Underground Electrical Cable Depth

The depth for underground conduit is typically 18 inches depending on the specific installation and project type.

Underground electrical cable depth.

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. 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. Construction job aid 08 underground electrical cable burial depths building safety division.

Electrical cable depth options. When installing a non metallic underground raceway the minimum burial depth. For a 6 in deep trench use galvanized rigid metal electrical conduit with individual conductors inside. Conduits for underground electrical wiring.

Electrical wire encased in pvc conduit. Wiring in pvc conduit must have at least. 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.

Emt and imc conduits should not be used for underground electrical wiring installations. In general bury metal conduits at least 6 inches below the soil surface. Job aid 08 underground electrical cable bury depth. Pvc and rigid conduits are typically used when installing underground electrical wiring.

Cable in any conduit including pvc that is buried at this depth is not in danger of being severed or disturbed by normal digging. Running underground cables in metal conduits approved for buried cables is the most expensive method but also the one requiring the least digging. Another option is to install an underground raceway also known as a conduit to house separate individual conductors. Decide how much digging you re prepared to do which determines the type of wire you need to use.