Uggghhh!!! Help running service conduit to main panel

[green.bubbly]

So I have run into a slight issue with my main panel location. I was intending to put it along the outside wall going straight out to the meter. I wanted to put it in my laundry room but with two doors and a window and the fact that the meter base must be three feet from either, that option is out.

My second option is an interior wall in the same room. It would be within three feet of the meter base but there is an issue. To get it outside, I have to go around a support beam. No way will I get a long two 90 degree sweeps to fit in the wall.

Is there a small 90? My only other thought which came from a recent thread was to use a LB in the wall and build a nice access door. Any other thoughts?





***edit*** would any type of 2" flexible conduit be acceptable?

 

[jkeyser14]

You can use metal flex conduit inside to go around the support beam and then join it to your PVC using some threaded fittings.

 

[green.bubbly]

Outstanding!!!

Does it have to be metal or can I use nonmetallic flex?

 

[PRH44]

You can use SE cable and that would not require a raceway best for this application. You may also use non metalic flex as long as it is a UL listed flexable conduit with approved fittings

 

[Norcal]

You can use metal flex conduit inside to go around the support beam and then join it to your PVC using some threaded fittings.

Mixing PVC & metallic conduits leads to serious grounding / bonding problems.

 

[I void warranties]

why not bend pvc yourself, heat/bend. prh44 mentioned se cable without raceway enclosure if its acceptable? ???

 

[PRH44]

Bending PVC with heat is alot of fun too!!!! With a hot box made for the purpose its perfect. However a cautious hand with a torch can do wonders, scoches easy. Wear gloves and have a damp rag or sprayer handy

 

[MrMark]

I was even able to bend 3 inch Pvc with a heat gun. I saw one guy bending it with a weed killer burner torch thingy hooked to a barbeque tank. Did it for a living too. Wear gloves.

 

[Norcal]

I was even able to bend 3 inch Pvc with a heat gun. I saw one guy bending it with a weed killer burner torch thingy hooked to a barbeque tank. Did it for a living too. Wear gloves.

Using a heatgun, propane torch, weedburner is not code compliant, one is supposed to use a tool made for the purpose, but they work, but scorch marks are a problem for users & will be a red flag to a inspector. BTW, vehicle exhaust works to soften PVC too. (Another code violation).

 

[nehog]

Bending PVC with heat is alot of fun too!!!! With a hot box made for the purpose its perfect. However a cautious hand with a torch can do wonders, scoches easy. Wear gloves and have a damp rag or sprayer handy

why not bend pvc yourself, heat/bend. prh44 mentioned se cable without raceway enclosure if its acceptable? ???

If you are bound to bend your own PVC, fill it with DRY sand or dry clay based kitty litter. That will prevent the bend from collapsing or distorting. I use a heat gun, it is much easier to do and won't overheat the PVC like other uncontrolled heat sources tend to do. Another trick is to take a store bought bend that is close to what you need, and straighten it out a bit instead of doing a full bend of a straight piece. I do this when I have to adjust for the pitch of a roof (like my shop, which is 2:12, I get a 90, and add a bit more bend to it...)

 

[EdT]

Any possibility that your inspector would allow you to get closer to the window or door? I was able to convince mine that the best place for the breaker box was at the base of the stairs since that space would be most likely to remain free of obstructions. He agreed and that's where it is. If you explain what you're trying to do and ask them for suggestions or if an alternative would be OK they may be able to help. The worst they can say is "no". The codes are always subject to local interpretation and it is often wise to find out what they "like to see".

 

[green.bubbly]

Any possibility that your inspector would allow you to get closer to the window or door? I was able to convince mine that the best place for the breaker box was at the base of the stairs since that space would be most likely to remain free of obstructions. He agreed and that's where it is. If you explain what you're trying to do and ask them for suggestions or if an alternative would be OK they may be able to help. The worst they can say is "no". The codes are always subject to local interpretation and it is often wise to find out what they "like to see".

This is not really an inspector issue but the power company. I am still waiting to get one of them out to my location so we can discuss. Looking online, many POCO require the 3 foot from any door or window restriction.

Driving around today, I noticed many fairly new houses in this area with the meter base near a window so I am hoping my POCO is a little more relaxed. But I doubt they will allow it very close to a window so I am almost sure I will be stuck with my second option which will require me to go around a beam.

 

[green.bubbly]

The Slemco engineer came out today and told me that I can put my meter box pretty much anywhere I wanted it. They do not have any restrictions as far as how close to a window or door it is.

This may still require me to do some bending but I need to go back and look at everything again now that I know i can put the meter closer to a window.