Installing Underground Electrical Wiring

Is there away to do this without having to trench and bury the line? Is there an electrical cable that can lay on the surface of the ground or a couple of inches deep…

Electrical Question from Richard about Installing Underground Wire
Background: Richard, a Homeowner from South Jordan, UT
Question: I would like to run a 110V line from my house (breaker box) to my shed which is about 125 feet away. Is there away to do this without having to trench and bury the line? Is there an electrical cable that can lay on the surface of the ground or a couple of inches deep? Thanks

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Richard. Sorry, but there is no electrical cable that can be installed safely that is covered with just a couple of inches of soil. Please see the link below for Underground Electrical Codes.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Underground Electrical Codes

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Home Electrical Wiring

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2 Responses to “Installing Underground Electrical Wiring”

Nick says:

August 15, 2010 at 1:05 pm

i plan on running 100 amp service to my barn, it is around 120 feet behind my house.
my question is how deep do i need too bury the wire?
i also plan on using burial cable and hsve been told it would be a good idea to run it in a schedule 40 conduit.
it is a straight shot to the barn with no heavy traffic crossing the ditch placement.
i live in am area with winters, frost line around 32″

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- Dave Rongey says:
  
  August 15, 2010 at 3:01 pm
  
  Hi Nick, Please follow this link for detailed information : Electrical Codes
  
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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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