Stop Fighting the Code Book. Command It.

STEP 1 - KEYWORD: Direct burial is already the Code term. STEP 2 - GENERAL (Chapter 1)? No, underground burial depth is a physical installation rule, not a general definition or administration rule. STEP 3 - PLAN (Chapter 2)? No, burial depth is a wiring method requirement, not a circuit planning or load calculation rule. STEP 4 - BUILD (Chapter 3)? Yes, general wiring rules and minimum cover requirements for underground installations are in Chapter 3. STEP 5 - USE (Chapter 4)? Stop — found it. THEN: Article 300 → Table 300.5 Under Table 300.5, find the row for one- and two-family dwelling driveways and outdoor parking areas used only for dwelling-related purposes. Column 1 requires direct burial cable to have a minimum cover depth of 18 inches. If the installation is a 120-volt or less residential branch circuit with GFCI protection and overcurrent protection of 20 amperes or less, Column 4 reduces that minimum cover requirement to 12 inches. SPEED PATH: Index → Direct burial → Table 300.5 Open your code book to Article 300 and verify.