When to use traffic rated pull boxes- NEC?

[Strombea]

I have a RV storage facility that we have put in light poles, we specifically placed a couple green non traffic rated boxes within 3 ft of the 18” base of the poles, in a non traffic area of the parking lot, and white stripes will be painted to note no driving. Is this to code? Yes it’s commercial but the RVs should not be driving within 10’ of the boxes. One of the HOA board members is complaining that we cut corners and demanding we replace them, is this in the NEC?

 

[petersonra]

I don't think you have violated the code in any specific fashion. I also don't think that some lines that you're going to paint on the ground are going to be of any use in protecting anything from being hit by vehicular traffic. The best argument I would have against what you did is that they are subject to damage.

Painting some vertical steel posts set in the ground would do some actual good.

 

[steve66]

Quazite has some good info in their catalog;

https://hubbellcdn.com/catalogfull/CA0717E_UG-21.pdf

 

[Strombea]

OK I just don't know how to respond to this guy because it doesn't sound like there's actually a code in the NEC one way or the other

 

[hbiss]

it doesn't sound like there's actually a code in the NEC one way or the other

Well, other than having to follow the manufacturer's instructions. If the box specs or description say it won't handle vehicular traffic or the weight of a vehicle and you install it where vehicles can drive over it that would be a violation.

It's up to you how you want to fix this. Would it be cheaper to just replace the boxes or would to be easier to install a curb or bollards to protect them? Keep in mind that it is customary to place bollards around light posts to keep the inevitable vehicle from backing into or otherwise knocking them over. So this could be used to your advantage- offer to install bollards around the light posts enclosing your boxes as well.



-Hal