National Electrical Code

Code Q&A

March 26, 2006

What is the minimum burial depth requirement for residential service lateral conductors installed in rigid nonmetallic conduit?

Mike Holt

Q. What is the minimum burial depth requirement for residential service lateral conductors installed in rigid nonmetallic conduit?

A. Cables and raceways run underground must have a minimum “cover” in accordance with Table 300.5. This table requires a minimum of 18 inches of cover. According to Note 1 to Table 300.5, “Cover” is defined as the distance from the top of the underground cable or raceway to the surface of finish grade.

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.