Underground

[Joebob37]

Hi all;
I have a feed off the main fuse panel to the workshop. It's 220v w/ 3 #6 thhn copper wire in 2" pvc conduit. If, say the conduit fills w/ water, can I have a leak to ground? Can a megger be used to check this? My electric bill is very high. This is a great site, just joined.
Cheers
Joebob

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

I don't have an answer to your question, but welcome!

We used to live in Manchester, great little town.

 

[sberry]

You can test it but,,, since this is small wire in big pipe would unhook that sucker and pull it out with a swab and a rope, pull it back in with a ground wire.

 

[kd3pc]

If the insulation is compromised, perhaps....but not likely.

Voltmeter would be the first step and check voltages between things.

Meggers are getting hard to come by, you may have better luck with having the power company bring out a dranitz or similar tester.

 

[MrMark]

Most THHN is also rated THWN for wet. A conduit is a wet location if buried. Every underground conduit I have ever seen is full of water no matter how well done. Water finds a way in.

You can check this situation out if it worries you regarding lost power. You need an amp clamp.

 

[C96]

You could also hook up the wires to a GFCI. If they are leaking the GFCI will trip immediately indicating a problem.

Good Luck