11-01-22

SECTION 26 05 41
UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION

SPEC WRITER NOTE:

1. Delete //________// if not applicable
to project. Also delete any other item
or paragraph not applicable in the
section and renumber the paragraphs.
Insert additional provisions as
required for this project.
2. This specification is intended to be
used in concert with related VA
Standard Details. The A/E shall include
details on the drawings and edit as
necessary to comply with project scope
and latest codes.

PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 DESCRIPTION
A. This section specifies the furnishing, installation, and connection of
underground ducts and raceways, and precast manholes and pullboxes to
form a complete underground electrical raceway system.
B. The terms “duct” and “conduit” are used interchangeably in this section.
1.2 RELATED WORK
A. Section 07 92 00, JOINT SEALANTS: Sealing of conduit penetrations.
B. Section 26 05 11, REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS:
Requirements that apply to all sections of Division 26.
C. Section 26 05 26, GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS:
Requirements for personnel safety and to provide a low impedance path
for possible ground fault currents.
D. //Section 31 20 00, EARTH MOVING// //Section 31 20 11, EARTH MOVING
(SHORT FORM)//: Trenching, backfill, and compaction.
1.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Quality Assurance shall be in accordance with Paragraph, QUALIFICATIONS
(PRODUCTS AND SERVICES) in Section 26 05 11, REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL
INSTALLATIONS.
B. Coordinate layout and installation of ducts, manholes, and pullboxes
with final arrangement of other utilities, site grading, and surface
features.
1.4 SUBMITTALS
A. Submit in accordance with Paragraph, SUBMITTALS in Section 26 05 11,
REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS, and the following
requirements:

26 05 41 - 1
 11-01-22

1. Shop Drawings:
a. Submit sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with
drawings and specifications.
b. Submit information on manholes, pullboxes, ducts, and hardware.
Submit manhole plan and elevation drawings, showing openings,
pulling irons, cable supports, cover, ladder, sump, and other
accessories.
c. Proposed deviations from the drawings shall be clearly marked on
the submittals. If it is necessary to locate manholes, pullboxes,
or duct banks at locations other than shown on the drawings, show
the proposed locations accurately on scaled site drawings, and
submit to the //Resident Engineer// //COR// for approval prior to
construction.
2. Certifications: Two weeks prior to the final inspection, submit the
following.
a. Certification by the manufacturer that the materials conform to
the requirements of the drawings and specifications.
b. Certification by the Contractor that the materials have been
properly installed, connected, and tested.
1.5 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS
A. Publications listed below (including amendments, addenda, revisions,
supplements, and errata) form a part of this specification to the extent
referenced. Publications are referenced in the text by designation only.
B. American Concrete Institute (ACI):
Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete
318-19/318M-19..........Building Code Requirements for Structural
Concrete & Commentary
MNL-66-20...............ACI Detailing Manual
C. American National Standards Institute (ANSI):
77-17...................Underground Enclosure Integrity
D. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM):
C478/C478M-20...........Standard Specification for Precast Reinforced
Concrete Manhole Sections
C858-19.................Underground Precast Concrete Utility Structures
C990/C990M-09...........Joints for Concrete Pipe, Manholes and Precast
Box Sections Using Preformed Flexible Joint
Sealants.
E. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA):

26 05 41 - 2
 11-01-22

TC 2-20.................Electrical Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Conduit

