Plumbing and electric in the same trench

[Leviticusgauge]

We are getting ready to put in our water main and electric that will connect with the cabin. We have the trench dug and are planning on putting both in together. Our question is, should you put the plumbing below the electric or vice versa? It makes sense to me to put the plumbing in first so that if the line breaks it wont be pouring water down on the electric, but I could be wrong.

[Redoverfarm]

We are getting ready to put in our water main and electric that will connect with the cabin. We have the trench dug and are planning on putting both in together. Our question is, should you put the plumbing below the electric or vice versa? It makes sense to me to put the plumbing in first so that if the line breaks it wont be pouring water down on the electric, but I could be wrong.

I think you are on the right track with the placement.  But that could probably be up to the power company in your area.  I have read that water needs to go to the bottom and 1' barrier (soil/sand) then power having marker tape for each level.  Here is a code by CA which confirms in that area.

https://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=22230

[Don_P]

Our POCO requires that the power be in the bottom of the trench, 1'cover, after that it is your's. They want to be the last thing you hit if you go digging in the trench, so do ask first what their rules are. As far as water leaking on the line, I doubt it matters much whether it is in moist dirt or on the bottom of a lake.

[Danfish]

The answer varies from one jurisdiction to the next, so it is best to check first with the local permit agency and electrict utility.  Most electric utilities will not allow wet utilities in a joint service trench and require 2 to 3 foot seperation.  Recently Pacific Gas and Electric in Northern California has been making home owners move water lines found to be in same trench.  Where it is allowed, top or bottom is up to local approving body.

[rick91351]

The answer varies from one jurisdiction to the next, so it is best to check first with the local permit agency and electrict utility.  Most electric utilities will not allow wet utilities in a joint service trench and require 2 to 3 foot seperation.  Recently Pacific Gas and Electric in Northern California has been making home owners move water lines found to be in same trench.  Where it is allowed, top or bottom is up to local approving body.

Good Ol' PGE brother in-law was a engineer for them......... 'nuff said