neutral conductor on a separate conduit?
neutral conductor on a separate conduit?
(OP)
We are planning to install 2 additional neutral conductors on a 3 phase, 5 KV circuit (2 circuits for redundancy). The conductors are underground. The entire run will cover 11 manholes at about 3000 feet. We are looking at different options and the correct way to do it. First option is to pull out the feeders and run tne new neutral in the same conduit as the feeders. Second option is to run the neutral conductors on a spare conduit in the ductbank. If we are to consider option number two are we violating any codes, is there any other issues besides the code? Please advise.TIA.






RE: neutral conductor on a separate conduit?
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: neutral conductor on a separate conduit?
As Bill noted, the impedance will be higher. You should check to see if the zero-sequence impedance will be too high. More ground fault current will flow in the cable shield if the neutrals are in separate conduits. Check that the cable shields will not be damaged by the higher current.
RE: neutral conductor on a separate conduit?
If pulling a neutral into a separate conduit, not only the conduit must be non-magnetic, but also the surrounding structures. Rebar in concrete duct structures and manholes has been known to cause losses and even heating and spalling of the concrete.
RE: neutral conductor on a separate conduit?
@potteryshard, no we dont have any neutral at all.