TC 3-21.................Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Fittings for Use With
Rigid PVC Conduit And Tubing
TC 6 & 8-20.............Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Plastic Utilities Duct
For Underground Installations
TC 9-20.................Fittings For Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Plastic
Utilities Duct For Underground Installation
F. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
70-23...................National Electrical Code (NEC)
70E-21..................National Electrical Safety Code
G. Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL):
6-07....................Electrical Rigid Metal Conduit-Steel
467-13..................Grounding and Bonding Equipment
651-11..................Schedule 40, 80, Type EB and A Rigid PVC Conduit
and Fittings
651A-11.................Schedule 40 and 80 High Density Polyethylene
(HDPE) Conduit
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
2.1 PRE-CAST CONCRETE MANHOLES AND HARDWARE
A. Structure: Factory-fabricated, reinforced-concrete, monolithically-
poured walls and bottom. Frame and cover shall form top of manhole.
B. Cable Supports:
1. Cable stanchions shall be hot-rolled, heavy duty, hot-dipped
galvanized "T" section steel, 56 mm (2.25 inches) x 6 mm (0.25 inch)
in size, and punched with 14 holes on 38 mm (1.5 inches) centers for
attaching cable arms.
2. Cable arms shall be 5 mm (0.1875 inch) gauge, hot-rolled, hot-dipped
galvanized sheet steel, pressed to channel shape. Arms shall be
approximately 63 mm (2.5 inches) wide x 350 mm (14 inches) long.
3. Insulators for cable supports shall be porcelain, and shall be saddle
type or type that completely encircles the cable.
4. Equip each cable stanchion with one spare cable arm, with three spare
insulators for future use.
C. Ladder: //Aluminum// //Fiberglass// with 400 mm (16 inches) rung
spacing. Provide securely-mounted ladder for every manhole over 1.2 M (4
feet) deep.
D. Ground Rod Sleeve: Provide a 75 mm (3 inches) PVC sleeve in manhole
floors so that a driven ground rod may be installed.

26 05 41 - 3
 11-01-22

E. Sump: Provide 305 mm x 305 mm (12 inches x 12 inches) covered sump

frame and grated cover.
2.2 PULLBOXES
A. General: Size as indicated on the drawings. Provide pullboxes with
weatherproof, non-skid covers with recessed hook eyes, secured with
corrosion- and tamper-resistant hardware. Cover material shall be
identical to pullbox material. Covers shall have molded lettering,
ELECTRIC, as applicable. Pullboxes shall comply with the requirements of
ANSI 77 //Tier 5// //Tier 8// //Tier 15// //Tier 22// loading. Provide
pulling irons, 22 mm (0.875 inch) diameter galvanized steel bar with
exposed triangular-shaped opening.
//B. Polymer Concrete Pullboxes: Shall be molded of sand, aggregate, and
polymer resin, and reinforced with steel, fiberglass, or both. Pullbox
shall have open bottom.//
//C. Fiberglass Pullboxes: Shall be sheet-molded, fiberglass-reinforced,
polyester resin enclosure joined to polymer concrete top ring or
frame.//
//D. Concrete Pullboxes: Shall be monolithically-poured reinforced
concrete.//
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Select duct type to meet
project requirements. Rigid metal conduit
shall not be specified for use in
corrosive soils or environments.
2.3 DUCTS
A. Number and sizes shall be as shown on the drawings.
B. Ducts (concrete-encased):
1. Plastic Duct:
a. //NEMA TC6 & 8 and TC9 plastic utilities duct // // UL 651 and
651A Schedule 40 PVC conduit//.
b. Duct shall be suitable for use with 90˚ C (194˚ F) rated
conductors.
2. Conduit Spacers: Prefabricated plastic.
C. Ducts (direct-burial):
1. Plastic duct:
a. //NEMA TC2 and TC3// //UL 651, 651A, and 651B, // Schedule 40 PVC
or HDPE conduit// //Schedule 80 PVC or HDPE conduit//.
b. Duct shall be suitable for use with 75˚ C (167˚ F) rated
conductors.

