yet another electrical question

gspig · May 7, 2004

Can romex uf-b be buried in the ground without being in conduit?

DaveNay · May 7, 2004

I am under the assumption that the "UF" designator is for Underground Feeder cable, and therefore is direct bury.

Dave

dmp437 · May 7, 2004

Type UF cable can be direct buried as long as it's not embedded in poured cement, concrete, or aggregate. Minimum burial depth in a residential setting is 18". Reference Article 339 of the National Electrical Code.

Inspector507 · May 7, 2004

Check Article 300.5 of the NEC®. I think you'll find the minimum is 24" through the yard unless GFCI protected and under 20A, then it's 12". Also minimum 18" under a driveway or parking area at a residential location.

Article 339 no longer exists, but Article 340 covers UF cable and refers you to 300.5 for burial depths.

_RaT_ · May 7, 2004

I gave up using UF. I find using conduit and the ability to add or upgrade wires and the extra benefit of added protection enough reason to use it. I also find using UF a pain to make up in the boxes.

Inspector507 · May 7, 2004

Edit previous post

.......GFCI protected and maximum 20A overcurrent protection

Inspector507 · May 7, 2004

UF sux to work with, besides, PVC burial depth is 18" vs 24" for UF.

SPIKER · May 7, 2004

don't forget to protect all penetrations in & out of the dirt and or buildings. also requires marking tape buried 12" above wire buirial depth.

Mark M /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

EddieWalker · May 8, 2004

Not sure where you are at, but if you have any sort of gophers, moles or ground squirrels, etc... then it's just a matter of time until one of them decided to chew on the insulation. All sorts of cheap conduit available, you don't need anything special, just something to keep out the rodents.