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Underground Electrical Wiring for Parking Lots
by Able Group Inc. Because we find many incorrect underground electrical splices, we created this page to show the correct method for a variety of situations. Breaks and incorrect repairs on underground electrical circuits are very common in parking lots. They are usually broken accidentally by persons performing excavation, and then a quick incorrect repair is made before it is found out. These circuits hold for a while but break again in time due to weather and seasonal changes when the ground freezes. The correct installation of a "splice pit" is the only cure. It will handle seasonal changes and have drainage for heavy rain and/or snow. Splice pits are fully open at the bottom and must have crushed stone for at least 12 inches beneath them for drainage. Some are made strong enough to drive over. The size of the pit can vary due to the amount and size of circuits involved. |
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More examples & information related to Underground Electrical Wiring for Parking Lots:
Fuel Station Lighting Services.
Project Notes:
A.
Correct.
Splice pit at new lighting pole foundation.
This splice pit was needed in order to extend wiring to a new location for a parking lot lighting pole which was damaged.
B.
Correct.
The finished product has a vandal proof cover and will last a lifetime.
C.
Incorrect.
Installed without crushed stone drainage.
Correct splice pit but incorrect installation.
D.
Incorrect.
Same splice pit, different view. This shows the changes in grade which is normal over time (note, corner lower than grass) and without
the crushed stone for drainage, it will fill up and short out the system.
E.
Incorrect.
These are the wrong splice boxes found after the soil was cleared. These are meant for exterior - wall mount only.
They are not splice pits and very commonly used as such by inexperienced electricians. They hold water and short out.
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These are "stub-up conduits" without any sealant. They are in a deep splice pit but fill up with water and short out over time.
G.
Incorrect.
This is the wrong splice box found after the soil was cleared. Meant for exterior - but wall mount only.
Inexperienced electricians make the power connections using them, but six months after they are paid, they short out again.
H.
Drive over type splice box for underground wiring splices for a parking lot.
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Underground wiring trench and conduit across a commercial business drive - done at night.
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Outlet box at base of sign below grade due to gradual rise on soil. Wires short out from mud and water.
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Drive over split pit for underground wiring.
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Rise in grade for underground wiring creates short-outs in splice boxes due to mulch converted to soil.
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New underground power - trenching across a parking lot to a new lighting pole installation. Cut and patch blacktop surface.
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Trenching through a parking lot for new underground power cables. Code compliant depth.
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Distribution point for new underground power supply conduits and cables to various sections of a parking lot.
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Underground electrical service to ATM Machine requires cooperation with utility company for locations and specs.