Running new construction underground electrical wire.

[honda1998civic]

Running new electrical underground wire near fence line. How close would you recommend running underground wire to fence line? I want to avoid having any kind of issues when pilot holes for fencing.

 

[reader2580]

It is often required to hand dig within three feet of utilities so I would suggest being a minimum of three feet away. If you plan to do the fence soon then just mark the trench with flags so you know exactly where the electric line is.

 

[infinkc]

i guess what is the power needed for near the fence? if you plan on using the fence to mount to, obviously you would want it close. Any reason you cant mark out the holes now for the fence?

 

[honda1998civic]

I can mark the holes now for fencing. I’m just thinking further down the line if needing to remove fencing or add more pilot holes for fencing so there is no accidental damage to conduit below. May not be an issue but just making sure I’m not screwing this one up by trenching too close to fence line.

 

[mcbane]

Normally only used for high voltage lines, but a couple inch layer of pink concrete over your conduit or direct burial is a permanent marker that anyone digging a hole will notice. You only need to do the pink concrete for a few ft of trench where the electric line crosses the fence line.

Edit: If you do this dont buy red dye and mix pink concrete. Instead just pick up a few of the pink concrete paving stones at your local garden center. Bury them a few inches above the electrical work.

 

[FredWanaker]

lots of folks eventually plant things near their fence lines. Keep that in mind. Be sure to lay tape above the line that shows electric below.

 

[The Cobbler]

minimum 3' from the fence line would be my thoughts

 

[nadogail]

I agree with all the above suggestions, 3' from the fence, pink concrete or pavers, Red Plastic Tape and maybe Flags. If I really wanted to be cautious I would leave notes and copies of the sketch of your layout where they can easily be found by those who will follow in your footsteps.

 

[honda1998civic]

Gotcha. Thanks for the comments. Also if I run conduit it will be running parallel to fence line. Is this better off running overhead to avoid any of the what could go wrong scenarios? I’m still able to make the call for overhead or underground. All the trees are cleared.