Have you heard of underground electrical lines?Yes, similar to other services like gas and water, electric services can be located under the ground. Don’t worry; the cable is buried at a safe distance below the ground, and you won’t be able to easily dig into it.Apart from aesthetics, electrical wires are deep under the ground to protect it from damage from natural elements. This can be strong winds, rainstorms, and so on. The wires are installed inside PVC cables and buried at the prescribed depth. What is typically the depth of setting up a power line under the ground? In the US, the National Electric Code (NEC) specifies these requirements. These specifications vary depending on the kind of installation method. For example, 24 in (61 cm) is the minimum specification when using the direct burial method. On the other hand, if the non-metallic underground raceway method is being used, the depth is set at 18 in (45.2 cm).What to know how deep are the power lines buried in your yard? Continue reading for the answer. You can also learn more fascinating facts like how are peanuts grown and how are pistachios grown.Depth Requirements For A Buried Electrical CableBefore installing that electric wire below the ground, it is important to check and adhere to the existing depth requirements. These requirements depend on the installation method, local geography, topography, and other related features.The depth requirements to bury electrical lines under your property will depend on different factors.The location also plays a role. The guidelines for digging and setting up a line will change depending on whether you stay in Texas or California. Similarly, the topography also determines the requirements. For example, in California, if solid rock prevents excavation and deeper installation, then the minimum standard is 12 in (30.5 cm). This specification requires at least a 2 in (5.1 cm) concrete slab to cover the line conduit.Before digging a line under your house, call the utility service providers. They will visit the site and mark the existing gas, electric, or water lines. This assessment could help you identify free spaces and also save you from making digging blunders. Even if you want to dig up soil to set up a line in your house or property, it is advisable to phone the service providers. Also, keep an eye out for already marked underground utilities.The Minimum Depth For Burying Electric LinesWhen digging to lay down the electric cable in your house, a minimum depth requirement needs to be fulfilled. Generally, this specification changes depending on where the construction is taking place.Are you planning to dig up your yard to place wires for electric supply? Do you know that there is a minimum depth that needs to be maintained? The National Electric Code specifies these. The depth of burying electrical wires depends on location and conductor type. So, the specifications for installing a line near an airport or other commercial spaces will be different as compared to residential spots. Similarly, soil type also determines the amount you will have to dig up to lay a cable. Then, there is the type of conductor being used, is it a metallic conduit or PVC conduit? You can check with utility service providers to get the exact mark. They will also guide you with essential information on which wires are buried under your yard. This will save you from hitting that gas or phone line in the process.Both residential and commercial installation would need a PVC conduit. In the case of a rigid metal conduit, you have to dig at least 6 in (15.3 cm) deep to place the cable. For non-metallic PVC conduit, the cable should be at least 18 in (45.72 cm) deep. Finally, if the direct buried cable method is being used, then the dig should be at least 24 in (61 cm) deep. In the case of metal and non-metallic conduits, the depth can be reduced by placing a cover of concrete of an appropriate size.For low voltage cables, you just need to dig up to 12 in (30.5 cm). This is applicable for a 120 voltage cable controlled through a 20 amps circuit breaker. A 6 in ( 15.3 cm) depth needs to be maintained for controlled circuits carrying less than 30 volts. However, if the control circuit is being installed under a driveway, then the ideal depth should be 18 in (46 cm).Other specifications include a 24 in (60.96 cm) depth for cable installation under highways, roads, alleys, driveways, and parking lots. If the property or the house is only being used for dwelling purposes, then an 18 in (45.72 cm) depth for installing an underground electric utility facility will be required. In the case of setup in areas where trespassing is not allowed, like airport runways, here the depth for electrical lines can be 18 in (45.72 cm). Do note that depth can be lessened in areas where terminations of cables or conductors take place.How deep are electric lines buried?Generally, this depends on various factors, including location. The minimum specifications for different voltage types have been provided by the National Electric Code.Are you planning to do some digging in your backyard? Be careful, you may accidentally damage a power line. Typically, power utility lines are buried underground inches deep for safety. Certain codes specify these specifications, but they vary depending on the type of voltage. Low voltage circuits are placed at a shallow distance of 18 in (45.72 cm) while higher voltage cables are placed deeper.Utility companies record the locations where utility lines are laid, be it gas or power lines. Transformers in steel boxes mark the existence of the installed wire in the vicinity. So, if you plan on some excavation in your garage, make sure to telephone the utility company. They will be able to tell you the actual depths at which the utilities are located.You can locate the installed utility line by yourself. You need to find the marked location of the trenches. The problem is that the existence of trenches may or may not be marked. Since the requirements for installing change from one geographical location to another and can depend on the choice of the owner, this can be tricky. Hence, it is better to call the services company for a clear picture of the location of the utilities under your house.Can water and electric lines be buried together?Yes, water and electrical utilities can be buried in the same trench. However, there are some guidelines to be met when planting these two utility lines in the same trench.Installation of water and electric lines together, is it possible? Well, the National Electrical Code has no specific guidelines for this installation method. However, at least a 12 in (30.48 cm) gap needs to exist when water and electrical lines are buried together in the same trench. In case the plumbing is close to the electricals in your backyard, make sure to at least wrap the PVC pipes with 0.01 in (0.02 cm) tape.While it may be convenient to bury the two utilities together, it can cause problems during maintenance. The minimum depth of a water pipeline is 18 in (45.72 cm), while for an electrical line, it varies. During repair services for the electric utility, the utility company could end up damaging the water lines. So, some utility companies avoid such kind of wire construction.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting and free family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for how deep are electric lines buried? Then why not take a look at how are bricks made, or how deep are gas lines buried?
Have you heard of underground electrical lines?
