Electrical PVC Conduits carrying wiring must all be 18 inches deep to the “TOP OF THE PIPE” while laying in the ditch. That often means the ditch needs to be 20 inches deep to accommodate this electrical code. Ditches MUST be left open and uncovered so the local electrical inspector can measure the depth. If any portion of the conduit is anything less than 18 inches to the top of the pipe when covered, the inspector will fail the job and make the electrical contractor come back and dig to make it deeper. This deep ditch must be dug by hand with no machinery. Way too many sprinkler lines, phone and TV cables, etc., in yards today.
