What is the minimum burial depth for bare copper conductor?

• A. 2.5 ft
• B. 2.0 ft
• C. 3.0 ft
• D. 4.0 ft

Answer: (A)

The main idea is protecting a bare conductor by burying it deep enough to avoid damage, moisture, and contact. Bare copper has no insulation, so it needs to be well below the surface to stay safe from digging, animals, and frost movement. Keeping it at two and a half feet underground provides a reliable margin against surface disturbances and frost heave, ensuring the conductor remains safely buried. If you use conduit or other protective sheathing, shallower burial can be acceptable, but for bare copper without protection, two and a half feet is the standard minimum.