERALS INSTALLED IN DRAINAGE PIPE?

Wires are not installed yet. They would be URD/USE

 

[petersonra]

Re: SERVICE LATERALS INSTALLED IN DRAINAGE PIPE?

I'd say no problem.

 

[peter d]

Re: SERVICE LATERALS INSTALLED IN DRAINAGE PIPE?

I agree, as long as the wire is rated for direct burial, I see no problem.

 

[ryan_618]

Re: SERVICE LATERALS INSTALLED IN DRAINAGE PIPE?

I would say it is a good way to kill some unsuspecting plumber

 

[tom baker]

Re: SERVICE LATERALS INSTALLED IN DRAINAGE PIPE?

Yes its a violation as the drainage pipe is not UL listed or recognized as a chapter 3 wiring method.
Someone digging would not expect to find conductors in a drain pipe.
If the home owner is asking you to install the conductors in the drain pipe, I would decline, explain its a code violation, unsafe and won't pass inspection. If its for utility wiring, the POCO may not allow.

 

[iwire]

Re: SERVICE LATERALS INSTALLED IN DRAINAGE PIPE?

Originally posted by tom baker:
Yes its a violation as the drainage pipe is not UL listed or recognized as a chapter 3 wiring method.

Tom the cables in question URD/USE do not require a raceway.

IMO saying this URD/USE is a violation in this unlisted pipe would be the same as saying NM in a stud bay is a violation as the stud bay is not a listed raceway.

I do agree it has the potential for an accident.

 

[william runkle]

Re: SERVICE LATERALS INSTALLED IN DRAINAGE PIPE?

Was any warning tape indicating that buried wires are underneath used? if not then it is a potential danger. But to show my age the local electric co-op use to require Orangeburg for service lateral under potential sidewalks or driveways, prior to the use of P.V.C.