I don't think this would be a problem...

[wfopete]

I'm running a four foot deep trench to take primary power closer to my house and barn. It just so happens that I can put the trench in the same location where I want to install a french drain. So I figure to kill two birds with one stone, once the power line was installed I'd cover it up with a 2 foot of dirt, then add a base of gravel, pipe then more gravel and cover.

Good to go or...???

 

[Steevo]

Seriously?
Let's put the septic leach lines into the water well while we're at it.

Somethings shouldn't be combined. Water and electricity are right up there on that list.
I would think it is a bad idea to direct water runoff directly into the immediate vicinity of your electrical conduit, as the soggy soil surrounding the conduit just increases the chances of any minor leak allowing the conduit to fill up with water. The water will soak down and follow the conduit along its path.

 

[Norcal]

Seriously?
Let's put the septic leach lines into the water well while we're at it.

Somethings shouldn't be combined. Water and electricity are right up there on that list.
I would think it is a bad idea to direct water runoff directly into the immediate vicinity of your electrical conduit, as the soggy soil surrounding the conduit just increases the chances of any minor leak allowing the conduit to fill up with water. The water will soak down and follow the conduit along its path.

This does not answer the OP's question, but any UG conduit is going to fill w/ water.....

 

[Aceman]

Seriously?
Let's put the septic leach lines into the water well while we're at it.

Somethings shouldn't be combined. Water and electricity are right up there on that list.
I would think it is a bad idea to direct water runoff directly into the immediate vicinity of your electrical conduit, as the soggy soil surrounding the conduit just increases the chances of any minor leak allowing the conduit to fill up with water. The water will soak down and follow the conduit along its path.

Take a wild guess on how they get both water and power out to the center pivot of an irrigation circle? I'll give you a hint, they don't dig two seperate ditches...

The only issue to worry about is if the water lines break, you take a chance they'll tear up the electrical when digging it the water line back up. But in the OP's case he has 2' of cover, so it isn't really an issue. He could throw some caution tape in the ditch if he really wanted too...

 

[wfopete]

It's not a water line. It's a drain for excess water during heavy rains.

Personally, I don't see it having much difference than running the drain 2 feet parallel to the power line.

 

[mrb]

primary as in the high voltage side of a utility transformer? I'm sure your power company has design standards for the trench that would prevent you from putting anything on top of the electrical lines.

 

[wfopete]

primary as in the high voltage side of a utility transformer? I'm sure your power company has design standards for the trench that would prevent you from putting anything on top of the electrical lines.

Yeah the real juicy power stuff. I don't think they will ever know. Once they lay the line they said it's my responsibilty to cover it up.

 

[mrb]

Yeah the real juicy power stuff. I don't think they will ever know. Once they lay the line they said it's my responsibilty to cover it up.

I wouldnt do it. Take a look at their design manual and follow it to the letter. You might get away with it now, and get hit with a 20K bill to relocate the line when they discover it later....

 

[TWX]

I'd be more worried about erosion or sinkhole types of forces uncovering the wire over time.

 

[wfopete]

I suppose, but if I get a erosion or sinkhole that uncovers that line four foot underground I'll have bigger problems going on than relocating a line.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Assuming you're served by Centerpoint Energy (with a little Googling I see they serve Dover), you can access their installation manual here: http://www.centerpointenergy.com/services/electricity/buildersanddevelopers/gettingaprojectstarted/ Click on 'Electric Service Standards'.

The standards for underground services start on page 35. I didn't see anything specifically prohibiting other things buried directly on top of the service lateral wires, but in general an electric utility is going to want to be able to access them later on for maintenance if necessary. Also, at the bottom of page 36 in section 414.1 it says, "Since Underground Residential Distribution (URD) areas are established by special contractual arrangements, special conditions for service may exist, and the Customer must request URD Service Specifications through the Company's Service Consultant in the area."

On the next page is a diagram showing typical installation requirements, which mentions underground service laterals are at a minimum of 24" below grade - is there a reason you're putting them 48" down?

 

[Tscott]

Seriously?
Let's put the septic leach lines into the water well while we're at it.

Somethings shouldn't be combined. Water and electricity are right up there on that list.
I would think it is a bad idea to direct water runoff directly into the immediate vicinity of your electrical conduit, as the soggy soil surrounding the conduit just increases the chances of any minor leak allowing the conduit to fill up with water. The water will soak down and follow the conduit along its path.

The problem is not that water will be present. Any conduit buried in the ground will fill with water due to condensation over time. Any primary URD cable will be rated for direct contact with the elements and will completely impervious to water.

As to the OP, I am not sure it is a good idea because if the cable ever goes bad and takes out the conduit (this happens pretty frequently when a fault occurs in URD line) then the power company will need to dig up your french drain to get to their conduit. I believe the NESC that governs power companies, does require a certain horizontal clearance between utilities, but I am not sure if this applies to drains.

Just use your best judgement, as I really don't see a safety concern with what you propose.

Tom

 

[wfopete]

Assuming you're served by Centerpoint Energy (with a little Googling I see they serve Dover), you can access their installation manual here: http://www.centerpointenergy.com/services/electricity/buildersanddevelopers/gettingaprojectstarted/ Click on 'Electric Service Standards'.

The standards for underground services start on page 35. I didn't see anything specifically prohibiting other things buried directly on top of the service lateral wires, but in general an electric utility is going to want to be able to access them later on for maintenance if necessary. Also, at the bottom of page 36 in section 414.1 it says, "Since Underground Residential Distribution (URD) areas are established by special contractual arrangements, special conditions for service may exist, and the Customer must request URD Service Specifications through the Company's Service Consultant in the area."

On the next page is a diagram showing typical installation requirements, which mentions underground service laterals are at a minimum of 24" below grade - is there a reason you're putting them 48" down?

Actually I'm served by Arkansas Valley Electrical Cooperative. The rep that came out said Primary 48" deep, secondary 24" deep. But I'll see if I can google thier install manual. Seems like out here (Somewhere North of Dover, AR), building & electrical codes are a bit of a subjective issue.

 

[ddawg16]

Like most have said, the issue is not the proximity to water...but rather access....

If for any reason either one have to be worked on....the other could be in the way.

 

[rabidsquirrel]

This does not answer the OP's question, but any UG conduit is going to fill w/ water.....

It's real fun watching the linemen hammer open 6" PVC and see the water drain out from around the 13.2 KV lines.