Underground Electrical Cable Depth

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.

Underground electrical cable depth.

Job aid 08 underground electrical cable bury depth. The depth for underground conduit is typically 18 inches depending on the specific installation and project type. Another option is to install an underground raceway also known as a conduit to house separate individual conductors. Electrical cable depth options.

Wiring buried inside rigid metal rmc or intermediate metal imc conduit must have at least 6 inches of earth cover. Emt and imc conduits should not be used for underground electrical wiring installations. Running underground cables in metal conduits approved for buried cables is the most expensive method but also the one requiring the least digging. Pvc and rigid conduits are typically used when installing underground electrical wiring.

You may also run them at a depth of 4 inches under a 4 inch concrete slab. The national electric code nec sets the required burial depth of electric wire in rigid non metallic conduit such as pvc at 18 inches. In general bury metal conduits at least 6 inches below the soil surface. Uf cable can be direct buried without conduit with a minimum of 24 inches of earth cover.

Construction job aid 08 underground electrical cable burial depths building safety division. Type uf cable is the most commonly used nonmetallic cable for residential outdoor wiring runs. 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. Electrical wire encased in pvc conduit.

When installing a non metallic underground raceway the minimum burial depth. Cable in any conduit including pvc that is buried at this depth is not in danger of being severed or disturbed by normal digging. Table of underground electrical service cable sizes amps how to detemine the electrical service size or ampacity entering a building step by step illustrated instructions how to use a dmm digital multimeter or analog voltage meters to determine or estimate service voltage and electric service and electric panel drawings for visual inspection. Decide how much digging you re prepared to do which determines the type of wire you need to use.