Replies

1. 
   Peter_Crowl_ | Jun 14, 2001 03:35am | #1

   *
   Anthony
   I'm just now going through the same thing here in Denver. I buried Schedule 40 as purchased at HoDo based on the advice of the guy in Electrical who was an electrical contractor. Turns out you need Schedule 80 for anything above ground. You can bury the 40 but you have to come up with 80. That info is per Excel Energy the utility who also told me today that I can expect to have my new service connected in 3 to 4.........months.
   Also - tip for anybody running a new service. I ran 4/0 copper in that conduit to the pole - also based on advice. Turns out that the utility will not use that wire. They will only use wire they pull.

   Peter
   Living and Learning in Denver

1. 
   George_Roberts | Jun 14, 2001 03:46am | #2

   *I feel for you Peter, 3 or 4 months.Around here the utility company gives you a drawing of what they want from you when you pick up a meter can. It is a good idea to follow it.

1. 
   CaseyR_ | Jun 14, 2001 03:53am | #3

   *Anthony -The difference in wall thickness: Schedule 40 = .154in.; Schedule 80 = .218in. Schedule 80 is recommended (required?) where the conduit is subject to mechanical damage. Allowance may need to be made in areas where the temperature variation exceeds 25 degree F. - i.e. expanion joints. A general rule of thumb that I have seen is that for every 100°F temperature change in a 100 ft. run of PVC conduit, the conduit will undergo 3.6" of expansion or contraction. I believe that if your 45s and 90 elbows add up to more than 360 degrees, you are required to install a pull box (junction box). Of course, you may not be able to pull your cable through at well below that maximum...Any PVC will burn when exposed to an open flame of 850 degrees or more. I doubt that the wall thickness would make any difference. (Usual disclaimer: I am not an electrician so believe any of the above at your own risk...)

1. 
   CaseyR_ | Jun 14, 2001 03:55am | #4

   *Anthony -The difference in wall thickness: Schedule 40 = .154in.; Schedule 80 = .218in. Schedule 80 is recommended (required?) where the conduit is subject to mechanical damage. Allowance may need to be made in areas where the temperature variation exceeds 25 degree F. - i.e. expanion joints. A general rule of thumb that I have seen is that for every 100°F temperature change in a 100 ft. run of PVC conduit, the conduit will undergo 3.6"of expansion or contraction. I believe that if your 45s and 90 elbows add up to more than 360 degrees, you are required to install a pull box (junction box). Of course, you may not be able to pull your cable through at well below that maximum...Any PVC will burn when exposed to an open flame of 850 degrees or more. I doubt that the wall thickness would make any difference. (Usual disclaimer: I am not an electrician so believe any of the above at your own risk...)

1. 
   boatwright | Jun 15, 2001 02:22am | #5

   *If you are doing the work yourself (which I would NOT recommend) contact the local inspector and ask questions. They can be very helpful, BION. If you say "i can't, because I didn't get a permit." The shame on you. They are worth it. Or, hire a qualified Electrical contractor, and let him worry about permits, codes, inspections, utilities, and insurance to cover loss of life and home due to electrical failure.Yes, I am an electrician.

2. 
   Anthony_Gillotti | Jun 15, 2001 02:22am | #6

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   I am running the electrical service from the meters serving front/rear houses to the rear house. The code book illustrates the use of schedule 80 for the above ground and underground protection of those wires. My Home Depot carries the conduit in only Such 40. There is obviously a difference -- what is it? Thickness? Resistance to heat/fire? Can the Schedule 40 from Home Depot be used?