Another question for inspectors - 08/29/08 01:25 AM
What do you guys think about sight wells in lieu of leaving a trench open. How many would you require, and where would they be placed?
Re: Another question for inspectors - 08/29/08 01:38 AM
If it is not practical for an open site inspection I have no problem on sight wells. This is a case by case basis. If there critcal issues with like bedding or compacting then sight well may not be the way to go. Same applies with the number of wells.
As far as where they would shound be placed, I would recommend above the buried conduit(s). If they were on the side or underneath the conduit, it would sort of be a mute point.
All kidding aside, It is all a case by case basis. I think there are too many varibles to figure on to give a rule of thumb answer.
As far as where they would shound be placed, I would recommend above the buried conduit(s). If they were on the side or underneath the conduit, it would sort of be a mute point.
All kidding aside, It is all a case by case basis. I think there are too many varibles to figure on to give a rule of thumb answer.
Re: Another question for inspectors - 08/29/08 01:52 AM
All these out of work comedians, and the sparkys are trying to move in!!
Re: Another question for inspectors - 08/29/08 02:35 AM
Must keep all options open
Re: Another question for inspectors - 08/29/08 10:34 AM
They should be placed at ground level. We've had difficulty elevating them in the past, and the AHJs don't like to have to climb ladders.
Re: Another question for inspectors - 08/29/08 03:48 PM
As Alaska said, it's a case-by-case decision for me. Sometimes access has to be maintained for equipment, so a partial backfill is necessary, as long as I can see both sides, OK.
Going to a site and seeing the pole bases in place, and the parking lot sub-base down, now that causes an issue, start digging.
As to site wells, short lengths of PVC sitting on top of the conduit run and above grade may be acceptable, but on a case-by-case decision.
In any case, the EC should talk to the AHJ BEFORE hand to determine what is acceptable. Communications are cheaper then digging twice!
Going to a site and seeing the pole bases in place, and the parking lot sub-base down, now that causes an issue, start digging.
As to site wells, short lengths of PVC sitting on top of the conduit run and above grade may be acceptable, but on a case-by-case decision.
In any case, the EC should talk to the AHJ BEFORE hand to determine what is acceptable. Communications are cheaper then digging twice!
Re: Another question for inspectors - 09/01/08 01:40 PM
John is correct when he says to call the AHJ before starting any work. It is much easier than digging twice. I have people tell me all the time, "I took pictures!" The problem with that is after awhile, all the trenches look the same! I don't even look at pictures anymore. I would rather they use the sight pipe and back fill area that are critical for moving cars and machinery around the sight. Places like parking lots and condos where the trench is in the road, it would be to dangerous to leave the road open.
Re: Another question for inspectors - 09/01/08 08:27 PM
I get along with sight wells, mainly when the trench is in a mobile home park or residential area. You still need to call me ahead of time though. No call, no sight well = shovel.