26 05 41 - 4
 11-01-22

2. Rigid metal conduit: UL 6 and NEMA RN1 galvanized rigid metal, half-
lap wrapped with 10 mil PVC tape.
2.4 GROUNDING
A. Ground Rods and Ground Wire: Per Section 26 05 26, GROUNDING AND BONDING
FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS.
2.5 WARNING TAPE
A. 4-mil polyethylene 75 mm (3 inches) wide detectable tape, red with black
letters, imprinted with “CAUTION - BURIED ELECTRIC CABLE BELOW” or
similar.
2.6 PULL ROPE FOR SPARE DUCTS
A. Plastic with 890 N (200 lb) minimum tensile strength.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 MANHOLE AND PULLBOX INSTALLATION
A. Assembly and installation shall be per the requirements of the
manufacturer.
1. Install manholes and pullboxes level and plumb.
2. Units shall be installed on a 300 mm (12 inches) thick level bed of
90% compacted granular fill, well-graded from the 25 mm (1 inch)
sieve to the No. 4 sieve. Granular fill shall be compacted with a
minimum of four passes with a plate compactor.
B. Access: Ensure the top of frames and covers are flush with finished
grade.
C. Grounding in Manholes:
1. Ground Rods in Manholes: Drive a ground rod into the earth, through
the floor sleeve, after the manhole is set in place. Fill the sleeve
with sealant to make a watertight seal. Rods shall protrude
approximately 100 mm (4 inches) above the manhole floor.
2. Install a No. 3/0 AWG bare copper ring grounding conductor around the
inside perimeter of the manhole and anchor to the walls with metallic
cable clips.
3. Connect the ring grounding conductor to the ground rod by an
exothermic welding process.
4. Bond the ring grounding conductor to the duct bank equipment
grounding conductors, the exposed non-current carrying metal parts of
racks, sump covers, and like items in the manholes with a minimum No.
6 AWG bare copper jumper using an exothermic welding process.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Remove paragraphs below
if not required by project scope. Include
sump pump circuit in manholes subject to

26 05 41 - 5
 11-01-22

flooding. Designer shall show circuits on

the drawings.

//D. Manhole Lighting: Provide NEMA 3R lighting switch mounted no more than
600 mm (2 feet) from top of ladder and a 13 W LED wet-listed luminaire
in manhole. Provide dedicated 20 mm (0.75 inch) direct-buried conduit
and conductors to nearest electrical panelboard.//
//E. Sump Pump: Provide 120V cord and plug connected sump pump complete with
float switch, thermal overload protection, and GFCI receptacle mounted
in NEMA 3R boxes in manhole. Provide dedicated 20 mm (0.75 inch) direct-
buried conduit and conductors to nearest electrical panelboard.//
3.2 TRENCHING
A. Refer to //Section 31 20 00, EARTH MOVING// //Section 31 20 11 EARTH
MOVING (SHORT FORM)// for trenching, backfilling, and compaction.
B. Before performing trenching work at existing facilities, a Ground
Penetrating Radar Survey shall be carefully performed by a certified
technician to reveal all existing underground ducts, conduits, cables,
and other utility systems.
C. Work with extreme care near existing ducts, conduits, and other
utilities to avoid damaging them.
D. Cut the trenches neatly and uniformly.
E. For Concrete-Encased Ducts:
1. After excavation of the trench, stakes shall be driven in the bottom
of the trench at 1.2 M (4 feet) intervals to establish the grade and
route of the duct bank.
2. Pitch the trenches uniformly toward manholes or both ways from high
points between manholes for the required duct line drainage. Avoid
pitching the ducts toward buildings wherever possible.
3. The walls of the trench may be used to form the side walls of the
duct bank, provided that the soil is self-supporting and that the
concrete envelope can be poured without soil inclusions. Forms are
required where the soil is not self-supporting.
4. After the concrete-encased duct has sufficiently cured, the trench
shall be backfilled to grade with earth, and appropriate warning tape
installed.
F. Individual conduits to be installed under existing paved areas and roads
that cannot be disturbed shall be jacked into place using rigid metal
conduit, or bored using plastic utilities duct or PVC conduit, as
approved by the //Resident Engineer// //COR//.

