Why is that? Is the thinking that a feeder is less likely to get dug into? Or that it is more likely to have a fault cleared by an ocpd?
It seems logically to me to require it for all underground services, given how cheap it is.
Hard to do with bored lines though. Does this requirement effectively ban boring for service lines or is there an exemption for bored lines. Or does it only apply to UG cables and not conductors in a tube.
Exactly as the service conductors are only protected by the utility transformer primary OCPD which is typically only sized to prevent a fault on the load side from taking out the upstream distribution circuit OCPD. It is not sized to open on a secondary conductor fault.
A public input to require the warning tape for feeders and branch circuits was rejected with the following panel statement.
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Feeders and branch circuits have overcurrent protection ahead of them whereas service conductors do not (they may have limited overcurrent protection provided by the utility company). Though it is not required, it is permitted to install warning ribbon above feeders and branch circuits.
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A directional boring installation was not considered to be "directly buried" but the language change in the 2023 code removed "directly buried" from the parent text of the first level subdivision. The removal of the words "directly buried" was intended to make the section apply to both cables and conductors in a buried raceway. However the change leaves open the interpretation that the warning ribbon is required for service conductors that have been installed by directional boring. That change also did not really make it clear that the rule applied to service conductors in a raceway and an accepted first revision changed the title of the second level subdivision from "service conductors" to "service conductors and raceways".
