Is it safe to run PV wire through PVC conduit in wet ground?

[JamesTheCrow]

Hi all,

I tried finding similar discussions to my seemingly mundane question but couldn't find any.

I want to add another ground mount array (I expect up to 500 VOC) and the only suitable place left on my property would require that I run PV wire (through PVC conduit) through wet ground. To be more specific:

• after heavy rainfall, parts of the ground are riddled with temporary water puddles
• part of the run would go through (or under) a trench drain that encircles our vegetable garden
• when I dig holes in the ground, sometimes I'm hitting water at about 2 feet digging depth

Would it be safe to run my PV wires through PVC conduit at a depth of 2 - 3 feet despite the soil around it being prone to get 'marshy' quite often?

I guess another way to frame my question: is PVC conduit water-proof enough?

Thanks.

 

[pvgirl]

No matter what some water will get in the conduit. This isn't a problem as long as your conductors are rated for install in wet locations, which is a requirement for underground installs anyways, PV wire commonly has this rating.

 

[garetwo]

I try to use wire or cable rated for direct burial, then use conduit anyway. Between earthquakes, tree roots, and critters, it pretty much becomes submerged in water.

 

[garetwo]

part of the run would go through (or under) a trench drain that encircles our vegetable garden

I do not know how deep your trench is or if you are trying to comply with code requirements, but there are minimum depth requirements for various conduit types.

 

[garetwo]

Would it be safe to run my PV wires through PVC conduit at a depth of 2 - 3 feet despite the soil around it being prone to get 'marshy' quite often?

oops. I just saw this. This exceeds minimum depths.