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Thread: Buried cable

  1. #1
    manuel casares's Avatar
    manuel casares Guest

    Default Buried cable

    Hello. Two issues. First, I wish to bury 12-2 (with ground) about a foot deep outside and was curious as to how long it would last.

    Second, I installed a "smart electrician" gfci (3 pack/$15) and its green indicator stays on whether tripped or not. Outlet seems to work fine. Does the light always stay on?

    :>

    Crawl Space Creeper

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Buried cable

    Quote Originally Posted by manuel casares View Post
    Hello. Two issues. First, I wish to bury 12-2 (with ground) about a foot deep outside and was curious as to how long it would last.

    Second, I installed a "smart electrician" gfci (3 pack/$15) and its green indicator stays on whether tripped or not. Outlet seems to work fine. Does the light always stay on?

    :>
    You need to read up on code requirements before doing any work. If you are talking about non-metallic sheathing (i.e. Romex) then you need wiring rated for underground use, which would be Type UF or Sunlight Resistant. Standard Type NM cannot be used outside or underground. Properly rated wire should last a very long time.

    As for about a foot underground, I believe that 12" is the minimum depth, if protected by a GFCI. Otherwise it is 24" (or maybe 18"). i cannot recall right now.

    Regarding the GFCI, read the instructions. Some have lights that go out when tripped, some have lights that come on when tripped. I forget the specific requirements. A light that is on either way would likely be wrong-why have a light at all? And did you really mean 3 for $15? I think the last ones I bought at HD were about $13/each.


  3. #3
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    Default Re: Buried cable

    There are GFCI receptacles that have an "end of service life" indicator that stays on till the device no longer functions correctly, tripped or not. There are also GFCI devices that have an indicator that is on when tripped and some have one that is off when tripped.

    The indicators are also in at least 3 colors with no set rule as to whether a certain color means the device is tripped or not.

    With new requirements for GFCI protection coming up it would be nice to see a standard.

    Occam's eraser: The philosophical principle that even the simplest solution is bound to have something wrong with it.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Buried cable

    Hi Manuel,

    I agree with everything said so far.

    I am in Canada and I think (from the top of my head) the rules here ay 18" for underground cable, but would have to check my code book for the excat wording. The cable cannot be regular indoor Romex. Instead, it must be rated for underground use. I think if less than a certain depth mechanical protection maybe required, but if not only that the cable is rated for underground use. Once again I have to check the code book to be sure of the actual depths.
    You may need to check the codes in the Municipality in question to be sure.


    For the GFCI there seem to be little or no standard. Some LED on when tripped, others LED on when not tripped. In Canada the cost will vary a bit from about $13 to $18 per unit depending on brand and where purchased. When bought as a value pack 2 or more in a one package the unit cost is generally better.

    Mike Rodney
    Ontario, Canada

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Buried cable

    Need to check your electric code. Here in California, the direct burial cable depth is 24" unless protected, eg. concrete or conduit.
    Check the GFCI for power at outlet when tripped, possibly wired backwards. Otherwise I'd say the light and possibly the gfci are defective.


  6. #6
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    Default Re: Buried cable

    Those California requirements exceed the NEC depths.

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Buried cable

    Quote Originally Posted by William Cline View Post
    Need to check your electric code. Here in California, the direct burial cable depth is 24" unless protected, eg. concrete or conduit.
    William,

    Do you have a table for the minimum depths (coverage) of underground electrical wiring?

    I'd like to compare it to the requirements of the NEC.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Buried cable

    CEC Table 300.5 Minimum Cover Requirements, ...
    (the requirements are basically the same as the NEC, if not exactly the same as the NEC)

    If a 120 volt circuit of 20 amp maximum overcurrent protection and has GFCI protection - minimum cover is only 12 inches (minimum depth to top of cable).

    If a control of irrigation and landscape lighting of 30 volts or less and installed with UF cable - minimum cover is only 6 inches (minimum depth to top of cable).

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Buried cable

    Jerry, Appears that you have found the CEC Table 300.5. Thanks for the expansion. I sometimes give the short answer.


  10. #10
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    Default Re: Buried cable

    Does that mean the minimum depth is not 24 inches as stated above?

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
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    Ben Lomond, CA
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    Default Re: Buried cable

    Yes Jim, it would mean that IF the line were protected by an inline GFCI, the burial depth could be as little as 12". Apologies for not posting a complete answer. There are other protection options with varying depths of cover.


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