26 05 41 - 6
 11-01-22

3.3 DUCT INSTALLATION

A. General Requirements:
1. Ducts shall be in accordance with the NEC, as shown on the drawings,
and as specified.
2. Join and terminate ducts with fittings recommended by the
manufacturer.
3. Slope ducts to drain towards manholes and pullboxes, and away from
building and equipment entrances. Pitch not less than 100 mm (4
inches) in 30 M (100 feet).
4. Underground conduit stub-ups and sweeps to equipment inside of
buildings shall be galvanized rigid metal conduit half-lap wrapped
with PVC tape, and shall extend a minimum of 1.5 M (5 feet) outside
the building foundation. Tops of conduits below building slab shall
be minimum 610 mm (24 inches) below bottom of slab.
5. Stub-ups and sweeps to equipment mounted on outdoor concrete slabs
shall be galvanized rigid metal conduit half-lap wrapped with PVC
tape, and shall extend a minimum of 1.5 M (5 feet) away from the edge
of slab.
6. Install insulated grounding bushings on the conduit terminations.
7. Radius for sweeps shall be sufficient to accomplish pulls without
damage. Minimum radius shall be six times conduit diameter.
8. All multiple conduit runs shall have conduit spacers. Spacers shall
securely support and maintain uniform spacing of the duct assembly a
minimum of 75 mm (3 inches) above the bottom of the trench during the
concrete pour. Spacer spacing shall not exceed 1.5 M (5 feet). Secure
spacers to ducts and earth to prevent floating during concrete pour.
Provide nonferrous tie wires to prevent displacement of the ducts
during concrete pour. Tie wires shall not act as substitute for
spacers.
9. Duct lines shall be installed no less than 300 mm (12 inches) from
other utility systems, such as water, sewer, chilled water.
10. Clearances between individual ducts:
a. For similar services, not less than 75 mm (3 inches).
b. For power and signal services, not less than 150 mm (6 inches).
11. Duct lines shall terminate at window openings in manhole walls as
shown on the drawings. All ducts shall be fitted with end bells.
12. Couple the ducts with proper couplings. Stagger couplings in rows and
layers to ensure maximum strength and rigidity of the duct bank.

26 05 41 - 7
 11-01-22

13. Keep ducts clean of earth, sand, or gravel, and seal with tapered
plugs upon completion of each portion of the work.
14. Spare Ducts: Where spare ducts are shown, they shall have a nylon
pull rope installed. They shall be capped at each end and labeled as
to location of the other end.
15. Duct Identification: Place continuous strip of warning tape
approximately 300 mm (12 inches) above ducts before backfilling
trenches. Warning tape shall be preprinted with proper
identification.
16. Duct Sealing: Seal ducts, including spare ducts, at building
entrances and at outdoor terminations for equipment, with a suitable
non-hardening compound to prevent the entrance of foreign objects and
material, moisture, and gases.
17. Use plastic ties to secure cables to insulators on cable arms. Use
minimum two ties per cable per insulator.
B. Concrete-Encased Ducts:
1. Install concrete-encased ducts for medium-voltage systems, low-
voltage systems, and signal systems, unless otherwise shown on the
drawings.
2. Duct banks shall be single or multiple duct assemblies encased in
concrete. Ducts shall be uniform in size and material throughout the
installation.
3. Tops of concrete-encased ducts shall be:
a. Not less than 600 mm (24 inches) and not less than shown on the
drawings, below finished grade.
b. Not less than 750 mm (30 inches) and not less than shown on the
drawings, below roads and other paved surfaces.
c. Additional burial depth shall be required in order to accomplish
NEC-required minimum bend radius of ducts.
d. Conduits crossing under grade slab construction joints shall be
installed a minimum of 1.2 M (4 feet) below slab.
4. Extend the concrete envelope encasing the ducts not less than 75 mm
(3 inches) beyond the outside walls of the outer ducts.
5. Within 3 M (10 feet} of building and manhole wall penetrations,
install reinforcing steel bars at the top and bottom of each concrete
envelope to provide protection against vertical shearing.
6. Install reinforcing steel bars at the top and bottom of each concrete
envelope of all ducts underneath roadways and parking areas.

