ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Unused UF cable

I'm re-grading my parking lot. I may want to install a outdoor lit sign in future. I want to lay conduit with UF cable pulled now but not connected to any services. I just want to trench now while I'm working on my asphalt. Pulling the cable now was easier because of my long run. The local county electical inspectors are giving me a notice of non-conforming work. Am I able by NEC code to lay conduot with unused UF cable and no connections or service hookups? What do I need to do to comply? Thanks

sparkless,

Welcome!
Did they specify what the violation was?

Bill

What is the depth & length of the trench and what type of conduit? Why UF as opposed to individual conductors?

No NEC reference was made. Report states that empty conduit must be empty.

Depth of trench is 2 feet. Length of trench is approx 150 feet. Conduit is grey PVC 1-1/2 inch. I ran UF rather than bare because My electrician told me to pull UF 12-2 with ground. I did not mention earlier that, that a second defect was that I need to add a junction break to keep 360 degrees or less per run. I think this is unrelated to having unused wire pulled and idle. I am going to cut my one run and add a junction to keep bends less than 360 degrees per run.

Thanks for response.

There could be some debate on weather or not UF is allowed in conduit. But besides that, will they let you install a properly supported WP box at the end of the run and cap the conductors inside? They are probably worried the wire will be inadvertently energized at some point leaving a serious hazard to the public.

I've heard this UF cable within conduit issue from a couple of sources now. Nobody has a specific answer to the issue. One electrician said UF may build up heat within conduit. Another said noway unless circuit is overloaded. I would think if I put coded electrical connections at the ends I would be Ok. I was attempting to avoid unnecessary or temporary solutions and expense.

It may seem nit-picky, but I think the violation cited regarding UF and/or NM in conduit has to do with securing the cable within the required distances of boxes. The rationale being that if it is in conduit, you can't secure it.

But if it is in conduit there is no need to secure it, is there? Yes, I know that the rule says you have to, but the purpose of the rule is to prevent the connections from being damaged if the cable is pulled. The cable is protected from being pulled by the conduit. I really see no reason to turn this installation down, but the easiest way to solve the problem would be to install the conduit with a pull string, and install THWN or XHHW conductors when electricity is need for the future project.
Don(resqcapt19)

[This message has been edited by resqcapt19 (edited 12-15-2001).]

I agree with you, Don. I can'y see any reason to turn it down, given appropriately installed & sized conduit. I actually read that answer at another website. The response was in regard to a similar question.

I just added junction to breakup my run that exceeded 360 degrees of total bends. To accommodate my existing line I ran two 45 bends up at one end and at different angles to clear an obstacle. I added a short straight between the 45 bends. As a result my last up pipe is not perpendicular but off perpendicular by a 15 degree angle. What does the NEC code say? Does the termination conduit out of a two feet trench have to be at a perpendicular? Thanks for reply.

[This message has been edited by sparkless (edited 12-19-2001).]