PVC Conduit under deck

[2leftthumbs]

I'm installing a subpanel in a detached garage. Individual conductors in 2" PVC conduit. The shortest path would be from main panel into crawl space, then exiting building through LB
under a deck built on grade. My question is - Does conduit need to be buried while under the deck? If so,I imagine at the same 18" minimum cover as remainder of run. I live in WA. ST. Thanks for any input or feedback

 

[BigJohn20]

If it is subject to physical damage, you either need to use Schedule 80 PVC or bury it. If it is not subject to physical damage, it can be run above ground in Schedule 40.

 

[Stuart in MN]

For a location where it is subject to physical damage, schedule 80 PVC is preferable and is what I'd recommend, but there's nothing in the code that requires it. You should be okay with schedule 40 PVC mounted to the joists underneath the deck.

 

[Aceman]

Since you're running it for a distance aboveground don't forget expansion fittings if you need 'em.

 

[BigJohn20]

For a location where it is subject to physical damage, schedule 80 PVC is preferable and is what I'd recommend, but there's nothing in the code that requires it. You should be okay with schedule 40 PVC mounted to the joists underneath the deck.

See 352.12(C) and 300.5(D)(1). Schedule 80 PVC is the only non-metallic conduit suitable for use in areas subject to physical damage.

 

[royalton10]

I also had a detached garage that I wanted to run wire to. It required going under a deck. I had a ton of people who said to run the conduit under the deck joists. In the end, I dug a trench under the deck for the conduit. I was not in the ground 18" under the deck but there was no permit needed. I know some would say I committed a great sin. I just know I got the job done.

I crawled under the deck and dug the trench while on my stomach. Under the deck there was gravel and plastic. I pulled back the gravel and plastic. The plastic helped the dirt to be very moist and easy to dig.

While it was a pain in the **** to dig the trench under the deck, I have not regretted for one minute doing it that way. My wife regularly remarks, "I can't believe you really buried the conduit under the deck." I just nod and smile.

Good luck!

 

[cj7jeep81]

I also had a detached garage that I wanted to run wire to. It required going under a deck. I had a ton of people who said to run the conduit under the deck joists. In the end, I dug a trench under the deck for the conduit. I was not in the ground 18" under the deck but there was no permit needed. I know some would say I committed a great sin. I just know I got the job done.

I crawled under the deck and dug the trench while on my stomach. Under the deck there was gravel and plastic. I pulled back the gravel and plastic. The plastic helped the dirt to be very moist and easy to dig.

While it was a pain in the **** to dig the trench under the deck, I have not regretted for one minute doing it that way. My wife regularly remarks, "I can't believe you really buried the conduit under the deck." I just nod and smile.

Good luck!

I did the same with my deck, only I was able to crouch

My reasoning was I plan on living here a long time, and if I have to rebuild the deck, I don't want to have to re-do my wiring. Like you, its not 18" below the deck, but dropped down to 2' just before exiting the deck (where I could reach with the backhoe).

 

[royalton10]

I did the same with my deck, only I was able to crouch

My reasoning was I plan on living here a long time, and if I have to rebuild the deck, I don't want to have to re-do my wiring. Like you, its not 18" below the deck, but dropped down to 2' just before exiting the deck (where I could reach with the backhoe).

That was my thought as well. A litle more effort now would pay gold down the road should the deck need to be rebuilt.

 

[2leftthumbs]

Great ideas, thank you. I will bury conduit under deck. Deck is composite material, flaking and chipping. It'll be next project.

 

[royalton10]

The home remodel shows have you believe the composite is for ever with nothing happening.

 

[2leftthumbs]

Another question (forgot to ask inspector). Should I have rough-in before pulling wire in conduit? In case there's a problem with trench? I'd hate to have to move 2" conduit full of wire. Today's Sunday, last chance to get help with pull.