Subject to physical damage

Status
Not open for further replies.
N

nizak

Senior Member
I would like opinions on the following install?

I installed an overhead temporary pole at a residential job site.

The raceway above the meter socket is Sch40 PVC.

I failed inspection because the riser was not either metallic or Sch80 PVC.( reason: subject to physical damage)

The meter,which is plastic, and more succeptable due to the height, would be the first weak link if damage occurred.

I've never been called out on this.

Can anyone give me an NEC definition for " subject to physical damage"

Thanks
 
I don't believe you will find a definition of "subject to physical damage". Imo, the inspector is off base. I would ask him/her what damage is he/she worried about
 
I believe there is a requirement for conduit emerging from grade to be Sch80, but I do not know of any for overhead temp power. The poles we've built here for temp overhead power for resi dont even have conduit. Is the inspector worried the LULL operator is going to run his forks thru your pole 7' up? :? If so, the whole pole is going down regardless of schedule or conduit type.

Personally, I do not see a problem with schedule 40 PVC above a meter socket. Ask for a code section. Schedule 80/RMC/IMC is only for free standing masts, or so I thought.
 
JFletcher said:
I believe there is a requirement for conduit emerging from grade to be Sch80, ...
Click to expand...

There is no requirement to use Sch 80 anywhere in the NEC. 352.12(C) says PVC is not permitted where subject to physical damage unless identified for such use, and Sch 80 is generally accepted to meet that criteria. I have no idea if it actually is, I just know my inspectors want it used above grade.
 
Sch 80 PVC

Sch 80 PVC

nizak said:
I would like opinions on the following install?

I installed an overhead temporary pole at a residential job site.

The raceway above the meter socket is Sch40 PVC.

I failed inspection because the riser was not either metallic or Sch80 PVC.( reason: subject to physical damage)

The meter,which is plastic, and more succeptable due to the height, would be the first weak link if damage occurred.

I've never been called out on this.

Can anyone give me an NEC definition for " subject to physical damage"

Thanks
Click to expand...

PVC Risers required to be schedule 80 fall under AHJ and local building dept. ordinances.
 
infinity said:
We always use SE cable out of the top of the meter on temporary services.
Click to expand...

Same. And we use sch80 when the temp service is coming from underground.

ActionDave, I could have sworn Ive seen a requirement for sch80 for RPVC when emerging from grade... is that a direct code section, because it is subject to physical damage, just good practice, or bad memory/teaching?
 
JFletcher said:
Same. And we use sch80 when the temp service is coming from underground.

ActionDave, I could have sworn Ive seen a requirement for sch80 for RPVC when emerging from grade... is that a direct code section, because it is subject to physical damage, just good practice, or bad memory/teaching?
Click to expand...
300.5(D)(4) says "where... subject to physical damage",which get us back to being subject to interpretation.

Many places the AHJ says all raceways emerging from grade are subject to physical damage, but IMO you should still have a choice of sch 80 or something suitable to protect it.
 
kwired said:
300.5(D)(4) says "where... subject to physical damage",which get us back to being subject to interpretation.

Many places the AHJ says all raceways emerging from grade are subject to physical damage, but IMO you should still have a choice of sch 80 or something suitable to protect it.
Click to expand...

Easier to run sch80 than put a bollard or the like in front of it... ofc, that may be prudent too at a commercial job.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top