How deep do underground electrical wires need to be buried?

Commonly cited NEC minimums (Table 300.5) for residential yards are 24 inches for direct-burial cable, 18 inches for PVC conduit, and 6 inches for rigid metal conduit. A 120-volt residential branch circuit of 20 amps or less with GFCI protection may be buried at 12 inches. These figures appear in local handouts such as the City of Llano, Texas guide and a California city chart. Llano's guide also calls for warning tape at least 12 inches above buried conductors and protection where wire rises out of the ground. Other locations and exceptions have different values and the code is revised every few years, so confirm depths with your local inspector before digging.

Check your local rule. This varies by state, county or city. Your permitting office has the final word; the official lookup pages below show you who that is.

Sources

• Electrical In GroundCity of Llano, Texas
• Pipe Burial DepthsCity of Laguna Hills, California