Is this suitable for under ground wire

[rclassic]

I am trying to figure out if this wire would be suitable for a under ground service to a sub panel in a detached garage. There aren't any markings on the cable and I would be transitioning to SER inside the house.
Its about 7/16" in diameter and I know I would have to add another ground wire. thanks........

 

[awdblazer]

any markings on the wire?

 

[rclassic]

No just some white paint its probably 50 yrs old and was underground in EMT conduit........

 

[kd3pc]

I might risk it for a 30 amp panel, but not much more. You could likely identify it by measuring the number and diameter of the actual conductor strands. You would still need to identify both ends of each cable.

50 years old and unmarked would push me towards the junk yard and use that to buy new. Some jurisdictions will not allow "unidentified" cable to be used. SO if you need inspection or permits, this may cause you to have to redo it to meet their requirements. NEC requires it...

Cables Marking, NEC 310-11

(a) Required Information.
All conductors and cables shall be marked to indicate the following information, using the applicable method described in (b) below.

The maximum rated voltage for which the conductor was listed.

The proper type letter or letters for the type of wire or cable as specified elsewhere in this Code.

The manufacturer's name, trademark, or other distinctive marking by which the organization responsible for the product can be readily identified.

The AWG size or circular mil area.

(b) Method of Marking.

Surface Marking. The following conductors and cables shall be durably marked on the surface. The AWG size or circular mil area shall be repeated at intervals not exceeding 24 in. (610 mm). All other markings shall be repeated at intervals not exceeding 40 in. (1.02 m).
a. Single- and multiconductor rubber- and thermoplastic-insulated wire and cable.
b. Nonmetallic-sheathed cable.
c. Service-entrance cable.
d. Underground feeder and branch-circuit cable.
e. Tray cable.
f. Irrigation cable.
g. Power-limited tray cable.
h. Instrumentation tray cable.

 

[CNGsaves]

Too little information . . . . did you look at breaker panel where this came from??

How many feet to detached garage??

Plan on direct bury, or put cable in conduit??

What is Amp load you plan in garage??

What Amp capability of house supplying the electricity??

What COUNTRY this in?? Electrical codes are unique by country, along with local city codes.

You'll get best GJ advice if they know location. Update GJ profile with City / State.

 

[rclassic]

Thanks KD I thought there may be a issue with out having any markings.
From the garage to the house will be underground in conduit,about 20 feet then into a j-box and transition to SER for 80 feet to 200amp house panel.

 

[pattenp]

Yep, if it has no marking on the insulation as to its type it can't be used per the NEC. I wonder if it had an outer sheathing that got stripped off? You may want to take another real hard look at it to make sure you can't find some markings. Another issue is that it looks like 3 conductors and you'll need 4. So if you find you can use it you will need to add a 4th wire for a ground.

 

[2ManyProjects]

I am trying to figure out if this wire would be suitable for a under ground service to a sub panel in a detached garage. There aren't any markings on the cable and I would be transitioning to SER inside the house.
Its about 7/16" in diameter and I know I would have to add another ground wire. thanks........

No just some white paint its probably 50 yrs old and was underground in EMT conduit........

Thanks KD I thought there may be a issue with out having any markings.
From the garage to the house will be underground in conduit,about 20 feet then into a j-box and transition to SER for 80 feet to 200amp house panel.

Waitaminnit!

If it's only a 20-foot run, this is a no-brainer. Even buying by the foot (which is the most expensive way), 2-2-2-4 MHF is less than a buck and a half a foot from the Big Box places, and is good for 90 Amps. So to "save" maybe $30, you want to salvage some 50-year-old cable of unknown AWG, unknown insulation, and unknown construction, with no markings (which itself is a potential problem), AND which was buried underground (hence subject to degradation) for at least most of that 50 years...?!?

You are taking "Penny Wise and Pound Foolish" to a whole new level.

 

[pattenp]

Hey you Waitaminnit! The OP didn't ask for an intelligent suggestion as to an alternate solution. He just wanted to know if the wire could be used underground.

Waitaminnit!

If it's only a 20-foot run, this is a no-brainer. Even buying by the foot (which is the most expensive way), 2-2-2-4 MHF is less than a buck and a half a foot from the Big Box places, and is good for 90 Amps. So to "save" maybe $30, you want to salvage some 50-year-old cable of unknown AWG, unknown insulation, and unknown construction, with no markings (which itself is a potential problem), AND which was buried underground (hence subject to degradation) for at least most of that 50 years...?!?

You are taking "Penny Wise and Pound Foolish" to a whole new level.

 

[rclassic]

I came to the same conclusion about 20 min. ago..........

 

[G_P]

Take that wire to the scrapyard and put that money towards some MHF.

Sent via carrier pigeon.

 

[laser3kw]

I'd sell it on Craigslist for 20% more than what I need to buy brand new 2-2-2-4 MHF at the BBS and treat myself to a icecream with the left over.