According to NEC Article 230, what is the minimum burial depth for underground service conductors?

The minimum burial depth for underground service conductors, as specified by NEC Article 230, is indeed 24 inches. This depth is required to ensure that the conductors are adequately protected from damage due to surface activities, such as pedestrian or vehicular traffic, and to safeguard against other hazards that might occur if the conductors were to be positioned closer to the surface.

This depth requirement contributes to both the longevity of the electrical installation and safety for anyone who might be digging in the area or interacting with the landscape above the buried conduits. While there are different requirements for various types of conductors and situations, for service conductors specifically, 24 inches serves as a standard to promote safety and reliability in electrical installations.