You're right to be skeptical. While a Ditch Witch boring machine can be used for electrical conduit installation, the method you describe sounds unusual and potentially problematic regarding accepted electrical installation practices. Here's a breakdown

Common and Accepted Methods for Electrical Conduit Installation with a Boring Machine (like a Ditch Witch):
Directional Boring (also called Horizontal Directional Drilling or HDD)



Pilot Bore

A small-diameter drill head is steered underground along a planned path.

Reaming/Back-Reaming

The pilot bore is enlarged by a reaming tool.

Pullback

The conduit (often pre-assembled sections fused or joined together) is pulled back through the enlarged bore.

Advantages

Minimizes surface disruption, can go under obstacles (roads, rivers, buildings), precise depth control.

Auger Boring

A casing (steel pipe) is pushed through the earth with an auger inside removing the soil. Once the casing is installed, the electrical conduit can be pulled or pushed through the casing.

Advantages

Accurate line and grade, minimal surface disruption.

Why the Method You Saw in NJ Sounds Potentially Problematic



Assembling Above Ground and Jacking/Pulling Without a Pre-Bored Hole



Damage to Conduit

Forcing long, assembled sections of conduit through undisturbed soil without a pilot bore can easily damage the conduit. This can compromise its integrity, making it susceptible to moisture ingress, corrosion, and physical damage.

Stress on Joints

Screwed connections are designed for specific torque and tension. Forcing them through the ground applies unpredictable lateral stress, potentially loosening connections or damaging the threads. This is especially true for PVC, which can be brittle.

Inconsistent Depth and Alignment

Without a guided bore, maintaining consistent depth and alignment is extremely difficult. This could violate minimum burial depth requirements in the NEC and create future safety hazards.

Soil Compaction

Forcing a large object through undisturbed soil compacts the soil around the conduit. This can make future repairs difficult, potentially damage nearby structures, and affect drainage.

NEC/NEIS Non-Compliance

As you correctly point out, this method isn't a recognized or approved installation practice in the NEC or NEIS (National Electrical Installation Standards). Following accepted methods is essential for safety and code compliance.

Why it Might Be Happening (But Still Wrong)



Cost Cutting

It might be seen as a faster, cheaper method, even though it compromises quality and potentially safety.

Lack of Experience/Knowledge

The crew may not be fully trained or understand best practices for underground conduit installation.

Misinterpretation of Machine Capabilities

While a Ditch Witch can exert significant force, it's designed to facilitate boring, not simply ram conduit through the earth.

What to Do If You See This



Report It

If you're a concerned citizen or contractor, you can report the potentially unsafe installation to the local electrical inspector or building department. Provide as much detail as possible (location, date, time, description of the work).

Document

Take pictures or videos if it's safe and practical to do so.*

Speak Up (If Safe)

If you feel comfortable and it's safe, you could politely inquire with the crew about their installation methods. However, prioritize your safety and avoid confrontation.

In conclusion: While a Ditch Witch is a versatile machine, using it to force assembled conduit sections through undisturbed earth without a proper boring process is not a recommended or code-compliant method. It can lead to damaged conduit, compromised safety, and potential code violations. Proper boring techniques are essential for a safe and reliable electrical installation. Flag for review