Direct Burial Electrical Wire Depth
The individual electrical conducting wires inside the cable are encased in a solid thermoplastic sheath that seals out moisture and protects the conducting wires within.
Direct burial electrical wire depth. When wiring is installed at dwellings in approved non metallic raceways the minimum cover can be reduced to 18 inches. It is important to remember that minimum cover and minimum trench depth are not the same. Construction job aid 08 underground electrical cable burial depths building safety division. Underground cable for running electrical power to a remote location can be installed at different depths depending on the type of conduit and type of wire used.
Minimum cover requirements for direct buried conductors cables or raceways notes for subrule 1 see figure 12 012 on page 3. For a 6 in deep trench use galvanized rigid metal electrical conduit with individual conductors inside. Uf cable can be direct buried without conduit with a minimum of 24 inches of earth cover. The national electrical code gives minimum burial depth recommendations and building codes specify local requirements that you must follow.
The aim is that buried electrical wiring be adequately protected from potential damage by being buried to a minimum depth in the ground. Wiring in pvc conduit must have at least. Electrical boxes electrical wire electrical tools testers and meters. Get free shipping on qualified direct burial wire or buy online pick up in store today in the electrical department.
This cable should be buried at a depth of 24 inches. Type uf cable is the most commonly used nonmetallic cable for residential outdoor wiring runs. The cable is less likely to be cut or disturbed by typical digging if it is this far below ground. Direct burial cable is a special type of electrical wiring or cable that is designed to be buried in a trench underground.
Direct burial means conductors or cables that are directly buried. Decide how much digging you re prepared to do which determines the type of wire you need to use. Wiring buried inside rigid metal rmc or intermediate metal imc conduit must have at least 6 inches of earth cover. Electrical cable depth options.
Nec 300 5 generally cables approved for direct burial shall have a minimum cover of 24 inches. Job aid 08 underground electrical cable bury depth. In order to protect the public and prevent damage to underground electrical infrastructure the california electrical code prescribes burial depths for underground cable wire installations.