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carterseyes
Nov 1, 2008, 11:37 AM
13294I have a HO who installed a PVC LB below grade. I told him he needs to remove the LB and extend the PVC up the wall and into a box. Then enter the building with PVC below grade. HO doesn’t want a box on the wall. What can I do? I’ll try to attach a photo.

stanfortyman
Nov 1, 2008, 01:54 PM
Holy crap I would not want to be the one to have to make that pull! :eek:

As long as it remains accessible it is legal. STUPID, but legal.

tkrussell
Nov 1, 2008, 02:12 PM
This is where an AHJ makes the judgement. It is accessible. Good planning on wire pulling can get around the difficult location.

If the wire has been pulled, I would like to suggest to have the LB opened to inspect for any damaged insulation.

I would also ask for some sort of grate to prevent little ones from falling in. Not likely, but cheap insurance now. Also ask if the water will drain out of the pit sufficiently, esp if the panel is just inside.

carterseyes
Nov 1, 2008, 02:55 PM
The wire has been pulled in, before backfill. The LB is installed after the third 90 degree trun. The inspector said there was too many bends. He wanted a box mounted up on the house wall, and remove the LB. The HO doest want it up on wall, and your allowed four quarter turns between pull box cabinets etc. There will be a water tight lid covering opening but no drainege. On the other side of the LB is another LB Crazy HO. I will remove the last LB, and run straight into a can then to panel. Hopefully the inspector will buy it. Unless anyone can think of something better.

Stratmando
Nov 1, 2008, 04:34 PM
Delete

Washington1
Nov 1, 2008, 05:37 PM
Also ask if the water will drain out of the pit sufficiently, esp if the panel is just inside. <---Excellent question to ask!! I agree!

tkrussell
Nov 2, 2008, 03:40 AM
OK, sounds like you're the builder, stuck between a owner and inspector.

If I am understanding correctly, I think the inspector is misinformed, or has it out for the owner. The 90 degrees of a condulet does not add to the 360 degrees of bend in a conduit rule. The max 360 deg of bend is for each conduit run, point to point, between junction boxes, condulets, etc.

I can have 360 degrees of bend in one conduit, point to point, and have an LB at each end, and in compliance with Code. I personally plan conduit runs to limit to 3- 90 deg bends, but that just me. But the inspector is including the LB in the run, and this is not necessary.

Another thought on the accessibility issue. The pit can be removed, and replaced with a inground "Handhole". The cover can be at grade level, a rectangle unit of the proper size can be used to facilitate access better to the LB.

I added a photo of one found at HandHole.com (http://www.handhole.com).

carterseyes
Nov 2, 2008, 02:50 PM
I think the inspector has it out for the HO. This conduit run has three 90 degree turns then the LB, if I understand you right. The LB is not consederd another turn? This whole thing started with a wire issue between the HO and inspector. The power Co. pulled in new wire to the house and left the old wire. The HO asked inspector if it could be used as a sub feed. The inspector said no HO pulled it in anyway.