ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues SE vs. USE

I got a call yesterday to re-do a service upgrade(someone elses)that failed inspection due to 10-12' distance between entrance and Service Panel. The inspector didn't seem to mind that--
1) Service Entrance is 200 amp SE cable buried in 2" PVC from pole-mounted meter socket 30' away.
2) PVC is buried 6-8" deep. Enters below grade. Pokes out in crawl space as cable (no pipe).

Owners suggestion-
1)He will dig new 18"(O.K. with PVC)trench to closer proximity of Panel(2-3').
2)Re-route conduit. Re-use SE Cable.
3)Keep entrance point underground.

I'm thinking no SE Cable underground, even in conduit.
Install new run of USE.
Keep conduit to reduce burial depth from 24" to 18".

Question-
I have only ever installed USE as single conductors. Is multi-conductor USE available as a covered assembly that, when I enter the building, I can run exposed 2-3' to the panel?

Redsy;
I only know of triplex, and some quadriplex USE, no outer covering....

The penetration to the basement will be close to the panel and if I pipe it, there won't be a lot of room to work 2" fittings. Maybe I'll hit the back of a j-box, and switch(splice)to SE there.

I know it probably won't be easy to get the conduit in, but I would not install a splice box in the SE conductors. I know that the code allows it now.....but I think that it's still a poor practice.

Run the conduit all the way to the panel. You'll sleep better.

GJ

Can you arrange for a stub of pipe directly into the back of the panel?

Good idea! Maybe, but a pain in the you-know-what. The top would be too high with regard to the burial depth. The bottom would be so low as to require the depth to be increased by about 10" at the penetration point. I guess I could slope the last few feet of pipe prior to the penetration.And I'll have to swing the panel out of the way, but it still might be the least aggravating way to go.(Glad I thought of it! )

hey great! I hope it works. just be sure and stuff a pack of dux seal in it so it does'nt let h20 into your panel....

Question,

Would it be allowed to strip the jacket from the SE cable that's in the conduit? And the conduit pokes into the crawlspace with a Female connector on the end and SE cable connector, so it runs as SE to the panel?

What do you think? What would the objections (if any) be?

Bill

What about this buiness of running SE in the buried PVC. Bad thing, not approved for bvurial. Correct? This was a big(full page ad in Yellow Pages, probably $800.00/month)local outfit. On the other hand, they didn't install a ground rod, didn't upsize the GEC, and didn't extend it to <5' of water entrance.
I hope to eventually find out how much they charged.

[This message has been edited by Redsy (edited 09-02-2001).]

Redsy,

If it's in the conduit it's not Direct Buried. If it's stripped is it still SE?
The conductors have to be rated for wet locations don't they? Anyone know an official position on this?

Bill