What is the minimum depth of concrete required to cover a conduit containing service entrance conductors beneath a building for it to be considered "outside"?

The minimum depth of concrete required to cover a conduit containing service entrance conductors beneath a building is specified in the National Electrical Code (NEC). For the conductors to be considered "outside," they must be buried to a depth that provides adequate physical protection against damage, as well as proper insulation from moisture and other environmental factors.

The requirement of 2 inches is established to ensure that the concrete acts as a protective covering. This depth is considered sufficient to prevent potential physical damage to the conduit from foot traffic or other loads that might be applied to the surface of the concrete. The concrete also helps in protecting the integrity of the conduit and the conductors it houses by shielding them from water infiltration and other environmental hazards typically present in underground installations.

Understanding this standard helps ensure safety and compliance with electrical code requirements, which are in place to reduce the risk of electrical hazards and improve the overall reliability of the electrical system beneath structures.