Storm Sewer Under Transformer

[ed downey]

I have a situation where the civil engineer has drawn the 10" diameter (PVC) pipe under a utility transformer and a 480V NEMA 3R Switchboard (About 9 feet below grade).

Besides the obvious that if something ever happens to the PVC pipe underground we could have major issues with the electrical service. Is there any code reference that you could help me with to get the piping re-routed.

-Ed

 

[480sparky]

110.26(F) perhaps?

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

I do not see an issue with plumbing or drainage pipes being 9ft below the electrical equipment. We see this sort of issue all the time. In some buildings the plumbing/drainage seem to always be crammed into small spaces.

 

[drbond24]

This may not be what you want to hear, but I don't see a problem with that. If they are 9' apart that is plenty of room. If they were 9' apart horizontally instead of vertically would you still have a problem with it (just curious)?

 

[JWCELECTRIC]

I would check with the local poco, They may have issue with the sewer line. Why is there an issue moving the xfmr or sewer line, or both?

 

[ed downey]

I don't really have a problem with the Storm line running under the transformer & gear.

I have a problem with future maintenance of the storm line that is under the transformer & gear.

 

[drbond24]

I don't really have a problem with the Storm line running under the transformer & gear.

I have a problem with future maintenance of the storm line that is under the transformer & gear.

Two things:

1. That is a very good point.
2. How is that your problem?

 

[ed downey]

Just trying to think ahead. It is a bad habit

 

[wireguru]

there have been numerous sinkholes caused where a crack or hole develops in the pipe (which I dont think would happen with the pvc, I believe the times this has happened it was clay or cement pipe) dirt falls into the pipe and the water flowing through the pipe carries the dirt away, this keeps happening untl there there is no more dirt...so if the ground opens up and swallows your transformer you know what happened

And dont use 10ft ground rods........