Electrical Code and Buried UF Cable
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Does the electrical code allow you to run UF cable in concrete? Installing Buried Electrical Cable, The Minimum Covering Requirements for UF Cable. |
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Electrical Code for UF Cable
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
- General installation – bury UF cable 24 inches deep.
- 2 Inches of Concrete Covering when UF cable is buried 18 Inches Deep.
- 4 Inch Slab, No Vehicles – 18 Inch Depth.
- Under a Street – 24 Inch Depth.
- Under a Driveway – 18 Inch Depth.
More about Electrical Codes and Electrical Wire Types
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.
Electrical Code Articles for Home Wiring
Electrical Code Directory covering underground electrical wiring.
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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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.
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
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!
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