Underground JBox

[SLOBuds]

I'm planning to move a water pump which now sets in the middle of a field. It's moving 50' or so.

Is it considered non-code to bury a JBox in the ground when I extend that 220 line for the 50'?

The gauge should be OK because last time I wired the middle-of-field setup, we sized everything for going out another 50'. But I need to add wire and would like to put that junction underground if that is safe and codeworthy.

Thanks

 

[podagrower]

While it is not legal to bury just any old splice (like wire nuts and duct tape), there are plenty of products sold for making buried splices.
If it just a UF type cable (direct buried), Home depot or Lowes would have a heat shrink kit (with a resin that squeezes out when you shrink it) that will work just fine if directions are followed.
If the wires are in conduit, they are probably not rated for direct contact with the ground, so you would need to splice them in a box. There is nothing preventing you from making that box so the cover is flush with the ground. Of course, if this is a working field that may not be an option.

 

[LBrown59]

1*While it is not legal to bury just any old splice (like wire nuts and duct tape).

2*If it just a UF type cable (direct buried), Home depot or Lowes would have a heat shrink kit (with a resin that squeezes out when you shrink it) that will work just fine if directions are followed.

1*Who says so?
2*I used this 1.5 years ago.
Was real easy to use.

 

[LBrown59]

1*Is it considered non-code to bury a JBox in the ground when I extend that 220 line for the 50'?
Thanks

No Code here.

 

[SLOBuds]

I subsequently visited a couple of box stores looking for my 'buried junction box' and in both cases the guys there said that they could not be buried and they had to be accessible. They said it could be flush with ground, or otherwise above ground, but accessible.

I notice that I did not say before that the planted wire is non-direct-burial. It is now located within conduit.

So then I started looking at boxes which I thought might be water tight anyway, and whether it might be possible for some other resourceful person to fill a box with foam insulation to permanently prevent moisture, and how to get the box itself to be waterproof, etc etc etc ... for the 'other' guy who, unlike me, is unaware of the accessibility codes.

That's as far as I got. But I did feel like the water-rated plastic boxes looked very rugged and built such that an in-ground installation would most likely last near forever. Adding a seal of some type that is equally long lasting should also be possible assuming that 'other' guy found a good long lasting non-corrosive material.

So anyway, I'm still interested now and plan to do some more research.

 

[WVBill]

This may be what you're looking for.

http://www.carlon.com/Master Catalog/Junction_Boxes_Brochure.pdf


WVBill

 

[dfkrug]

I need to add wire and would like to put that junction underground if that is safe and codeworthy.

Martin, there are junction boxes approved for burial, but if you want
extra protection from moisture, just buy splices approved for underwater
use. I use those to splice the wires to my 220V well pump. They have
a special goo inside and can be purchased from any well pump supplier.

 

[tommu56]

I use these boxes in our parking lots at work

http://www.quazite.com/QZ1catalog/QZ1-18.pdf

They do make 6x6 and 8x8 ones too.

home pageQuazite Enclosures and Pads

Put a sweep on end of conduit in to the center bottom of box.
put new conduit in to pump and a sweep in the same way in the bottom of box.
use jelly filled wire nuts to make connections.

tommu

 

[tommu56]

1*Who says so?
2*I used this 1.5 years ago.
Was real easy to use.

I don't think he lives "here".

Just because there isn't any code "here".

No code doesn't mean you can shelve common seance and good craftsmanship and not to mention pride in your work.
Causing a hazard for some unsuspecting person that stumbles upon your jury rigging connections.

tommu