Using a wood fence for conduit support?

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jimmyglen

Senior Member
Location
St. Louis, Missouri
I have a situation where we could only trench
about 1/2 way to an out building in the rear yard of a residence.

The rest of the way is thick with old old trees and the city we are in would not let us trench trough that area even if we could. The trees are also preventing an overhead span.

We ran PVC conduit as far as we could underground and then we came up and mounted to a wood fence with 4x4 posts - then on to the out bldg.

The inspector is telling us that the fence is not considered a "permanent structure". We mount to 4x4 and unistrut all the time for pool outlets etc.

I have serched the NEC and cant really find any ammo on either side.

Any ides?

thanks

Jim
 
BryanMD said:
Because a fence isn't a permanent structure.
But if you were to sink your own posts and attach to that it would be ok.
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Why wouldn't a fence be a permanent structure but separate 4x4 posts would?

I don't see anything in the NEC to prohibit attaching a raceway to a fence.

Chris
 
cowboyjwc said:
Well if we want to get technical, a house isn't a permenant structure either.:smile:
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When you get down to it, no structure is "permanent". ;) :smile:

I understand the fence argument; been there myself. Ended up sinking my own posts and mounting to that with no problems from EI.
 
If a fence is not a permanent structure then why do I have to get a permit to put one up? The 4x4 post can hold up the wood fence and the conduit at the same time. If it was a concrete block wall fence would it be permneant?
 
raider1 said:
Why wouldn't a fence be a permanent structure but separate 4x4 posts would?

I don't see anything in the NEC to prohibit attaching a raceway to a fence.

Chris
Click to expand...


I agree, the inspector has missed the boat on this one.:rolleyes:
 
I agree the fence is as permanent as many structures.

But going beyond that, what code prohibits conduits on temporary structures?
 
iwire said:
I agree the fence is as permanent as many structures.

But going beyond that, what code prohibits conduits on temporary structures?
Click to expand...

I agree, the NEC defines structure, but the definition doesn't say anything about how long the structure will be there.

Chris
 
Saw this in the '08 Analysis and thought of this post,

conduitonfence.jpg
 
Mike's photo above looks typical of how I do block heater receptacles in fenced in truck yards, except I use a few hangers here and there.
 
If the fence is a structure ,.. and I agree that it is ,.. would it now require a disconnect??

Ouch:)
 
ask the property owner if he plans on putting the fence away in the winter. if he says no then its a permanent structure. the inspector is wrong and should have his head examined for saying that.
 
Get creative and stake it down to the ground. PVC sch 40 is listed for aboveground use.

Nothing I can find prohibits that.

edit add: Forgot to add right next to the fence is not subject to damage.
 
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