ECN Electrical Forum - Discussion Forums for Electricians, Inspectors and Related Professionals
ECN Shout Chat
ShoutChat
Recent Posts
Increasing demand factors in residential
by tortuga - 03/28/24 05:57 PM
Portable generator question
by Steve Miller - 03/19/24 08:50 PM
Do we need grounding?
by NORCAL - 03/19/24 05:11 PM
240V only in a home and NEC?
by dsk - 03/19/24 06:33 AM
Cordless Tools: The Obvious Question
by renosteinke - 03/14/24 08:05 PM
New in the Gallery:
This is a new one
This is a new one
by timmp, September 24
Few pics I found
Few pics I found
by timmp, August 15
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 265 guests, and 15 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 830
S
Member
I know the depth under cement is normally 4 " with RNC, but just wondering if the depth could be the same with paving stones? The job I'm on is having pavers put down around their pool ( proffesionally ) with gravel etc. and the installer said you would have to drill the pavers out. As far as I know the code don't specify this as an option, but what do you think an inspector might say about this?? I'll probably go the 12" rule for circuits that are GFI protected and rated 20 amps or less, but in this case it would be NICE to have it the same as concrete. I hate to bug the inspectors any more than I have to. I've called on them quiet a bit lately. Thanks, Steve

Stay up to Code with the Latest NEC:


>> 2023 NEC & Related Reference & Exam Prep
2023 NEC & Related Reference & Study Guides

Pass Your Exam the FIRST TIME with the Latest NEC & Exam Prep

>> 2020 NEC & Related Reference & Study Guides
 

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
300.5 uses the words "concrete" and "slab". That can't be confused with pavers. I won't say your AHJ won't go along but I am not sure how.
RNC is only 6" anyway so he might consider 2" of paver as being part of the 6" cover. Keep it 5' away from the water if at all possible.


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 482
Z
Member
I agree with Greg on 300.5, as concrete is more of a continuious material, and more "permenant" in a sense.

However, I have SEEN RNC laid to about 6" below paver bottoms and also have seen it pass inspection. As far as "drilling out" the pavers, I'd have to question the logic in this, if I'm getting what you mean.

If acheiving a 12" depth is an issue, you might have to bite the bullet and inquire with the AHJ as to how he inturprets 300.5. A screw up here could cause a re-do, and nobody wants to work for free!

Good Luck!

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
Using RNC I am not sure when it ever needs to be more than 6" down if you aren't going under a road, runway or parking lot.
Look at 680.10 for a more specific answer. You still see 6" and I could see how an AHJ might measure from the top of the paver.


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,507
G
Member
Greg- You guys are talking about RNC not RMC Double check your comments. (I think)


George Little
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
I typed it several times and still never realized we weren't talking about "rigid".
Sorry for the confusion.
I guess that is why I used to always say RNMC for the plastic.


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,507
G
Member
I'll let it slide this time Greg but only this time frown


George Little
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,445
Likes: 2
Cat Servant
Member
I really hate to sound like a broken record .... but does not Section 90 of the NEC plainly state "this is not a design manual?"

So, how deep should the pipe be buried? Well, as deep as it needs to be when it exits from the protection of the slab, would be a good start. Or, do you plan on changing the trench depth every time you have a change of the surface material? Lots of luck sanding the angled parts.

Or, consider this: what's a likely cause for the pipe being damaged? Besides the gardener using his shovel to look for irrigation lines ... how about frost heave? I don't care how well the pavers are laid .... give them a few frost cycles, and they'll be all over the place. Maybe the angled pavers will now even act like scissors on your pipe.

Whatever depth you decide upon, make it an honest depth. That is, to the top of the pipe, after it's properly bedded in sand - and NOT the rough depth of the trench! This means a 6" burial depth starts off with a 12" ditch.


Link Copied to Clipboard
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5