... and nor really do I.I have said, I don't know.
That would seem logical - provided that, as you go on to say, the outer sheath was made of a material not likely to deteriorate quickly when underground.If such a cable is suitable for burying in a wall (ready to be drilled through) then presumably it could be buried in the ground.
Indeed, and I have already agreed with that.Neither such a cable nor swa prevents detrimental damage by spades, forks, or JCBs.
That's the second time you've suggested that, but I'm not sure what type of 'investigation' you have in mind. As far as regulations are concerned, I don't think one has to look any further than 522.8.10. That seems to indicate very clearly that any cable with an earthed metal sheath may be directly buried, provided only that that sheath was "suitable for use as a protective conductor" (does that just mean adequate CSA, or what, I wonder?). [other regs obviously require that the cable be suitable for the environment concerned, but without saying anything specific].Investigate and let us know.
However, I still wonder what responses somewhat would get if they came to this forum and said that the wanted to directly bury something other than SWA!
Kind Regards, John