Conduit drain?

[mcbane]

My main panel is approximately 10 ft higher than a secondary structure. I plan to run PVC conduit underground from the main panel to a panel at the secondary structure.

In theory, properly assembled PVC conduit never leaks so I dont need to worry about ground water entering the conduit and then pouring into the panel at the secondary structure. But I have seen that problem occur before, likely due to a damaged conduit - water was pouring out of a junction box 2 ft above the floor.

Should I be installing a conduit drainage detail just below the secondary structure's panel? If so, what is the best practice approach?

 

[nadogail]

Could there be water form rain or another source getting into your system and running through the conduits until it escapes from the lower box?

 

[mcbane]

New install so that wont happen by design. The question is whether a drain is prudent just in case the conduit at some point develops a leak. I'm pretty sure the only time I saw this happen involved a backhoe that hat hit the conduit many years before, and probably cracked it.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

You will almost always have some amount of water in an underground pipe no matter how well its glued together. This is why its a wet location.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Here's a couple examples of conduit drain fittings, there are others available.
https://www.gordonelectricsupply.co...74VPhLjqW8xAz60C5po8L6hM8UKUXO_BoC9bQQAvD_BwE
https://www.grainger.com/product/APPLETON-ELECTRIC-Non-Hazardous-Location-Drain-6ZEK2
https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us/catalog/fittings/cd-ordinary-location-drain.html

 

[mcbane]

I have seen the drain fittings but what is the correct installation? If I put one in a knockout at the bottom of the downhill panel I potentially have water flowing inside that panel. Is it ok to install one in a condulet tee below the panel, using a pipe bushing?


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[nadogail]

I like those drain fittings. This is the first time I have seen one.

I am still learning about the limits of my knowledge.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Is it ok to install one in a condulet tee below the panel, using a pipe bushing?

That would work.

 

[nsula_country]

Drill a 1/4" hole in the box.

CT

 

[rollinon2]

You can use electrical putty to plug the conduit where it enters the box so if there is any moisture it won't enter the box. We do this on conduit that transitions between hot areas to a refrigerated area. Condensation literally fills anything the conduit ends into. A large exit sign will fill to the top like a fishbowl in a few months.

 

[alfredeneuman]

You can use electrical putty to plug the conduit where it enters the box so if there is any moisture it won't enter the box. We do this on conduit that transitions between hot areas to a refrigerated area. Condensation literally fills anything the conduit ends into. A large exit sign will fill to the top like a fishbowl in a few months.

10 feet of head pressure, 4.3-4.4 psi, will leak right past the electrical putty. I've tried it in a similar case and finally had to drain drill a hole in a conduit body to stop it.