The minimum size underground service-lateral conductor shall not be smaller than ___ AWG copper or ___ AWG aluminum.

The minimum size underground service-lateral conductor shall not be smaller than ___ AWG copper or ___ AWG aluminum.

• A. 8, 6
• B. 6, 4
• C. 4, 2
• D. 2, 4

Answer: (A)

Underground service-lateral conductors are sized to ensure safe current-carrying capacity and durability in buried conditions. The code sets a floor for how small these conductors can be, so even with lower loads or shorter runs you’re not using a wire that could overheat or suffer damage under soil conditions. Copper conducts electricity more efficiently than aluminum, so a smaller copper size can carry similar current to a larger aluminum size. For underground use, the minimums established are 8 AWG for copper and 6 AWG for aluminum. This ensures adequate ampacity and mechanical strength when the conductors are buried, where damage and environmental factors are a concern. The other options propose smaller copper or aluminum sizes that do not meet this minimum requirement, which is why they aren’t acceptable. In short, the minimums you must not go below are 8 AWG for copper and 6 AWG for aluminum.

Underground service-lateral conductors are sized to ensure safe current-carrying capacity and durability in buried conditions. The code sets a floor for how small these conductors can be, so even with lower loads or shorter runs you’re not using a wire that could overheat or suffer damage under soil conditions.

Copper conducts electricity more efficiently than aluminum, so a smaller copper size can carry similar current to a larger aluminum size. For underground use, the minimums established are 8 AWG for copper and 6 AWG for aluminum. This ensures adequate ampacity and mechanical strength when the conductors are buried, where damage and environmental factors are a concern.

The other options propose smaller copper or aluminum sizes that do not meet this minimum requirement, which is why they aren’t acceptable. In short, the minimums you must not go below are 8 AWG for copper and 6 AWG for aluminum.