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Electrical Wire and Cable


Electrical Code and Buried UF Cable


Does the electrical code allow you to run UF cable in concrete? Installing Buried Electrical Cable, The Minimum Covering Requirements for UF Cable.



Home Electrical Wiring Video

Hooking Up a Generator to the House Panel
Using a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit
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Electrical Code for UF Cable
[ad#block]Electrical Question: Does the electrical code allow you to run UF cable inside concrete?

This electrical question came from: Joseph, a Homeowner from Montague, New Jersey.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Joseph.

Installing Buried UF Electrical Cable

Underground Feeder, UF cable, cannot be run inside concrete.

The Minimum Covering Requirements for UF Cable

More about Electrical Codes and Electrical Wire Types

Guide to Home Electrical Wire
electrical-wire

Electrical Wire for the Home

Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

Home Electrical Wiring Codes
electrical-wiring

Electrical Code Articles for Home Wiring

Electrical Code Directory covering underground electrical wiring.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

4 Responses to “Electrical Code and Buried UF Cable”
  1. Cabin Man says:

    I have an issue with my main power line from the street to my lake Cabin meter pole being hit by trees for the last couple of years and having to re-attach the meter boxes to the pole every time. I do have a garage where the electric power company service comes into a meter about 80-100 ft away from the Cabin pole. Can I run UF from the Garage meter box to my main Cabin pole instead of having to redo this every year due to East TX storms? I was going to run UF the other direction but decided it was too far and had the Power Co. just run to the garage meter I placed whereby paying for 2 meters every month….Thanks!

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi CB,
    Because both electric service locations are fed by the utility company you should review your plan with them. It would make sense to only have one service that feeds the other location, however the main service would have to be sized for the total electrical load for both buildings. UF or USE type cables may be installed according to code and as permissible. The cable will need to be sized according to the service panel load requirement at the second location. As with any electrical project, planning and permits are essential.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave

  3. Carlos Blanco says:

    I am a handyman but not extremely electrical savvy when dealing with electricity. I want to run an outlet to a detached shed from an RV panel. My plan is to install a 15A CB in the panel and connect to that. I further plan to use UF-B cable. I want to use non-metallic conduit from the bottom of the panel to reach under my elevated deck (about 5 ft). I would feed the UF-B cable into the conduit and terminate in the panel/CB). I would then run the UF-B cable along the bottom of the deck to where it would eventually be buried for about 8 ft. where it will then enter the shed. The burial portion here would have the UF-B cable feed through additional non-metallic conduit similar to that connected to the RV panel. Besides adhering to burial depth requirements, does my plan meet safety requirements? Basically, the UF-B cable is partially enclosed in non-metallic conduit and exposed under deck but secured. Thank You.

  4. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Carlos,
    If the area the under the deck is accessible then it is best to install electrical conduit and then pull in THHN or THWN wire, otherwise UF cable is a method that could be used as you have described.
    Thanks for sharing your UF Cable question with us,
    Dave