NEC 300.5(D)(3) Warning Ribbon and Service Conductors

[jar546]

A common mistake that electrical inspectors make is requiring a warning ribbon for service conductors in conduit. Although a good practice, it is not a code requirement because this section is for direct buried cables and conductors and not conductors in conduit. We are talking cables that are rated for and are directly buried.

(D) Protection from Damage.
Direct-buried conductors and cables shall be protected from damage in accordance with 300.5(D)(1) through (D)(4).

(3) Service Conductors.
Underground service conductors that are not encased in concrete and that are buried 450 mm (18 in.) or more below grade shall have their location identified by a warning ribbon that is placed in the trench at least 300 mm (12 in.) above the underground installation.

 

[steveray]

Are the service conductors under the control of the utility? Because they would then be (maybe) exempt from the NEC...per 90.2(B)

 

[jar546]

Are the service conductors under the control of the utility? Because they would then be (maybe) exempt from the NEC...per 90.2(B)

Not in all cases and all of the POCOs I've worked with have the lateral ditch UG inspection performed by the AHJ. Sometimes you have a property owned transformer on site too.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

We don't look at them here unless they are from the private generator or solar.

 

[jar546]

We don't look at them here unless they are from the private generator or solar.

Then they aren't service conductors anyway.