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Friday, August 26, 2016

Question:

I'm running 200' of of 110 volt wire to a lift station pump 12 amps underground to our shop total 5 wires, includes alarm. How deep do I need pvc conduit and what gauge wire is code, conduit will be running in a pasture. Will put in ID tape indicating buried wire etc.

Wayne Piebenga

A

Answer:

Hey Wayne thanks for your question. In general PVC conduit must be buried 18 inches below grade as stated in Table 300.5, Column 3. If the conduit is in a pasture that will be plowed you might want to locate it below the maximum plowing depth.

The applicable table from Tables 430.247 through 430.250 is used to determine the full load current of the pump motor based on its horsepower rating as stated in 430.6(A)(1). That value is multiplied by 125% as stated in 430.22 to determine the minimum conductor ampacity. A conductor size can then be selected from Table 310.15(B)(16) using any applicable conditions and factors.

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