26 05 41 - 8
 11-01-22

7. Where new ducts and concrete envelopes are to be joined to existing

manholes, pullboxes, ducts, and concrete envelopes, make the joints
with the proper fittings and fabricate the concrete envelopes to
ensure smooth durable transitions.
8. Duct joints in concrete may be placed side by side horizontally, but
shall be staggered at least 150 mm (6 inches) vertically.
9. Pour each run of concrete envelope between manholes or other
terminations in one continuous pour. If more than one pour is
necessary, terminate each pour in a vertical plane and install 19 mm
(0.75 inch) reinforcing rod dowels extending 450 mm (18 inches) into
concrete on both sides of joint near corners of envelope.
10. Pour concrete so that open spaces are uniformly filled. Do not
agitate with power equipment unless approved by //Resident Engineer//
//COR//.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Refer to the VA
Electrical Design Manual for requirements
regarding concrete-encased conduits.
//C. Direct-Burial Ducts:
1. Install direct-burial ducts only where shown on the drawings. Provide
direct-burial ducts only for low-voltage power and lighting branch
circuits.
2. Tops of ducts shall be:
a. Not less than 600 mm (24 inches) and not less than shown on the
drawings, below finished grade.
b. Not less than 750 mm (30 inches) and not less than shown on the
drawings, below roads and other paved surfaces.
c. Additional burial depth shall be required in order to accomplish
NEC-required minimum bend radius of ducts.
3. Do not kink the ducts. Compaction shall not deform the ducts.//
D. Connections to Manholes: Ducts connecting to manholes shall be flared to
have an enlarged cross-section to provide additional shear strength.
Dimensions of the flared cross-section shall be larger than the
corresponding manhole opening dimensions by no less than 300 mm (12
inches) in each direction. Perimeter of the duct bank opening in the
manhole shall be flared toward the inside or keyed to provide a positive
interlock between the duct and the wall of the manhole. Use vibrators
when this portion of the encasement is poured to ensure a seal between
the envelope and the wall of the structure.

26 05 41 - 9
 11-01-22

E. Connections to Existing Manholes: For duct connections to existing

manholes, break the structure wall out to the dimensions required and
preserve the steel in the structure wall. Cut steel and extend into the
duct bank envelope. Chip the perimeter surface of the duct bank opening
to form a key or flared surface, providing a positive connection with
the duct bank envelope.
F. Connections to Existing Ducts: Where connections to existing ducts are
indicated, excavate around the ducts as necessary. Cut off the ducts and
remove loose concrete from inside before installing new ducts. Provide a
reinforced-concrete collar, poured monolithically with the new ducts, to
take the shear at the joint of the duct banks.
G. Partially-Completed Ducts: During construction, wherever a construction
joint is necessary in a duct bank, prevent debris such as mud and dirt
from entering ducts by providing suitable plugs. Fit concrete envelope
of a partially completed ducts with reinforcing steel extending a
minimum of 600 mm (2 feet) back into the envelope and a minimum of 600
mm (2 feet) beyond the end of the envelope. Provide one No. 4 bar in
each corner, 75 mm (3 inches) from the edge of the envelope. Secure
corner bars with two No. 3 ties, spaced approximately 300 mm (12 inches)
apart. Restrain reinforcing assembly from moving during pouring of
concrete.
3.4 ACCEPTANCE CHECKS AND TESTS
A. Duct Testing and Cleaning:
1. Upon completion of the duct installation, a standard flexible mandrel
shall be pulled through each duct to loosen particles of earth, sand,
or foreign material left in the duct, and to test for out-of-round
conditions.
2. The mandrel shall be not less than 300 mm (12 inches) long, and shall
have a diameter not less than 13 mm (0.5 inch) less than the inside
diameter of the duct. A brush with stiff bristles shall then be
pulled through each duct to remove the loosened particles. The
diameter of the brush shall be the same as, or slightly larger than,
the diameter of the duct.
3. If testing reveals obstructions or out-of-round conditions, the
Contractor shall replace affected section(s) of duct and retest to
the satisfaction of the //Resident Engineer// //COR//.
4. Mandrel pulls shall be witnessed by the //Resident Engineer//
//COR//.

26 05 41 - 10
 11-01-22

---END---

26 05 41 - 11