What does a direct-burial service conductor typically require in addition to burial depth?

• A. Conduit along the surface only.
• B. No protection is required.
• C. Protection and burial depth specified by code.
• D. Only for underground malls.

Answer: (C)

Direct-burial service conductors must be treated with more than just the right depth; they also need protection from physical damage. The NEC requires both the burial depth and a form of protection—such as placing the conductors in a conduit or using conductors rated for direct burial—based on where and how the installation is done. In practice, you look up the specific requirements in the code for that location (minimum cover and the protection method), which is why the correct approach is that protection and burial depth are specified by code.

Avoiding this protection isn’t acceptable, and simply laying conductors on the surface or under irrelevant conditions wouldn’t meet electrical-safety standards.