SOOW Cord in water for lighting

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

RICHRICH36

Member
Location
Florida
I am at my witts end trying to determine if this is a code violation or not. 400.7 doesnt explicitly allow the installation below and 400.8 doesnt explicitly not allow the installation.

I would like to run some outside lights that will require me to pass through a small little waterway (more like a narrow moat). I was wanting to lay SOOW cord in the water. This water is not subject to damage 400.8(7). Outside being key word so not in violation of 400.8(1)

I was going to run PVC to a hand hole box at the waters edge and then change over to SOOW cord. I was going to do the same thing at the other edge. I dont believe that would constitute violation of 400.8(6) since it will just be a little stub to keep the SOOW from being "direct buried" in the alkaline soil.

My thought is every "aeration" pump is SOOW cord in the water that feeds a pump motor. I would just continue this to the other edge and changeover to PVC with THHN/THWN.

As a good measure, this circuit where it obtains its source will be GFI protected.
 
don_resqcapt19

don_resqcapt19

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Illinois
Occupation
retired electrician
GoldDigger said:
Some submersible sump pumps include a small plastic tube inside the cord which is left open as the cord enters the molded plug.
An air breather for the sealed motor.
Make sure it stays dry. :)
Click to expand...
I thought that was for the differential pressure switch that controls the motor.
 
don_resqcapt19

don_resqcapt19

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Illinois
Occupation
retired electrician
GoldDigger said:
The pump I saw was controlled by a separate float switch.
Click to expand...
The only cords I have ever seen with the small tube in them had the internal differential level type of float switch. I did not know that they used a tube like that for other purposes. Thanks.
 
R

RICHRICH36

Member
Location
Florida
If possible I would like to get this thread back on topic.

I understand the submersible pump installation as that would fall under "connection of utilization equipment".

I am actually intending to transition from PVC with THW --------> SOOW Cord --------> PVC with THW. Nothing being utilized in the SOOW section.

Considering you see SOOW cord submerged in the water for floating docks I am under the "assumption" that this would be acceptable.
 
tom baker

tom baker

First Chief Moderator & NEC Expert
Staff member
Location
Bremerton, Washington
Occupation
Master Electrician
If the SOOW is rated for a wet location, then wouldn't it be the same as THWN in a conduit full of water, to use the SOOW in your application. UL has a marking guide for wire and cable, the answer may be in it, I can't find my copy at the moment
 
S

SceneryDriver

Senior Member
Location
NJ
Occupation
Electrical and Automation Designer
RICHRICH36 said:
If possible I would like to get this thread back on topic.

I understand the submersible pump installation as that would fall under "connection of utilization equipment".

I am actually intending to transition from PVC with THW --------> SOOW Cord --------> PVC with THW. Nothing being utilized in the SOOW section.

Considering you see SOOW cord submerged in the water for floating docks I am under the "assumption" that this would be acceptable.
Click to expand...

I would think splices in that type of high moisture environment would be the last thing you'd want. Lay in a continuous run of PVC, pull in THWN wires in a continuous, non-spliced run from point A to B, and call it done. Assume the conduit will become filled with water (because it will, eventually). THWN wire is rated for use in wet locations, so you're good. Putting a section of SOOW cord in the run only complicates things unnecessarily.

A continuous PVC run is also much more convenient if you ever need to re-pull the conductors, either because of damage or because of the need for additional circuits. Oversize your conduit; someone (maybe you) will likely thank you later. Pipe is cheap in comparison to the labor and aggravation of reinstalling larger conduit later.

If you're concerned about the pipe floating in the water, weigh it down with cinder blocks; slip the hollows over the pipe in several locations, and lay the weighted string into the water.


SceneryDriver
 
iwire

iwire

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
SceneryDriver said:
I would think splices in that type of high moisture environment would be the last thing you'd want. Lay in a continuous run of PVC, pull in THWN wires in a continuous, non-spliced run from point A to B, and call it done. Assume the conduit will become filled with water (because it will, eventually). THWN wire is rated for use in wet locations, so you're good. Putting a section of SOOW cord in the run only complicates things unnecessarily.

A continuous PVC run is also much more convenient if you ever need to re-pull the conductors, either because of damage or because of the need for additional circuits. Oversize your conduit; someone (maybe you) will likely thank you later. Pipe is cheap in comparison to the labor and aggravation of reinstalling larger conduit later.

If you're concerned about the pipe floating in the water, weigh it down with cinder blocks; slip the hollows over the pipe in several locations, and lay the weighted string into the water.


SceneryDriver
Click to expand...

I agree with the logic but code compliance for securing the PVC will be difficult.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top