What’s your current project? Do you have a shed on your property that needs electricity, or do you want to elevate your patio with twinkling lights? Whatever your project, running electrical wire yourself requires some serious work and consideration for safety.
As you get ready to buy the supplies and dig your trench, you might wonder how far down your electrical lines should go. Let the best electrician in Grand Prairie explain below how deep it is to bury electrical wires for optimal safety.
Why You Need To Bury Wires
Exposed wires are a fire hazard in the Grand Prairie area, so burying them in the ground is always a safer choice. Main power lines carry a higher voltage, so the closer they are to the surface of your yard, the more dangerous they are.
Burying electrical cables outside is also a safety precaution if something goes wrong. If there is a malfunction, the ground will help disperse that electricity to prevent a fire.
Safe Wire Burial Practices in Grand Prairie
Before you grab a shovel, it’s important to get the right electrical permit for the work you plan to do. You should obtain a permit when you add underground electrical wiring to your home to ensure your safety and that you dig in the right spot in your yard.
Once you have your permit, how deep do you dig down? That depends. The electrical wire burial depth varies based on the soil type and the conduit you use.
A conduit is a plastic or metal sleeve that encapsulates the wire underneath the ground. Conduit protects the wire from the elements and pests and also protects it from damage if you dig around the area at a later date for another project.
Possible Trench Depths
Multiple depths are appropriate for electrical wiring, but the different electrical conduit depths all depend on the type of conduit or cable that you plan to use.
Six Inches
If you plan to only dig down six inches, you need to use a galvanized rigid metal conduit for optimal protection. This depth is ideal if you have rocky or heavy soil. Since the wire will not be deep below the surface, it needs reliable protection from the elements and external hazards.
Twelve Inches
If you dig down to 12 inches, install a GFCI-protected cable and surround the wiring near your house with a PVC conduit for added protection. This electrical depth is perfect for small backyard projects.
Eighteen Inches
A PVC conduit with individual insulated wires is necessary. To prevent malfunctions, be sure the wire you choose can handle wet locations.
Twenty-Four Inches
Since the wire is buried two feet underground, the underground feeder (UF) cable doesn’t need a conduit that far down, but you still need to protect the exposed wires above the ground with PVC conduit. Consider renting a trenching machine, or only go to this depth if your soil is soft and granular.
Now that you know how deep to bury electrical wire, it’s time to talk about finishing your project safely.
Finishing Your Project
After you dig the trench, lay the cable or conduit and run the wire through it from end to end. Before you cover the wire, ensure that the electricity works in your home and in your newly lit space!
Once you are confident that your electrical project is complete, bury the wire again and enjoy.
Calling in a Professional in Grand Prairie
While burying electrical wire may seem simple, it definitely requires some knowledge and expertise. There are many different considerations and safety issues that accompany electrical projects, and you could be endangering yourself if you attempt a project outside of your scope of practice.
That’s where a trained electrician comes in handy! Hiring a professional electrician is a great way to ensure your project’s safety from start to finish. In addition, professional electricians provide:
- Cost savings: A trained electrician will safely handle your electrical wire installation to prevent costly mistakes like electrical fires or injuries.
- Expertise and experience: Licensed electricians have the knowledge needed to adapt to different situations and the training to handle any project confidently.
- Increased energy efficiency: A trained electrician will ensure your wiring is as efficient as possible.
Need help figuring out how deep to bury electrical wire in your Grand Prairie home? Leave it to the professionals at Hop2It Electrical Repair. Call us today at 817-422-5084 and learn the reason why an outlet is warm with nothing plugged in.