What is a direct-burial service conductor?

• A. A service conductor routed above ground in conduit.
• B. A service conductor buried underground in conduit at all times.
• C. A service conductor installed underground without conduit in some cases; requires protection and burial depth.
• D. A service conductor used only for temporary wiring.

Answer: (C)

Direct-burial service conductors are wires that are designed to be buried underground without enclosing conduit for all or part of their length. They are rated to withstand moisture and soil conditions, but they must be protected from physical damage and buried to the depth required by code. In some installations, you can place the conductors directly in the ground or in a raceway designed for direct burial; in others, conduit or protective measures may be required, depending on location and exposure.

This is why the best description is that a direct-burial service conductor is installed underground without conduit in some cases, and it must have protection and be buried to the specified depth. The other options describe scenarios that don’t fit direct burial: being above ground in conduit, always in conduit, or used only for temporary wiring.