Okay, let's analyze these options and explore a few more practical and code-compliant solutions for feeding power to your bollards spaced 5 feet apart. Given the requirements of PVC underground and PVC-coated RGS risers, here's a breakdown and some alternative ideas

Understanding the Challenges and Requirements
NEC Compliance

Ensuring your installation meets the National Electrical Code (NEC) is paramount. Pay close attention to burial depth requirements for PVC conduit, grounding and bonding requirements for metallic conduit and equipment, and protection requirements for conductors entering enclosures.

Corrosion

PVC-coated RGS is a good choice for protection against corrosion, especially at the transition from underground to above ground.

Moisture

Bolards are often exposed to the elements. Ensure all enclosures and fittings are rated for wet locations.

Accessibility

Consider future maintenance and troubleshooting. Can you easily access the wiring and connections?

Cost

Balance the cost of materials, labor, and long-term maintenance.

Aesthetics

Minimize the visibility of the conduit and boxes.

Analyzing Your Proposed Options


Box Under Each Bollard



Pros

Potentially simpler individual connections. Flexibility in case a single bollard needs to be isolated or disconnected.

Cons

High material cost (a box for every bollard adds up). Many potential points of failure (more boxes = more connections). More labor to install and connect each box. Aesthetics: Having a box under each bollard may not be the most aesthetically pleasing. Difficult transition from the underground box to the bollard.

Verdict

This is likely the least efficient and most costly option due to the sheer number of boxes required.2.

Pre-Fab PVC with RGS Elbows



Pros

Potentially faster installation (if the pre-fab lengths are accurate). Reduces the number of boxes. Potentially cleaner look compared to individual boxes.

Cons

Requires very precise measurements and potentially more cutting/fitting in the field. Less flexible if bollard spacing isn't perfectly consistent. Still needs a box at the beginning and end of the run and transitions. Can be difficult to pull wire through long, pre-fabricated sections with multiple bends.

Verdict

Better than option 1, but still has some drawbacks, especially regarding flexibility and wire pulling.

Better Alternatives and Recommendations

Here are a few other ideas, taking into account code compliance and practicality:1.

Continuous Run with "Sweep" Elbows



Description

Run a continuous PVC conduit underground. Use large-radius (sweep) PVC elbows to bring the conduit up at each bollard location. Transition to PVC-coated RGS above ground right after the elbow. Terminate the RGS directly into the base of the bollard (if possible and code-compliant). If not, use a small, weatherproof junction box at the base of the bollard to transition from RGS to the bollard wiring.

Pros

Fewer boxes = fewer points of failure and lower material cost. Potentially easier wire pulling due to smoother bends. Cleaner aesthetic (less visible hardware). Good corrosion protection with PVC-coated RGS risers.

Cons

Requires precise bending and fitting of the PVC elbows. Transition from PVC to RGS needs to be done correctly (consider a listed fitting designed for this). The sweep elbows will need to be buried correctly to ensure proper depth and support.

Key Considerations



Sweep Elbow Radius

Use a radius that's easy to pull wire through, but also doesn't make the installation overly bulky.

Transition Fitting

Use a properly rated transition fitting to connect the PVC to the RGS.2.

Handhole Boxes with Stub Ups



Description

Install a series of small handhole boxes (rated for direct burial and wet locations) along the run. These are typically round or rectangular and sit flush with the ground. Run PVC conduit between the boxes. From each box, use a short stub-up of PVC-coated RGS (possibly with an elbow) to enter the bollard.

Pros

Easier access for future maintenance. Allows for easier wire pulling compared to long runs with multiple bends. Provides a central location for splices and terminations.

Cons

Higher material cost than the continuous run option (due to the handhole boxes). Aesthetics: Handhole boxes, while flush with the ground, are still visible. Handhole boxes require proper backfill and compaction to prevent settling.

Key Considerations



Handhole Box Size

Choose a size that's large enough to make connections and splices comfortably, but not excessively large.

Handhole Box Lid

Use a locking or tamper-resistant lid to prevent unauthorized access.

Conductor Fill

Ensure the handhole boxes aren't overfilled with conductors.

General Recommendations (Applicable to All Options)



Grounding

Proper grounding and bonding are critical with metallic conduit. Follow NEC Article 250. Consider a grounding conductor run with the circuit conductors and bonding the metal bollards and conduit.

Wire Type

Use conductors rated for wet locations (e.g., THWN or XHHW).

Sealants

Use appropriate sealants and waterproof connectors to prevent moisture from entering the conduit and boxes.

Coordination

Coordinate the bollard installation with the electrical installation. Make sure the bollard bases have the correct knockout locations for the conduit.

Professional Installation

If you're not a qualified electrician, hire one. Electrical work can be dangerous, and improper installation can lead to code violations, fire hazards, and potential injury.

Local Codes

Always check with your local electrical inspector for specific requirements and interpretations of the NEC.

Example Scenario (Using the Continuous Run with Sweep Elbows)


Trenching

Dig a trench to the appropriate depth for PVC conduit (check local codes, but generally 18" is needed).2.

PVC Run

Lay the PVC conduit in the trench.3.

Elbows

At each bollard location, carefully glue a PVC sweep elbow to the conduit, positioning it so it points upward towards the bollard.4.

Riser

After the elbow, transition to PVC-coated RGS. Use a listed fitting designed to connect PVC to RGS. Secure the RGS conduit.5.

Termination

Either terminate the RGS directly into the base of the bollard (if allowed) or use a small, weatherproof junction box.6.

Wiring

Pull the conductors through the conduit. Make all necessary connections in the bollard or junction box, ensuring they are waterproof.7.

Grounding

Bond the RGS conduit and the bollard to the grounding system.8.

Backfill

Carefully backfill the trench, compacting the soil around the conduit.

Choosing the Best Option

The best option depends on several factors, including your budget, the site conditions, the aesthetic requirements, and your experience level. I would generally recommend the

continuous run with sweep elbows if you are confident in your ability to make accurate bends and transitions. If access for future maintenance is a priority, the handhole box option may be preferable.Before you begin any work, consult with a qualified electrician to ensure your plan is safe, code-compliant, and practical. Flag for review