Has anybody ever heard of the NESC as it relates to the NEC? Whether you're maintaining a vertical separation of 18"-24" or an off-set of the same, you must establish a clear delineation between power, gas, and low voltage carriers i.e., CATV & Bell. That's the law here in the USA !
Reading on how some of you folks skirt the methods, processes, and procedures puts not only you but your workers and customers in a vicarious position.
Over the years I've piloted and created new Joint Trench relationships with the other utilities and utilized either a single or dual labor resource that did everybody’s work. Number One on the specifications list is the separation and depths that are needed to be established followed by the backfill and layering. Any operator who waives these standards is just cutting corners probably to save on costs and time but in the long run will increase the probability of class-action suits filed against them for knowingly executing unsafe and illegal construction practices. As a contractor who is representing your customer you have the responsibility and duty to speak out and say something to correct a wrong!
That's my $ .02 worth. I just hope nobody gets pulverized with VAC Juice and leaves their family members and friends behind because of a selfishly made decision.
