Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions regarding technical
specifications and compliance.
Service Panels & Conversion
What type of electrical panel is required for the rebuild?
Residents must install a "Combo" panel (overhead and underground) featuring a ring-type meter socket
and concentric knockouts at the bottom for underground feed.
Overhead-Underground-Meter-Panel.pdf
What are the panel requirements for high-amperage homes?
For larger loads (400 Amp), a Class 320/400 Amp panel with 30 spaces and 42 circuits is required. It
must support side-by-side construction and bottom underground entry.
Overhead-Underground-Meter-Panel.pdf
How do I convert my service if the pole is at the rear but conduit comes from the street?
You must install a Hoffman Type 3R pull box to intercept the conduit. This box routes power from the
rear property line to the new front conduit system.
Rear-Property-LIne-Conduit-to-Front-Line-Prop-Conduit.pdf
What are the wiring requirements inside the conversion pull box?
You must install a full loop and a half of wire inside the pull box from the panel terminations and
identify the neutral wire with white tape.
Rear-Property-LIne-Conduit-to-Front-Line-Prop-Conduit.pdf
Excavation & Conduit
What is the required trench depth for residential service conduit?
On private property, install conduit 38 inches below grade. At the public property line/street
approach, it must be 30 inches below gutter grade.
Conduit-information.pdf
What are the requirements for the trench bottom?
The trench bottom must be smooth, level, and free of debris. If the bottom is rocky, a 4-inch bed of
sand or sand slurry is required.
Specification_104_Rev_11_07_2025.pdf
What specific type of conduit must be used?
New 3-inch PVC Conduit. Use Schedule 40 for direct burial or EB-35 for concrete encasement (if
approved/specified).
Conduit-information.pdf
Can I bend PVC conduit using heat in the field?
No. Hot bending of PVC conduit is not allowed. You must use factory bends (Type DB-120) or approved
cold bends.
Specification_104_Rev_11_07_2025.pdf
What type of pull tape must be installed in the conduit?
Install flat, woven, multi-fiber polyester tape (Muletape) with a minimum tensile strength of 1250
lbs and sequential footage markings. Do not use rope.
Conduit-information.pdf
Installation Details
What type of glue and primer are required?
You must use Purple Primer (ASTM F656) and Clear PVC Pipe Cement (ASTM D2564). Apply primer to both
the socket inside and spigot outside before cementing.
Conduit-information.pdf
How do I prepare cut ends of the conduit?
All field-cut conduit must be cut square, chamfered (approx 3/32 inch), and de-burred to prevent
wire damage.
Specification_104_Rev_11_07_2025.pdf
What is the spacing requirement for multiple conduits?
Maintain a minimum spacing of 2 inches between adjacent conduits using approved duct spacers to
prevent them from touching.
Specification_104_Rev_11_07_2025.pdf
How do I mark the conduit location at the street?
Drill a 5/8-inch hole into the curb face (3 inches down), install a lead fishing weight flush with
the surface, and stamp it with the letter "P".
Lead-Plug-Location.pdf
How must the conduit ends be sealed?
Use quality expansion-type conduit duct plugs with a tab to tie the pull line. Taping the end is not
sufficient.
Conduit-information.pdf
Process & Inspections
Who must be contacted before digging?
You must contact DigAlert (811) online or by phone prior to the start of any excavation to identify
existing utilities.
Specification_104_Rev_11_07_2025.pdf
When should I notify LADWP for inspections?
Notify the Department Representative at least 5 business days before starting construction. Conduit
must be inspected prior to backfilling.
Specification_104_Rev_11_07_2025.pdf
Can I backfill the trench before inspection?
No. If conduit is encased or backfilled before inspection, the Contractor will be required to remove
the material and reconstruct at their own expense.
Specification_104_Rev_11_07_2025.pdf
What is the Mandrel test?
Prior to final resurfacing, a cylindrical mandrel tool must be drawn by hand through each duct to
ensure there are no obstructions or crushed sections.
Specification_104_Rev_11_07_2025.pdf
What are the backfill requirements for private property?
For unimproved areas, use sand placed in 2-foot lifts. For planter areas, the top 24 inches must be
landscape soil. Compact to 90%.
Specification_104_Rev_11_07_2025.pdf
What are the requirements for As-Built drawings?
Submit PDF drawings showing cover depth every 20 feet, location of vertical offsets/bends, and exact
location of substructures prior to final acceptance.
Specification_104_Rev_11_07_2025.pdf