SECTION 630

CONDUIT

630-1 Description.
Furnish and install conduit for traffic control signals and devices, highway lighting, and
other electrically powered or operated devices as shown in the Contract Documents.

630-2 Materials.
630-2.1 Conduit: Use materials that have been tested and listed by a Nationally
Recognized Testing Laboratory to the following industry standards:
Schedule 40 and 80 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)1 ................... UL 651
Fiberglass Reinforced Epoxy2............................................. UL 2420
Intermediate Metal3............................................................. UL 1242
Rigid Galvanized Metal3,4 ......................................................... UL 6
Rigid Aluminum4 ................................................................... UL 6A
PVC Coated Intermediate Metal4................... ASTM A135/A135M,
.................. ASTM A513, ASTM A568/A568M, NEMA RN1-2005
Liquid Tight Flexible Metal .................................................. UL 360
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Standard Dimension
Ratio (SDR) 9-115 ....................................................... ASTM F2160
HDPE SDR 13.55 ................................. ASTM F2160, NEMA TC-7
Schedule 40 and 80 HDPE ................................................. UL 651A
1. Use conduit with solvent weld slip-fit plastic couplings unless approved
by the Engineer.
2. Use conduit having a minimum stiffness value of 250. Ensure that each
section has a duct bell with an integral gasket on one end and a duct spigot on the other
end.
3. Use conduit that is hot-dipped galvanized with a minimum coating of
1.24 ounces per square foot on both the inside and outside of the conduit. The weight of
the zinc coating shall be determined using ASTM A90.
4. Use conduit with both ends reamed and threaded.
5. Can be used with preassembled cable and rope-in-conduit.
630-2.2 Locate Wire: Ensure that locate wire is a single copper conductor with a
minimum gauge of No. 12 AWG. Ensure locate wire is insulated using a 45 mil minimum
thickness polyethylene sheath that is orange in color and marked to identify the manufacturer and
the conductor size.
630-2.3 Locate Wire Grounding Unit: Ensure that locate wires are attached to a wire
grounding unit (WGU) dedicated to safely dissipate high transient voltages or other foreign
electrical surges induced into the designated system. Ensure the WGU conforms to the
following:
1. Allows signals generated by locate system transmitters to pass through the
protection system without going to ground.
2. The protection system automatically resets and passes locate system transmitter
signals after the unit has been grounded to dissipate over-voltages.
3. Is intended for below or above grade applications. Ground the WGU to a driven
rod within 10 feet of the system using a No. 6 AWG single conductor wire with green insulation.
Ensure that the WGU is enclosed for protection from environmental hazards and is accessible for
the connection of portable locate system transmitters.
4. The WGU system meets the minimum standards listed in Table 1 for surge
protection:

Table 1: Minimum Standards for Surge Protection

Surge Element 3-element maximum duty fail-safe gas tube.
Rating 40,000 A surge capacity (single-cycle, 8 by 20 microsecond waveform).
Life Minimum 1,000 surges (1000 A to ground).
Fail-Safe Integral fail-shorted device.
Insulation Resistance 1,000 megohm minimum at 100 volts of direct current (VDC).
a. Impulse at 100 volts per microsecond: Typically 500 volts.
Clamp Voltages
b. Direct Current: 300 to 500 volts.

