![]() ![]() They may penalize you if the depth of the trench differs from the recommendations in the local code. Keep in mind that you need to leave the trench open until the inspector comes and scrutinizes your work. Therefore, you should start by consulting the local code. While the NEC is the gold standard, you can ignore its regulations if your local code says something different. But pulling UF-B cables through a conduit allows you to bury the lines just 18 inches below ground. You must protect the line with a conduit whenever you expose it above ground. The NEC expects consumers to bury UF-B cable at least 24 inches below ground. The depth you use will depend on the rules in your area. You can make digging less of a chore by using a trenching machine. Twenty-four inches are most appealing when you have granular soil. Use Schedule 80 PVC for transitions from above ground to 18 inches below. You can bury UF-B cables directly at 24 inches. Wires in an 18-inch trench can work with ½-inch PVC conduits, which are relatively inexpensive. You can pair this depth with a branch circuit of any size you want. Twelve inches are suitable for 120V GFCI-protected circuits and fuses of 20A or less. Some contractors use a tube to defend against physical damage. You can bury cables twelve inches deep without using a metal conduit. The family handyman recommends the use of galvanized rigid metal conduits, which are pretty expensive. ![]() Therefore, you can settle for six inches, but only if the wire covers a short distance. Heavy clay soil and tree roots can also make digging a challenge. However, six inches are only applicable if you have rugged terrain with rocky surfaces. This depth is the most appealing because it reduces the amount of digging you must do. The depth matters because it affects the amount of work you have to do to install the wiring. But consumers don’t consider the voltage when they select the gauge. Admittedly, the insulation affects a cable’s ability to survive the stresses associated with direct burial. It only matters where the insulation is concerned. The voltage won’t affect your decision to bury a 12/2 line. Voltage Matters Where The Insulation Is Concerned You can also choose to increase the gauge to compensate for a significant length. Others may run the lines above ground because it allows them to follow the shortest path to the target. Some people may bury their lines to reduce the distance they must cover to lower resistance and voltage drop. Therefore, while the gauge won’t impact your decision to bury the cable, it will determine the length. Longer distances will produce a more significant voltage drop. That reduction in voltage occurs because of the resistance. ![]() The Spruce has given the example of a circuit that shows 120 volts when you measure the voltage at the breaker box and 114 volts when you measure the voltage at the farthest device. The resistance produces a loss of voltage. The voltage drop is concerned with the resistance a current encounters as it flows through a medium. ![]() Longer cables have a higher voltage drop. The length and wire size are closely related. Gauge Will Determine The Length Of The Cable The wire size won’t influence your decision to run the cables underground. Therefore, you can run 12/2AWG lines underground if the load is less than 20 amps. 12AWG copper lines will accommodate a 20A circuit. People use the gauge to identify the wire size because the unit is easy to interpret and understand. The wire size matters because it tells you the maximum amount of electricity a conductor can safely carry. You Can Run 12/2 Wire Underground If The Load Is Less Than 20A But the gauge has nothing to do with this decision. Yes, you can run 12/2 wiring underground. But is the practice safe? Does the gauge make a difference? The guide below will tell you. It is common practice to run electrical wiring underground. ![]()
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