How would you protect equipment from physical damage if installing below ground?

Protecting equipment from physical damage when installed below ground is crucial for ensuring reliability and longevity. The correct approach to achieve this is through careful consideration of location or guarding. Proper location means situating the equipment where it is less likely to be disturbed or damaged by external forces, such as soil movement, water intrusion, or human activity. Additionally, using guarding—such as protective barriers, enclosures, or other structural elements—can provide an extra layer of defense against accidental impacts and environmental factors.

While enclosures alone may seem sufficient, they might not account for all possible risks, particularly in below-ground installations where soil conditions and water levels can vary. Burying equipment deeper than standard may not always be practical and could introduce other complications, such as accessibility for maintenance or repair. Neglecting protection altogether can lead to frequent equipment failures, which would require costly repairs or replacements.

In summary, focusing on the strategic use of location or guarding effectively protects below-ground installations from physical damage while balancing safety, accessibility, and equipment integrity.