Receiving Helpdesk

can i run electrical and gas in the same trench

by Betsy Stroman Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Therefore, most people are free to run electric and gas lines in the same trench. Of course, just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should do it. This practice is technically safe.

If a 36-inch depth cannot be achieved, contact Lane Electric's Engineering Department at 541-484-1151. If trench is to be a joint trench (shared with other utilities) the following separations must be maintained: 24 inches between gas and electric lines. 12 inches between water and electric lines.

Full Answer

Can you run natural gas and electric in the same trench?

Natural gas and electric are run in the same trench all the time by utilities, and in some cases there isn't even any significant separation. You're pulling your LP from the top of the tank, right?

Is it safe to dig past the gas line to electrical?

Now someone has to dig past the gas line to get to the electrical if there is a problem. Everything at the same level is safer IMO. Click to expand... That is how I have always seen it.

Do natural gas lines need to be separated from electrical lines?

The natural gas suppliers have clearances from electrical equipment from regulators & also will require separation between their mains service lines & underground electrical circuits. It is a utility provider requirement not NEC or ICC or UBC codes.

How far apart should gas line and electrical line be?

The local utilities usually tell you what they want when it comes to common trenches, if they care. Last time I ran stuff together it was 24" separation. Your AHJ might have requirements as well. Thanks for the comments. This was for a PRIVATE gas line and electrical.

Can I run a gas line and electrical in same trench?

Gas sub-surface lines (ie., house to garage) are an owner responsibility under the Gas Code regulation and when electrical conductors are installed in the same trench, it is recomended that the two systems be separated by 12 inches of well tamped earth or a treated plank.

Can you run electric line and gas line together?

Yes, you can, but should you? When you're running the wire, it might be safe because of the rubber insulation around. But pests may damage the insulation and cause the gas piping to become energized.

What utilities can be run in the same trench?

These include: Electrical and gas lines need to be at least 24 inches apart from each other. Electrical and water lines need to be at least 12 inches apart from each other. Electrical and sewer lines need to be at least 24 inches apart from each other.

Can I run a gas line and electrical in same trench Ontario?

* Electrical branch circuit wiring to the garage may be in the same trench as a customer- owned gas line. The electrical wiring must be placed at a greater depth with a separation between the wiring and the gas line of at least 300 mm of earth.

How far should a gas pipe be from electric?

150mmAccording to regulation, gas pipes and gas meter in domestic houses, must be spaced at least 150mm from electricity meters, switchboards, electric cables, sockets, telecommunication cables, consumer units and any other conductors.

How close can a gas pipe be to an electrical outlet?

BS 6891:2005 Installation of low pressure gas pipework in domestic premises, clause 8.16. 2 states that gas installation pipes must be spaced at least 150mm away from electricity meters, controls, electrical switches or sockets, distribution boards or consumer units.

Can I put power and water in same trench?

yes you can, you needs spacing between pipes but electrical will be below 500mm and you can lay the ag line just under the turf. Make sure there is marker tape at 300mm, the sparky will ensure this is done.

Can you run electrical wire next to plumbing underground?

You can definitely run wires close to plumbing wires, provided you aren't running a bare or damaged copper wire next to steel pipes. According to the code, you can run plumbing and electrical wires through the same hole, but you need to make sure the wire is well insulated and there is no risk of ruptures.

Can sewer and water lines be in the same trench?

Water and sewer lines must be a minimum of ten feet apart; they are not to be laid in the same trench. When a potable water line crosses a sewer line, the requirement is to provide two feet or more of clearance.

How deep should a gas line be buried?

18 inchesExterior piping may be either buried or installed aboveground and shall be well supported and protected against mechanical damage. Underground piping shall be buried not less than 18 inches below the surface of the ground unless otherwise protected.

How deep does gas line need to be buried Ontario?

Main lines are usually found at least 24 inches deep, while service lines are usually 18 inches deep. The current depth of an electric or natural gas line can be different than when it was first installed.

What is code for buried electrical wires?

Low-voltage (no more than 30 volts) wiring must be buried at least 6 inches deep. Buried wiring runs that transition from underground to above ground must be protected in conduit from the required cover depth or 18 inches to its termination point above ground, or at least 8 feet above grade.

What is the code for a generator?

Generators are a touchy thing. The code is 5' if the generator housing IS NOT fire rated. Most Generacs are fire rated meaning they can be installed 18" from a combustible surface. With the exact model number.... the installation instructions can be checked for clearances.

Can you backfill a trench?

Keep in mind that once you backfill, there is no trench! What I'm getting at is: If there is a required radial separation, you can accomplish it vertically. It's the "same trench" as far as your sore arms are concerned, but once filled, that trench no longer exists, and the second run can be placed above the first run.

Do livestock have water lines?

Common thing on livestock farms is water line and electric line to a water tank (electric heat in the tank for freeze protection) in same trench. Occasionally you get someone that thinks there needs to be separation between the two lines, and of course the water needs to be the deep line to keep it from freezing.

Do natural gas lines need separation?

The natural gas suppliers have clearances from electrical equipment from regulators & also will require separation between their mains service lines & underground electrical circuits. It is a utility provider requirement not NEC or ICC or UBC codes. Here 3' separation if parallel & 12" separation if perpendicular.

How deep should I run a 6/3 wire?

Run a 6/3 ground wire to a 60 ampere, 240 volts subpanel. Dig a trench 1-2 feet deep for the electrical wires. The gas pipes need to be 1-1.5 feet deep. A good depth for both pipes is 18 inches. If you have a plumbing line, dig a little deeper for that.

How far apart should you run electrical wires?

However, there are recommendations. These recommendations suggest that you should keep a distance of at least 3 feet between utility lines. This distancing recommendation serves ...

How far should you keep wires from a utility line?

These recommendations suggest that you should keep a distance of at least 3 feet between utility lines. This distancing recommendation serves to allow enough room for wires to breathe even if there is a mishap. High voltage electrical wires have a much thicker insulation around them because of this very precaution.

Can you run electrical wires in the ceiling?

With proper insulation, you may run electrical wires next to a gas line in the ceiling.

Can a trench be exposed to weather?

However, this isn’t recommended. Trenches get exposed to all sorts of weather and can therefore lead to degradation of the pipes and your conduit as a whole. This, in turn, may lead to erosion of electrical wires. If those wires get in touch with the gas line, it might energize the whole piping.

Do you need to extend wires when running through conduit?

When running through conduits, it is recommended that you extend electric al wires separately, especially from water and gas lines. On their own, they present no threat.

Can you dig a trench for both lines?

Although digging separate trenches for both the lines is better, you can take the shorter route as well by just digging one trench. If you dig just one trench, try buying a joint-trench conduit. These conduits have two (or more) separate compartments to run your lines through.

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