Overhead service wire-direct bury

[jimp]

I was visiting my brother inlaw yesterday and I saw some overhead conductor in his basement and asked what that was for.

He used it for direct bury to his shop, no conduit. I know it will work, it's been in service for over two years. Any problems with using this underground?

 

[Stuart in MN]

If it's not rated for underground use, yes - it will eventually fail.

 

[pattenp]

Is one of the conductors bare?

Looking like this.....

 

[jimp]

Is one of the conductors bare?

Looking like this.....

No, the smaller (grounded) has a yellow strip on the sheathing.

I think it's called an Aerial bundle.

 

[frankush]

If it's not rated for underground use, yes - it will eventually fail.

Will it work? Yes. Is it up to code? No. The local utility here uses it all the time for underground service entrances, but being a utility they are not subjected to codes. I have used it for "temporary" underground feeds, where it was later abandoned in place. If your going to take the time to trench anyhow, why not just do it the right way.

 

[pattenp]

No, the smaller (grounded) has a yellow strip on the sheathing.

I think it's called an Aerial bundle.

You need to read what is printed on the wire to know what the type and rating is. It needs to have a USE rating to be used as direct bury.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Sure it will work even if it's not rated for direct bury. But the question is, do u want it to last? If it's not rated for direct bury, the wire could corrode and fail over time and thus he would have to spend more money to fix it. You know the old adage: 'it pays to do it right the first time!'

 

[matt151617]

Sounds like it could be triplex. As was mentioned, what ratings are written on the casing?