Rigid metal conduit that is directly buried outdoors shall have at least how many inches of cover?

The requirement for rigid metal conduit that is directly buried outdoors mandates a minimum cover of 6 inches. This specification is designed to ensure that the conduit is sufficiently protected from physical damage due to surface loads and disturbances, such as gardening or landscaping activities that may occur above the buried area.

Having at least 6 inches of cover reduces the risk of accidental impacts which could compromise the integrity of the conduit, safeguarding the electrical conductors contained within. This depth is sufficient to provide a barrier against surface-level activities while also allowing for ease of installation and maintenance of the conduit.

Other options representing greater depths, while secure, exceed the minimum requirements set forth by National Electric Code standards for this particular installation, indicating that while they may provide additional protection, they are not necessary to meet the safety and regulatory standards for rigid metal conduits buried outdoors.