Conduit sweeps with direct bury

[HaiKarate]

I am installing a long (close to 300') run of 4/0 MHF to my detached shop and am using 2.5" conduit at both ends where I come up out of the ground. I have some schedule 80 to go from the LB entering the house/\shop down into the ground, but I am unable to source a schedule 80 sweep anywhere around here.

Is a sweep required in this instance? If so I am probably just going to dig super deep by the house/shop and use a sch 40 sweep. If not can I just run out the bottom of the 'raw' PVC? Or do I need a bell end or some type of transition?

I'm not concerned about damage due to where the cable runs, (near an 'inside' corner on the outside of the house) but want to make sure I meet code and pass inspection with no issues.

HK

 

[wyliesdiesels]

sch 80 only required if subject to damage

 

[HaiKarate]

That is why I'm asking - I have no idea what the inspector might consider "subject to damage".

*I* know it isn't, but I want to make sure that any inspector that shows up will pass this thing.

 

[HaiKarate]

I guess the bigger question I have is about the sweeps as I know I can get the sch80 18" down with the straight piece I have - is it kosher just to have a 'down pipe' without a sweep with the MHF?

 

[Bert_]

I guess the bigger question I have is about the sweeps as I know I can get the sch80 18" down with the straight piece I have - is it kosher just to have a 'down pipe' without a sweep with the MHF?

It's normal. I've never seen anyone put a sweep on the bottom. No reason to.

 

[Innovate1]

That is why I'm asking - I have no idea what the inspector might consider "subject to damage".

*I* know it isn't, but I want to make sure that any inspector that shows up will pass this thing.

Better ask the AHJ. I lived in one location that expected sch 80 for any outdoor conduit risers. I lived in the next county that didn't have any inspections but most of the suppliers were in the strict county so they tried to tell me it had to be sch 80.

 

[mcbane]

Unless your city or county has special requirements you don’t need a sweep.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[jh87]

When I built my house all the power company required for my underground service was a straight piece of 3” that ran 18” underground.

 

[sberry]

The poco didn't use one I had sitting there, I put them on sometimes if I figure to ever dig around there again.

 

[sky jumper]

my AHJ requires RMC for the elbow/sweep and everything up through the metal LB. nothing in the code says this, but they require it. I had to cut out my PVC elbows and replace with Rigid.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

my AHJ requires RMC for the elbow/sweep and everything up through the metal LB. nothing in the code says this, but they require it. I had to cut out my PVC elbows and replace with Rigid.

Do they have local WRITTEN amendments for these requirements? If not then they cant enforce them...

 

[HaiKarate]

Thanks for all the input - I think I'll just go Sched 80 straight down 18"+ then.

The varied responses also show why I ask this question - enforcement/interpretation of this seems to be all over the place!

Also, the schedule 80 to 18" down section from the NEC is specifically called out in the inspection 'cheat sheet' they publish on items people often miss. That being said, I'm 95% sure the service entrance conduit going up to my meter is sched 40 (it's been painted over, but definitely doesn't seem as thick/stiff/strong as 80). Go Figure. I'm guessing it's due to age of the house (~40 years).

Hope to get this wrapped up over the weekend and call for inspection early next week.

Thanks,
HK

 

[klassenl]

Do they have local WRITTEN amendments for these requirements? If not then they cant enforce them...

They can enforce anything they want to.

But the first time it goes to court there will suddenly be documentation if there wasn't initially.