Polaris connectors underground

Randell Tarin

This question relates to another thread:
What's the best way to splice 1/0 cable?

I have 1/0 cable in 2" conduit running in ground at a depth of 2 feet.
The job required a splice, which was accomplished by using Polaris connectors inside a sealed PVC Junction box.

My problem:

I'm trying to seal the J-Box and cover my trench, but if I move the junction box to position it in the trench, the little rubber caps(denoted by red arrow) on the Polaris connectors keep falling off.

Does anyone who has experience with these connectors come up with a solution for keeping them on? Or is there another way I could keep moisture out of the connector?

I thought about a silicone caulk or possibly butyl rubber, but wasn't sure if this might have a corrosive effect on the aluminum set screws. Electrical tape would work short term, but what about after several years in the ground. Any ideas? I can't close my trench until I get this resolved.

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Speedy Petey

Are you saying you are going to bury the box????

__________________
Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

Randell Tarin

Yes, this is what I was advised I could do. The Polaris connectors are rated for direct burial, the J-box was just another added layer of protection.

JGarth

You are not reading ( & comprehending) the responses from the knowledgeable people here ...
I'm just look out for your well being. This electrician thing is definitely not your thing.
You are going to get hurt, or hurt someone else.
Time for you to consider scrap-booking as a hobby instead of electrician.

Randell Tarin

Got it. You don't want me messing with electricity. Too late. In for a penny, in for a pound.

So, rather than criticize me, why don't you tell me the correct way to do it in a way even someone as stupid as I can comprehend.

Speedy Petey

By WHOM? Those connectors are NOT direct burial.
These are:

__________________
Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

Speedy Petey

Another thing that bothers me is are you going to make the conduit useless now.
The LEAST thing I would do is put a sign at each end stating that the conduit is now broken underground.

__________________
Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

Randell Tarin

I have the blue ones. I was told by a licensed electrician to use these and put them in a junction box. The cable is for direct burial. The conduit runs 20 feet into the junction box the picks up again on the other side with the splice and then exits the ground where the future panel will be located.

It's not a biggy to put the junction box above ground if this is what I need to do. I just get confused by the number of opinions weighing in on the subject.
I just want to be safe and do it correctly.

That being said, do need to put the junction box above ground? AND how do I keep the little rubber stops on?

Cow

If you want the splice in the ground, why not use a garden box rather than burying a j-box? I hate hidden splice boxes...

Even having a note stating there is a buried j-box doesn't help much without a map showing where it's located in the run.

Randell Tarin

Fine, but after doing a search for a "garden box" on google, I came up empty. Is this something that's in-ground, but still accessible?

Like I said, I don't have a problem with putting the box above ground.

Cow

Sometimes I forget not everyone is familiar with slang electrical terms.

Lookup up a handhole box, it's about the same as a sprinkler irrigation box. This will keep your splices out of the dirt and keep it accessible.

nacko

http://www.erico.com/products/InspectionWells.asp
here is an example of what you need (scroll down). the idea is to put any inground splices somewhere that they can be inspected at a later date, or fixed if necessary (so don't pick a handhole too small to fix the splices)

this is just one brand, your electric supply may carry others

Randell Tarin

Thanks Guys. I'll just need to raise my trench a little bit, but this shouldn't be a problem. I'll probably just wait until the structure is up so I can locate everything and possibly move my trench. I like the hand hole box. Much better than what was previously suggested to me.

nacko

make sure you use the correct burial depth - table 300.5 (2005 NEC)
- we uaually put gravel in the bottom of the handhole to make it nice for guys who come after us

Randell Tarin

O.K., this brings me back to my original question. What about the rubber stops on the Polaris connectors. They're hardly moisture proof without them.