So, I'm not sure if the NEC category is the best fit for this question but here it is, hopefully I can get a lead in the right direction.
An electrician I know (Yeah, I know it's always someone I know) called me to ask me about underwater installations.
It seems on the job he is on he needs to install an electrical line in an area that is subject to flooding. The inspector on the job told him that the conduit and wire had to be rated for underwater installations. There is nothing on the plans to indicate conduit type or wire size.
I have never heard of underwater conduit. In my experience all conduit fills with water when installed underground. I would assume that PVC conduit would be the best fit for an installation that may be underwater and that assumption is based strictly on corrosion concerns.
As far as conductors/cables are concerned I would assume that if installed in PVC conduit any single conductor rated for wet installations would be adequate. So, typical THWN, XHHW, or USE conductors would be suitable.
I would also have to assume that using direct burial cables would be acceptable as well.
Any insight into the type of conduit and conductors/cables would be appreciated. If there is anything in the NEC that correlates to underwater installations please point me to those sections.
An electrician I know (Yeah, I know it's always someone I know) called me to ask me about underwater installations.
It seems on the job he is on he needs to install an electrical line in an area that is subject to flooding. The inspector on the job told him that the conduit and wire had to be rated for underwater installations. There is nothing on the plans to indicate conduit type or wire size.
I have never heard of underwater conduit. In my experience all conduit fills with water when installed underground. I would assume that PVC conduit would be the best fit for an installation that may be underwater and that assumption is based strictly on corrosion concerns.
As far as conductors/cables are concerned I would assume that if installed in PVC conduit any single conductor rated for wet installations would be adequate. So, typical THWN, XHHW, or USE conductors would be suitable.
I would also have to assume that using direct burial cables would be acceptable as well.
Any insight into the type of conduit and conductors/cables would be appreciated. If there is anything in the NEC that correlates to underwater installations please point me to those sections.
