Going from house to permanent pool, 20A circuit for pump, pump pulls 12A (more than 1/2 of circuit) so can't put convenience outlet on same circuit. Need to run another 20A circuit.(Not multiwire,2 hots, #12 grd & 2 neutrals) Was going to dig down 12" and run Sched 80 PVC, because having to run two 20A circuits, inspector says have to go down 18". Is that correct. It's not so much the extra digging, what's the big deal, one circuit or two?

300.5 states that PVC conduit is to have a cover of 18". Has nothing to do with # of circuits.

If both of these circuits are GFCI protected I feel that Column 4 of Table 300-5 would permit the 12" burial depth. You would need to install GFCI breakers not just GFCI receptacles at the end of the circuit since the underground conductors need to be protected. I would also put both breakers on the same leg in the panel or the inspector could argue that you have more that 120 volts in the conduit even though they are separate circuits.

Curt

I have installed several in the manner that caselec described, especially coming off the same buss. All passed inspection.
Webspark, see note 4 to table 300.5 It should apply here.

If the wiring is within 5 feet of the pool 18" is required. Other than that the methods above look good to me.

Redsy,

You are correct. I guess my lack of residential experience is showing! None the less, I should have read the notes!

Thanks!

I agree with 12" for the depth, as per 300.5 Expanding onto this...You are allowed the shallower burial depth because it is GFCI protected, correct? How do you guys fell about this: Does the entire circuit have to be GFCI protected (at the breaker), or does a GFCI receptacle outlet satisfy the requirement? Thanks in advance for your thoughts

Inspector here will let us come out of panel in basement, directly outside install 2 gang box with bubble cover, 1 GFCI recept 20A for convenience outlet, 1 GFCI "dead front" recept 20A feeding 20A 125V twist lock recept 5 feet from pool.
Thanks again Gentlemen for the replies, Don't often ask question, but do read the forums plenty, there is a ton of experience stated in the forums. I am a "old timer" but don't know it all. Just care about what I do, so really enjoy this group. Thanks

IrishMick

If you want to use the 12 inch burial depth, the entire circuit is to be GFCI protected. The concern of the burial depth is to protect a person if he/she should contact the cable with a shovel or the like. Protecting the pool pump with the GFCI breaker will 'kill two birds with one GFCI'

Pierre

PVC 18" With GFCI We use rigid for pools 6" and a lot less digging. Only use PVC if the area in a swamp and always wet.