Originally Posted By: jtedesco This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
230.51 Mounting Supports.
Cables or individual open service conductors shall be supported as specified in 230.51(A), (B), or (C).
(A) Service Cables. Service cables shall be supported by straps or other approved means within 300 mm (12 in.) of every service head, gooseneck, or connection to a raceway or enclosure and at intervals not exceeding 750 mm (30 in.).
Originally Posted By: bbadger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
There is not a direct answer to that, it depends what you are running under and what wiring method.
Rigid metal conduit under as little as 4" of concrete.
If this is a One- or two-family dwelling driveway and outdoor parking area, and used only for dwelling-related purposes than Direct buried cables 18"
Whenever we run underground we have a machine do the digging  , I always tell the operator 24" minimum. This way there is never any question of it being deep enough.
-- Bob Badger
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Moderator at ECN
Originally Posted By: mpatton This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
In most cases as shown above, local requirements require that a main circuit breaker be located at the source (near the meter) and then again at the main panel. I have been told that this is due to a tradesman potentially damaging the feeder between the meter and the panel and having no circuit protection.
This applies to feeders with runs of approximately 12' or greater interior and exterior.
No I do not have a code to site that supports the above statements, all verbal
Any thoughts?
-- Michael Patton
AA Home Inspection
Serving Northern KY & Greater Cincinnati OH
Originally Posted By: jtedesco This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Some suggestions:
Typical installations underground, would include Type USE in service lateral in a Schedule 80 PVC, Sunlight resistant and with insulated bushing or bell end to protect from abrasion at end below at elbow in the ground and the "cover" is dictated by the location, as previously mentioned here.
2 feet is best and the Utility may have some requirements too.
If the PVC was continuous from the supply XFMR to the Meter Socket enclosure we need to install an expansion fitting, see 300.5(F).
Will look for some pictures and diagrams for later posting, on the way right now to California for the next 3 weeks.
Originally Posted By: bbadger This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
mpatton wrote:
No I do not have a code to site that supports the above statements, all verbal
Any thoughts?
My thoughts are these, this is an area of the code that is interpreted very differently in different areas.
In my area you can run service conductors as far as you want on the exterior of the building and about 5' inside the building before getting to the service disconnect.
In other areas as far as you want outside and no distance at all inside.
Before making a judgment call on this service I would want to know the locally accepted method. 
Here are the relevant 2002 NEC sections
Quote:
230.6 Conductors Considered Outside the Building.
Conductors shall be considered outside of a building or other structure under any of the following conditions:
(1)Where installed under not less than 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete beneath a building or other structure
(2)Where installed within a building or other structure in a raceway that is encased in concrete or brick not less than 50 mm (2 in.) thick
(3)Where installed in any vault that meets the construction requirements of Article 450, Part III
(4)Where installed in conduit and under not less than 450 mm (18 in.) of earth beneath a building or other structure
230.70(A)(1) Readily Accessible Location. The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily accessible location either outside of a building or structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors.
Bob
-- Bob Badger
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Moderator at ECN
, I was wrong , my 4.5’ would only be applicable if this was a feeder. (SE run as NM)