ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Table 300.5 and "Residential"

Can anyone interpret column 4 as to be applied to a "garden style"(non-high rise) apartment complex, and allow a 120-volt, 20-amp GFCI protected UF cable to be buried @ 12"?
Apartments ARE residences, and no mention is made regarding single or multi-family residences, except in the left column pertaining to driveways and parking areas.
But I think the intent of column 4 is directed at single homes and not multi-family dwellings.

Exhibit 300.6 ('02 Handbook) depicts a single home, but it addresses cable installed under a driveway.

Hmmm.

From NEC '02

I'm looking at table 300.5 column 1 and it says to me Direct Cable Burials (UF) shall be buried at 24".

[This message has been edited by ShockMe77 (edited 05-17-2006).]

Redsy, I would agree with your interpretation. I know I've used it in a pinch.

That said, it wouldn't hurt to confirm with your AHJ.

Shockme,

Look at Column 4, "Residential...etc."
I think that although apartments are "Residences" column 4 should not apply.

George,

I would not go 12". I would go 24".
Some other bidder proposed 12" and I think it would be a violation, but that is subject to interpretation of the word "residential" in column 4.

Thanks.

Redsy, the more I think about it, it shouldn't be used is this situation, because the circuit doesn't orginate from the residence in question. This circuit would be from the house load panel, and this in my mind would not be considered "residential"...

Any one see it this way?

Dnk..

That's an easy one for me- As the inspector I go to the zoneing department and see what the area is zoned. Zoned residential then that's the rules I use - residential.

I agree, Redsy, I would be sure to get that UF cable buried at least 24".

I guess you could use some judgement and look at the use of the dirt in question. If this was going through areas that are used like a typical back yard, col 4 probably applies. If this is some common area that gets used like a commercial site, park or playground it would be col 1.
It is certainly column 1 if this is going through a flower bed maintained by the landscape guys. I might even "suggest" pipe in there.

Redsy:
IMHO, based on the text of the article, you could go 12" (Residential)

That said, without a 'lay-of-the-land' to conditions, I have to go with Greg's opinions.

Me, personally...I hate UF, I'd put in pipe!
But, I'm not involved in 'bidding' type jobs.

Did you run it past the local AHJ??? Or more importantly, did the competition???

We all have to remember that the NEC lacks a common sense article.

John