What Size LB for 2-2-2-4 MHF

[Glenn In Michigan]

Hi everyone. Couple of questions I need some help with on my pole barn feeder project. New panel is hung in barn, and trench is dug.

1. Is 1-1/2" PVC LB transition fitting large enough for 2-2-2-4 MHF? Thinking since I can seperate the conductors on the MHF, they can be pushed through one at a time(?). The MHF is going into the house about 4' where it will be spliced with SER, back to the main 200A panel (splices in a 12x12x6 j-box inside house). Is it going to be hard "pushing" the conductors through the short side of the LB?

2. MHF will be direct buried 25" - 26". How far does the grey Sch 40 need to extend into the ground from the LB fitting (before feeder is no longer protected)? 18" or 24" below grade?

3. Any reason I should not / cannot use grey Sch 40 between the LB fitting and the j-box (through the bond of the house).

Thanks!! Appreciate your help! Glenn

 

[pattenp]

The 1 1/2" LB is okay for the 2-2-2-4 MHF, that's as small as I'd go. The conduit should go down to the depth of 18" but it's best to go to the bottom and use a 90 degree sweep on the end in the trench. If the PVC conduit that is above ground is subject to possible damage then it should be Sch 80. Sch 40 is fine from the LB into the house. And you will need to fight with the wire a little getting through the LB. Personally I like using 2" conduit for the #2 MHF.

Edit: Don't forget to lay a warning ribbon at least 12" above the buried cable.



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[Falcon67]

I pulled 35' of MHF to my shop from the house and I'd recommend 2". That stuff is stiff and doesn't like curves or bends at all.

 

[metal4130]

Just a few weeks ago I pulled right about 50' of 2-2-2-4 MHF with 270 degrees of bend and it is doable. I had to soap up the wire as I went and it is no doubt a 2 man job. 1 person to push and one to pull. Physically I did not have the room to use 2" LB's but using 2" would have made the job easier and really doesn't cost much more.

2-2-2-4 MHF fits just fine in 1-1/2" LB's. Pulling one or 2 wires at a time is also the best way to do it.

 

[Glenn In Michigan]

2" it is! Anything to make it easier. I will probably be doing this mostly solo.

What defines if the pipe is subject to damage? The PVC will be exposed above ground approx 8", and it's located near a walkway. My A/C disconnect and line set is at the same height, about 3' away.

Also, do I need to secure the PVC to the house with anything, or let the earth do the work?

Thanks again everyone!

 

[pattenp]

Being only 8" I think you're okay with Sch 40. Subject to damage would be in a spot that you could run into it with the riding lawn tractor. It would be best to use a strap below the LB.

2" PVC conduit strap.... http://www.lowes.com/pd_254895-223-...95&UserSearch=254895&productId=3565486&rpp=32

 

[Glenn In Michigan]

Thank you everyone! Feel much more confident about tackling this project with your input.

 

[PRH44]

For reference LBs for wire sizes larger than #4 are required to be sized per NEC 314.28 (A)(2). The space between conduit entries will be 6 times the diameter of the conduit. NEC or mogul type LBs are available to meet this requirement.
However most LBs fall under article 314.28(A)(3)
Smaller Dimensions. Boxes or conduit bodies of dimensions less than those required in 314.28(A)(1) and
(A)(2) shall be permitted for installations of combinations
of conductors that are less than the maximum conduit or
tubing fill (of conduits or tubing being used) permitted by
Table 1 of Chapter 9, provided the box or conduit body has
been listed for, and is permanently marked with, the maximum number and maximum size of conductors permitted.(B) Conductors in Pull or Junction Boxes.

So the bottom line is look at the maximum fill stamped inside the conduit body

 

[Glenn In Michigan]

2" LB worked like a charm. No problem pushing the 2-2-2-4 through at all.

Thanks again everyone. Sure I'll have another question shortly, as I move the project along. Hope to post some pictures soon.

Glenn