Outdoor wiring question.

[T56 Impala]

Not really garage related, but I figure someone might know the answer to this.

I don't care about building codes, lets get that clear right now. If you feel obligated to chastise me or flame me please hit the "back" button and do not reply to this post. Thanks!

What kind of wire do I need to get in order to bury 110v underground? I need to get out of conduit and run about 6 feet of wire in the dirt for a project I am working on. I want it to last as long as possible and a safely as possible. Will standard outdoor "Romex" hold up?

[dxdexter]

The cable is called "Direct Burial Cable" here in Canada. It has a heavy flexible sheathing.

The cable should be protected to prevent accidental damage. This is acheived by burying a specified depth (4 feet????) or burying at a shallower depth (2 feet ???) and providing physical protection or coverage. Consult local codes for the exact requirements.

[porcupine73]

Yes basically you need at least UF 'underground feeder' 'direct burial' rated cable. It is rated for direct burial at various depths depending on application (ie under driveway might be deeper depth or recommend running pvc conduit).

I personally would not use standard NM romex cable in this application because the insulation is NOT rated for direct burial (nor sunlight if that matters).

[T56 Impala]

Thank you!!! I had no idea there was such a thing as direct burial cable. I'll head to Lowes in the morning and check it out.

You guys ROCK!!!!

[mulepackin]

Lowes or HD should have it. It is similar to regular romex, but instead of just a jacket of insulation around it, it is imbedded into solid insulation. Much more difficult to strip and work with. Just have to take your time, and be careful to not nick your inner layers of insulation.

[kbs2244]

I like to lay a 1x2 on top of the wire before back filling.
t is just cheap insurance in case someone comes along later with a spade.

[T56 Impala]

Okay, ready for a laugh?

I bought UF cable before I asked this question. I used it for my overhead wirimg (inside conduit) because it said "Outdoor" on the box. I had no idea UF ment underground feeder! Guess it was kinda overkill in the conduit huh?!

Anyway, thanks for the advise and I will be putting a 2x4 over it underground. Pressure treated for ground contact of course!

[Bib Overalls]

We have a rent house with a small shed out back. The previous owner ran power with #14 Romex in the ground. He could not understand why the compressor motor in his freezer burned up. When we pulled it up I noted the white plastic casing was brittle and that the insullated conductors were exposed.

[Kevin54]

At Lowes it will be gray and called "UGF". Like Porcupine said "Underground feeder"