630-2.4 Warning Tape: Ensure that the buried cable warning tape is flexible, elastic
material 3 inches wide, 6 mil thick, intended for burial and use as an underground utility warning
notice, and that the surface of the warning tape is coated and sealed to prevent deterioration
caused by harsh soil elements. Ensure that the warning tape color follows the American Public
Works Association color code for underground utilities and has the repeating message
“CAUTION: FDOT CABLE,” or other wording approved by the Engineer, permanently printed
on its surface. Ensure that the tape material and ink colors do not change when exposed to acids,
alkalis, and other destructive chemical variances commonly found in Florida soils.
630-2.5 Route Markers: Route markers may be either a standard route marker (SRM)
type or an electronic route marker (ERM) type. Ensure the SRM is a rigid, tubular, driven post
used for location and notification purposes only. Ensure the ERM is physically identical to the
SRM, but also includes a termination board to provide aboveground access to locate wire buried
alongside conduit and cable runs.
Ensure that each SRM is labeled and identified as an FDOT fiber optic cable
marker unless otherwise shown in the Plans. The labels must include the Department’s logo,
contact information for the local FDOT District, and a telephone number to call prior to any
excavation in the area. Ensure that the identification information is permanently imprinted on the
top fitting, and will not peel, fade, or deteriorate.
630-2.5.1 Standard Route Marker (SRM): Ensure that SRM posts are white
with an orange top fitting cover with black or white lettering and graphics. Ensure that the SRM
is a tubular configuration, and both the marker post and the top fitting are made from virgin
Type 111 HDPE. Ensure that any fasteners used with the SRM are constructed of stainless steel.
Ensure that all SRMs have a minimum outside diameter of 3.5 inches with
a minimum wall thickness of 0.125 inches. Ensure that the top fitting cover is a minimum of
1.5 feet long and has an outside diameter of 3.75 inches with a minimum wall thickness of
0.125 inches. Ensure that each SRM provides a tensile strength of 4,200 pounds per square inch
as required in ASTM D638. Ensure that each SRM is manufactured for use in temperatures range
of minus 30° to 165°F in accordance with NEMA TS 2.
Ensure the SRM can withstand an impact force of 70 pounds per foot at
32°F in accordance with ASTM D2444, before and after UV conditioning for 2,000 hours in
accordance with ASTM G154. Ensure that the control sample of any material tested maintains a
minimum of 70 percent of its original tensile strength.
Ensure that SRMs installed at the minimum 2 foot depth can withstand at
least one impact at 45 miles per hour by a vehicle weighing at least 3,500 pounds and that after
impact, post returns to an upright position within 10 degrees of vertical alignment within
30 seconds from the time of impact.
630-2.5.2 Electronic Route Marker (ERM): Ensure ERMs meet the same
material and performance requirements as the SRMs with the following exceptions. Equip each
ERM with a removable, top-fitting cover that is black with white lettering. Ensure that each
ERM contains a terminal board equipped with locate wire and ground connectors.
Ensure that the terminal board is made from corrosion-resistant materials
and includes terminal facilities labeled according to function and provides uniform spacing
between connection points.

630-3 Installation Requirements.

