Suggestions for an underground splice

[jwith68]

I have a situation where I'm going to need to make an underground (direct burial) splice pretty soon. Will be 12-2G Type UF to the same, on a regular 120V, 15A circuit. Burial location is under a lawn area that rarely gets driven over with anything bigger than a mower, ~16" deep.

My thought was to use the underground rated, self sealing wire nuts, then cover the whole splice with adhesive lined, underground rated heat shrink for a bit of extra protection.

Other ideas?

 

[walrus]

I have a situation where I'm going to need to make an underground (direct burial) splice pretty soon. Will be 12-2G Type UF to the same, on a regular 120V, 15A circuit. Burial location is under a lawn area that rarely gets driven over with anything bigger than a mower, ~16" deep.

My thought was to use the underground rated, self sealing wire nuts, then cover the whole splice with adhesive lined, underground rated heat shrink for a bit of extra protection.

Other ideas?

They make a listed splice kit for 12/2 UF, specifically made for what you are doing. Its a setscrew type device covered with heat shrink. I imagine the big boxes have them, I get mine at a supply house.

 

[rinny_tin_tin]

I have a situation where I'm going to need to make an underground (direct burial) splice pretty soon. Will be 12-2G Type UF to the same, on a regular 120V, 15A circuit. Burial location is under a lawn area that rarely gets driven over with anything bigger than a mower, ~16" deep.

My thought was to use the underground rated, self sealing wire nuts, then cover the whole splice with adhesive lined, underground rated heat shrink for a bit of extra protection.

Other ideas?

3M makes an epoxy splice kit to be used with a supplied mold, and there are other *kits* out there with pressure **** connectors and heat shrink, etc. When I had to make a splice like in your case, - I solder the joints (I assume you are using Copper) using a lap joint, hit it with two layers of heat shrink (one for insulation, one for jacket) put it in a 1-inch PVC conduit, and fill both ends of the conduit with RTV. However, you can probably do the same usign the self-sealing wire nuts.

 

[nadogail]

I used one of those Gardiner-Bender underground splices from Home Depot with set screws and glue filled heatshrink about 17 years ago. It has held up well. The circuit is switched on every evening and off in the morning. I would use this same splicing method again.

Rin Tin Tin's method would work fine, but in my opinion is too much work for a 12 Guage splice.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I have used the G-B splicer with the set screws and sealant filled heat shrink also. Bought it in a hurry from the local small town hardware for about $7. Later saw it at Lowes for $11, I was shocked. The local hardware is a ripoff since he has a captive audience.

Yes, the splice worked well, used it airport runway lighting, 12 or 14 gauge, I forget which. Works every night without fail.

Charles

 

[nadogail]

Your local hardware store sold you something for $7.00 and Lowes wants $11.00 and you call the local hardware a "rip off".

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Your local hardware store sold you something for $7.00 and Lowes wants $11.00 and you call the local hardware a "rip off".

The point i was trying to make, didn't say it well, is that usually, you pay twice or three times the going price for something in the local hardware, guess he missed marking this splice up.

Charles

 

[Ezzie]

I just had to splice into an underground 14/3 for a yard light. I used one of the splice kits you use for a submersible pump in a water well. Figure if it works in water, should be OK for underground (about 6' down).

 

[jwith68]

Thanks guys! I wasn't aware of the splice kits, but I had never looked into it too far, either. A kit sounds like the way to go.

 

[ironman2424]

i usually see things the other way around where i live. usually HD is higher than our local lumber yards and electrical supply houses. we dont have a Lowes here. the locals here keep prices lower to stay in business here. they have to sell more stuff to make money but they will quickly point out that they have the same thing you need for less than HD sells it for. i had one of our lumber yards actually pick up the phone, call home depot and get a price for 2x4x16 untreated because i was fussing about their price. the lady had it on speakerphone so i could hear what HD was saying. there was .60cents difference per stick. HD was higher. plus here you CAN'T get help at HD here. they will go down an empty aisle just to avoid having to help customers yet when i go to the local stores here theres always 5 people asking if they can help you.

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Customer service is poor at HD,try lowes they seem to be more organized and help is unlimited,at least where i'm at.

 

[ironman2424]

closest lowes is 100miles away from me. local store owners actually appreciate your business around my small town. about 25000 live here.