Why must underground raceways and cable assemblies extend into handhole enclosures?

Underground raceways and cable assemblies are required to extend into handhole enclosures to ensure proper connection to the electrical system. This is critical because handhole enclosures serve as junction points where conductors can be spliced or connected to other systems, providing access for maintenance and troubleshooting. If the raceways or cables do not extend into these enclosures, it can hinder access to connections and could create points of failure in the overall electrical system.

While aesthetics and mechanical protection are important considerations in installation, the primary purpose of extending raceways and cables into handhole enclosures is to facilitate reliable and accessible electrical connections. Corrosion prevention is a legitimate concern, particularly in underground installations, but the key necessity lies in the functional accessibility and connectivity of the electrical system.