630-3.1 General: Install the conduit in accordance with NEC or National Electrical
Safety Code (NESC) requirements and the Design Standards. Consider the locations of conduit
as shown in the Plans as approximate. Construct conduit runs as straight as possible, and obtain
the Engineer’s approval for all major deviations in conduit locations from those shown in the
Plans. Include buried cable warning tape with all trenched conduit. Mark the location of the
conduit system with route markers as shown in the Plans and approved by the Engineer. Ensure
that all route markers used are new and consistent in appearance.
For conduit installed by directional bore, install in accordance with Section 555.
For conduit installed by jack and bore, install in accordance with Section 556.
Use only intermediate metal conduit, rigid galvanized metal conduit, rigid
aluminum conduit or PVC coated intermediate metal conduit for above-ground electrical power
service installations and rigid galvanized metal conduit or rigid aluminum conduit for
underground electrical power service installations. Meet the requirements of Section 562 for
coating all field cut and threaded galvanized pipe.
Use Schedule 80 PVC or fiberglass reinforced epoxy conduit in structural
elements in or on bridge decks.
Use HDPE with an SDR number less than or equal to 11, Schedule 80 PVC or
Schedule 40 PVC for underground installations in earth or concrete for ITS and traffic control
signal applications, except, use only HDPE with an SDR number less than or equal to 11 for
blown fiber optic cable installations on limited access facilities.
Use HDPE with an SDR number less than or equal to 13.5, Schedule 80 PVC, or
Schedule 40 PVC for underground installations of electrical conduit in earth for lighting
applications and landscape irrigation applications.
Use HDPE with an SDR number less than or equal to 13.5, Schedule 80 PVC,
Schedule 40 PVC, or rigid galvanized metal for underground installations of electrical conduit in
concrete for lighting applications.
Do not place more than the equivalent of three quarter bends or 270 degrees of
bends, including the termination bends, between the two points of termination in the conduit,
without a pull box. Obtain the Engineer’s approval to use corrugated flexible conduits for short
runs of 6 feet or less.
When a conduit installation changes from underground to above-ground, make
the change a minimum of 6 inches below finished grade.
Install a No. 12 AWG pull wire or polypropylene cord inside the full length of all
conduits. Ensure that a minimum of 24 inches of pull wire/cord is accessible at each conduit
termination.
Ensure the conduit includes all required fittings and incidentals necessary to
construct a complete installation.
When earth backfill and tamping is required, place backfill material as per
Section 120 in layers approximately 12 inches thick, and tamp each layer to a density equal to or
greater than the adjacent soil.
When backfilling trenches in existing pavement, use a flowable fill meeting the
requirements of Section 121.
Provide a standard clearance between underground control cable and electrical
service cable or another parallel underground electrical service cable that meets NESC
requirements.
Prevent the ingress of water, dirt, sand, and other foreign materials into the
conduit prior to, during, and after construction. Seal the ends of conduit after wiring is complete
with a moisture resistant sealant that is designed for this specific application.
630-3.1.1 Fiber Optic Cable Conduit: Install the conduit system so the fiber
optic cable maintains a minimum bend radius of 20 times the cable diameter. Use approved
methods for connecting inner duct or conduit within or between plowed portions, trenched
portions, and bored portions. Submit the conduit manufacturer’s coupling method and material to
the Engineer for approval.
630-3.2 Conduit Sizes: Size the conduit to be used on all installations, unless otherwise
shown in the Contract Documents. Use conduit of sufficient size to allow the conductor to be
installed without any damage and meeting NEC requirements. Use conduit that is at least
