I plan to use the same trench to run my electrical (#4 AWG in conduit) and the cat 5 in conduit out to the shop separated by about 6 inches of back fill. The run will be about 150 feet.
The electrical being about 18 inches deep.
Will that be adequate ??
Ray
use cat 6 instead.
Ray, it sounds as though you are tackling a fairly big project for an amateur. May I suggest that you seek additional information from other sources beyond this newsgroup such as an electrical code book and perhaps your local inspector as he will have the final word as to whether your installation is acceptable for your climate and topography, and conforms to local codes.
There are many variables to consider with the job that you are doing and since we cannot see the project it is difficult to give you precise instructions.
Under certain circumstances 18" deep would suffice for a sub panel feed. Check table 300.5 for depth requirements. Also check table 352.44(A) for expansion characteristics of PVC. You will probably need to install expansion couplings.
It is also recommended to back fill about 12" and then put identification tape on top and then continue the backfill. This is to alert someone from coming along later and accidentally cutting into your conduits.
My grandfather had a sign hanging in his woodshop "Be Sure You are Right, Then Go Ahead". That's good advice for someone doing a job that they have never done before.
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