What is the minimum allowable depth for underground service conductors?

The minimum allowable depth for underground service conductors is established to ensure proper protection against accidental damage from surface activities, such as digging or landscaping. Conductors need to be buried at a depth that reduces the risk of being exposed or disturbed, which is crucial for maintaining electrical safety and integrity.

For underground service conductors, the National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies a minimum burial depth of 24 inches when using conductors in direct burial installations. This depth provides a reliable means of protection against the physical effects of the environment and helps prevent potential hazards associated with electrical faults that might occur if the conductors were to be damaged.

The options reflecting lesser depths do not provide the adequate protection mandated by safety standards, making them unsuitable for underground conductor installation. Therefore, the choice indicating 24 inches aligns with NEC requirements and reflects best practices in electrical safety for underground installations.