ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area electrical conduit sharing trench with gas

Can the gas line share the same trench with the electrical conduit? They are both branch circuits and are not on the service side.

I know it is not an NEC issue.

Thank you.

Niko:
Check locally IMHO.

Here in NJ it's not an issue as long as they are not 'side-by-side'.

You may have siesmic issues.

I agree with John. Local policy will dictate this and it may actually be the utilities driving it.

Pacific Gas & Electric does not permit it.

Underground natural gas delivery is by plastic.

No way will PG&E suffer compounding fires -- electric then gaseous.

Common trenches out my way are restricted to power, data, coax... with various horizons at least 12" apart -- sometimes more.

Fresh water, dark water, fire systems, and gas are not permitted in the common trench.

Customer side power is not permitted in the same horizon ( depth ) as utility lines. Utility power is always to be the deepest in the trench -- except if crossing.

Thanks guys.

I have emailed the plumbing inspector for advice.