How to Install Underground Electrical Wire | eHow

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Cecilia Harsch has been writing professionally since 2009. She writes mainly home improvement, health and travel articles for various online publications. She has several years of experience in the home-improvement industry, focusing on gardening, and a background in group exercise instruction. Harsch received her Certified Nurses Assistant license in 2004. She attended Tarrant County College and studied English composition.

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When installing underground electrical wire, it is important to use the correct cable for the task. Underground feed (UF) cable is specifically designed to be buried in the ground. The cables conductors are enclosed in solid thermoplastic insulation that is both sunlight- and moisture-resistant. UF cable is more economical to install because there is no need to enclose it inside conduit.

Check with your local municipality for the direct burial regulations prior to installing your underground electrical wire. Depending on your locale regulations, direct burial wire has to be placed 18 to 24 inches underground.

Dig your trench to install your underground electrical wire. Use a trenching shovel to dig your trench to the depth that your municipality requires.

Lay your underground electrical cable into the trench that you dug in Step 2. Underground feed electrical wire is specially designed to be buried underground without the need for conduit.

Cover the underground electrical wire with the dirt you removed from the trench in Step 2.

Underground electrical wire may be essential if you plan to put in outdoor lighting or some other outdoor circuitry. An outdoor electrical...

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How to Install Underground Electrical Wire | eHow