RMC Question

[440Hemi]

I am going to be upgrading the size of a sub panel on a detached garage. To do so I need to pull some larger conductors. When the garage was built in 2003 they used RMC buried to at least 18". What are the chances that the RMC is still usable and has not become part of the dirt?

 

[Cow]

I bet if you dig down 18" you could answer the question for yourself....

 

[electrofelon]

I am going to be upgrading the size of a sub panel on a detached garage. To do so I need to pull some larger conductors. When the garage was built in 2003 they used RMC buried to at least 18". What are the chances that the RMC is still usable and has not become part of the dirt?

Seems to depend a lot on the location/soil characteristics. Here in upstate NY I find 50-60 year or older RMC underground that is totally fine. Sometimes I hear very different results.

 

[LarryFine]

I am going to be upgrading the size of a sub panel on a detached garage. To do so I need to pull some larger conductors. When the garage was built in 2003 they used RMC buried to at least 18". What are the chances that the RMC is still usable and has not become part of the dirt?

My biggest concern would be the conduit's longevity as an EGC, so I'd pull in a wire EGC, which I always do for underground runs.

I would start by disconnecting both ends of the wires and pulling on the shorter ends. If they move, tie on the new wires and pull.

 

[440Hemi]

My biggest concern would be the conduit's longevity as an EGC, so I'd pull in a wire EGC, which I always do for underground runs.

I would start by disconnecting both ends of the wires and pulling on the shorter ends. If they move, tie on the new wires and pull.

Thanks. I planning on pulling a new ground. I’ll give this a go.