2 inches in diameter, with the following exceptions:
For conduit protecting the ground wire on the side of a pole, use conduit that is at
least 1/2 inch in diameter.
For ITS applications where Contractor chooses to install fiber optic cable by
blowing, use conduit that is at least 1-1/4 inch in diameter.
For traffic control signal and device electrical service conduit, use the minimum
conduit size required by the local maintaining agency and the electrical service provider.
630-3.3 Conduit Joints: Make conduit joints using materials as specified by the
manufacturer. When conduit crosses an expansion joint of a structure and where shown in the
Plans, install an expansion or expansion/deflection fitting as specified by the manufacturer.
Certify that expansion/deflection fittings are rated to accommodate a minimum rotation of
30 degrees and that both the expansion and expansion/deflection fittings are rated to
accommodate the anticipated longitudinal movement (minimum of 2 inches for deflection
fittings and 0.7 inches for expansion/deflection fittings). Ensure that all installed joints are
waterproof. As an exception to the threaded coupling for intermediate metal conduit, at locations
where it is not possible to screw the threaded coupling properly, the Contractor may use a
waterproof slip-joint coupling approved by the Engineer. Secure the joint, and tighten threaded
connections.
Prior to insertion into the coupling, clean, prime and coat the ends of PVC conduit
with solvent-type cement as specified by the manufacturer.
630-3.4 PVC Coating: Apply PVC coating to exposed metal surfaces of the conduit,
except for the threads, to attain a nominal thickness of 40 mils. Ensure that the coating is free of
sags and drips.
Attach the coupling to the conduit prior to the application of the coating for
conduit of 1 inch diameter or less.
Use a coupling with sleeve extensions on conduit larger than 1 inch. Ensure that
the sleeve extensions on all threaded female openings have a length equal to the diameter of the
conduit up to and including size number 53.
630-3.5 Conduit Terminations: Fit the terminating ends of all metal conduit and metal
conduit sleeves with an appropriate bushing.
For conduit to be encased in concrete, wrap with tape or otherwise protect all
terminations to prevent the entrance of concrete.
Connect new underground conduits to existing underground conduits with a pull
box.
Install conduit terminating in a concrete strain pole through the cable entry hole
and up the center of the pole to a location approximately 6 inches below the handhole.
Seal conduits terminating in a controller base, pole, pull box, junction box, or
pedestal base with a moisture resistant sealant approved by the Engineer.
For a controller base, pole or pedestal base, and junction boxes, terminate conduit
runs into the center of the base or box at least 2 inches above the surface of the base.
630-3.6 Restoration of Trench Areas: Restore the conduit trench construction area to an
acceptable condition. Such work includes repair or replacement of all pavement areas, sidewalks,
driveways, curbs, structures, landscaping, grass areas (including removal of excavated materials
and spoils), removal and disposal of drilling fluids, and backfilling areas disturbed by the conduit
installation.
630-3.7 Above-Ground Installation: Use conduit designed and manufactured for use in
long-term above-ground applications with UV stabilization to prevent material deterioration.
Securely attach above-ground conduit installations to the surface of the supporting structure
using conduit straps. As a minimum, use conduit straps located on 5 foot centers. Use galvanized
metal conduit straps when installing intermediate metal conduit, fiberglass reinforced epoxy
conduit, rigid galvanized conduit, rigid aluminum conduit or PVC coated intermediate metal
conduit above ground.
Use the same PVC coating for the metal straps as the conduit, when using PVC
coated intermediate metal conduit.
630-3.8 Elbows: The radius of curvature of the centerline of any bend shall not be less
than shown below:

