Min. cover requirements

[olly]

Can someone please confirm trench depth on 240V feeder direct buried on residential property through an open field. I see 18" in table 300.5 but I have a guy arguing with me that it should be 24"

 

[augie47]

18" would be correct

 

[GeorgeB]

18" would be correct

18" COVER would likely require a 20" trench ... perhaps that's the guy's point? And it's a field, with highs and lows. I'd ask for the trench at 24" too.

 

[Dzboyce]

If its an open field that is FARMED, we bury everything 5 feet deep. Its not uncommon to deep rip fields 3 feet deep.

 

[infinity]

As stated in the thread title the minimum cover is 18".

 

[tom baker]

Hand digging? 20" Backhoe, 26+". Most expect 24" depth..18" cover is minimum.

 

[Fred B]

Can someone please confirm trench depth on 240V feeder direct buried on residential property through an open field. I see 18" in table 300.5 but I have a guy arguing with me that it should be 24"

What year code cycle you looking at?

 

[suemarkp]

How does 300.5 allow 18" for direct bury? I see 18" if under a residential driveway or parking area, but an open field is not that. Would think you need the 24" depth as specified in the first row and first column. I always thought it was 24" direct bury and 18" if in PVC for residential bury or 12" for 20A branch circuits that are GFCI protected.

 

[Hv&Lv]

Maybe I’m missing something here.. I see 24”

One- and two-family dwelling driveways and outdoor parking areas, and used only for dwelling- related purposes

So is a field considered an outdoor parking area? If so the entire property can be considered a parking area.

 

[electricman2]

I'm with suemarkp and Hv&Lv. Always thought direct burial depth was 24 inches?