The required depth for covering electrical raceways below ground depends primarily on the type of conduit employed and the specific location. Regulations exist to ensure the safe operation of electrical systems and prevent damage to the buried infrastructure. These regulations are established to protect the conduit from physical damage, such as that caused by vehicular traffic or excavation activities, and to prevent electrical hazards.
Ensuring proper burial depth offers several key advantages. It safeguards the conduit from physical harm, extending its lifespan and preventing costly repairs. More critically, it minimizes the risk of electrical shock and potential fire hazards, contributing to overall public safety. Historically, the establishment of burial depth standards evolved from incidents involving damaged or improperly installed underground electrical systems.