Size Standard Radius

1/2 inch 4 inches
3/4 inch 4-1/2 inches
1 inch 5-1/2 inches
1-1/4 inches 7-1/4 inches
1-1/2 inches 8-1/4 inches
2 inches 9-1/2 inches
2-1/2 inches 10-1/2 inches
3 inches 13 inches
Size Standard Radius
3-1/2 inches 15 inches
4 inches 16 inches
5 inches 24 inches
6 inches 30 inches

630-3.9 Fiber Optic Cable Locate Wire: Install locate wire in the trench or bore with all
underground conduits to provide end-to-end electrical continuity for electronically locating the
underground conduit system. Bury locate wire along the centerline of the top outer surface of
installed conduit. Do not install locate wire in a conduit with fiber optic cable.
Do not run locate wires into field cabinets. Terminate locate wires at the first and
last pull boxes in the conduit run or as shown in the Plans. Ensure that wire termination occurs in
a pull box as shown in the Design Standards, Index No. 17700.
In a trenching operation, install the locate wire no more than 3 inches above the
conduit. Ensure that the locate wire enters all pull and splice boxes, and that a minimum of
10 feet of slack locate wire is coiled and neatly stored in each box.
In a boring operation, install the locate wire in an encasement, install the conduit
detection wire external to the conduit with no separation between conduit and wire, or use
conduit with integral locate wire. Locate wire may also be placed in the void between the inner
wall of conduit and innerducts contained within the conduit as long as no other cables are present
within the void.
Perform continuity tests and insulation resistance tests on all locate wires and
provide the Engineer with all test results. Replace, or repair defective locate wire at no additional
cost.
Make locate wire splices in a flush grade-level box. Ensure that locate wire
splices are waterproof and suitable for direct burial. Ensure that locate wire splices at the pull
box meet NEC requirements. Ensure that locate wire splices are constructed of and in the
following order: a mechanical crimp connection with a butt sleeve, an oxide-preventing aerosol
lacquer, mastic electrical splicing tape, and standard electrical tape. At the completion of the
installation, provide the Engineer with as-built drawings that document all splice locations.
Install WGUs in pull boxes and splice boxes as shown in the Plans or directed by
the Engineer. Mount the device in a location high enough from the bottom of the box to allow
access to terminal facilities without disturbing cables present within the box. Terminate the
locate wires and connect the WGU to ground in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Test the locate wire system after installation to ensure that it functions and can be
used to accurately locate the conduit system.
630-3.10 Route Markers: Install route markers for fiber optic cable installations and
ensure the following:
1. Markers are plumb and level and the notification information is clearly visible
when viewed from the side facing the roadway.
2. Markers are set within the right of way.
3. Markers are placed at a 1 foot offset from the conduit system.
4. The top of the marker post is a minimum of 5 feet and maximum of 6 feet
above the finish grade
5. Markers are spaced a maximum of 500 feet apart.
6. A clear line of sight is maintained from one marker to the next.
7. Markers are installed on both sides of the roadway at any crossing point where
the conduit system changes to the opposite side of the roadway.
8. Markers are installed at the center point of any conduit run between two pull or
splice boxes.
9. Markers are installed at gate locations when the conduit system is adjacent to a
fence line.
10. Markers are installed on both sides of a stream, river, or other water crossing,
and on both sides of aboveground attachments such as bridges and walls.
Remove and replace all marker posts damaged during installation at no additional
cost. Ensure that route marker signs are labeled with a unique identification number, as detailed
in the Plans or as approved by the Engineer. Provide as-built documentation at the completion of
installation that includes identification number and location of all installed route markers and
correlates the marker to the fiber optic infrastructure that it signifies.
Ensure that installation of ERMs includes connection of the route marker to the
locate wire associated with the conduit run that the markers identify. Install locate wire through
the base of the marker and terminate the locate wires to connectors mounted on the terminal
board inside the marker. Install an underground magnesium anode a minimum of 10 feet away
from the marker and perpendicular to the conduit system. Terminate the anode lead on the
connector mounted on the terminal board inside the marker. Install the bond straps between the
anode connector and all locate wire connectors to provide cathodic protection for the locate wire
conductor.

630-4 Method of Measurement.

630-4.1 General: Measurement for payment will be in accordance with the following
work tasks.
630-4.2 Furnish and Install: The Contract unit price per foot of conduit, furnished and
installed, will include furnishing all hardware and materials and all testing as specified in this
Section and the Contract Documents, and all labor, casings, removal of excavated materials and
spoils, removal and disposal of drilling fluids, locate wire, trenching, boring, backfilling,
flowable fill and restoration materials necessary for a complete and accepted installation.
Payment for conduit placed underground will be based on the horizontal length of
the trench or bore measured in a straight line between the centers of pull boxes, cabinets, poles,
etc., in linear feet, regardless of the length or number of conduits installed. No allowance will be
made for sweeps or vertical distances below the ground.
Payment for conduit placed aboveground or bridge mounted will be based on the
actual length of conduit installed.

630-5 Basis of Payment.

Price and payment will be full compensation for all work specified in this Section.
Payment for conduit placed under existing turf will be made as open trench.
Payment for conduit placed under existing pavement (roadway, driveways, or sidewalk)
will be made as directional bore. If conduit is being placed under both existing turf and existing
pavement between two pull boxes, payment for the total pull box-to-pull box length will be made
as directional bore. Payment for conduit placed by jack & bore will be made as jack & bore, for
the total pull box to pull box length.
No additional payment will be made for multiple conduits in the same trench.
No payment adjustment will be made if the Contractor chooses to use an alternative
method approved by the Engineer.
No payment will be made for failed bore paths, injection of excavatable flowable fill,
products taken out of service, or incomplete installations.
Payment will be made under:
Item No. 630- 2- Conduit – per foot.