[3]. Another option is to run the cord along the edge of your property, underneath bushes or through PVC pipes. Well explain. Whatever they state binds on every state across the U.S. and I have done the proper underground wiring for a little pond . So, theres no way burying a standard extension cord directly would be legal. All information is provided "AS IS." 2. The main difference between underground extension cords and a direct Earth burial cable is that underground extension cords require a conduit while the other doesnt. I dug about 5 inches down and used hose pieces where the EXTENSION CORDS come up through the ground by a couple of feet, next to the trees and by the house. In some cases, a little more digging could save you from having to tear into a basement ceiling. The quick answer is yes, you can bury an outdoor extension cord underground, but we dont recommend it. Underground, the cable is vulnerable to attack from insects and . Simply put, it depends. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'yardpit_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_11',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-yardpit_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Yes, you can bury an extension cord, but dont do it, especially if youre burying the cord directly. What a great idea: Electrical service and irrigation in one step! When youre sure of the exit point, dig a trench from the house to the shed. In addition, the device also comes with two unique features: the Test and a Reset button. As long as you dont leave the cable underground for a long time, you dont have to worry about the potential effects of soil and moisture on it. for the wire use 10-2 with ground would handle this fine with 30A breaker, but if it was me, i would do 8-2 with ground and 40A . PVC conduit is made from a durable plastic that can withstand years of exposure to the elements. You can also use extension cord covers to conceal cords that are running across your lawn. And even if you plan to bury it, use a conduit and follow other safety guidelines. No, it isnt what I would do, but OP was asking about burying an extension cord. Although, make sure that the wire is at least 24 inches below the ground. I thought of placing it in some pvc pipe, but that is a little more trouble and expense. These lengths should be more than enough to apply underground in your backyard. If you use a regular extension cord, it will quickly degrade and become a safety hazard. The great thing about running an outdoor extension cord underground is that you can go right up to 12 inches deep and not fear for your voltage! Yes, the cable is only required to be 12" deep if the entire circuit, at the point it enters the ground (or before), is protected by a GFCI. Depending on the circuit, I read anywhere from 1ohm to 30ohm. The NEC requires a means, such as a single-pole switch, to disconnect the power where it enters the shed. Read on as we answer this question so you can make an informed decision. As far as the capacity of the UltraPro Black GE Extension Cord is concerned, this product packs 13 amps, 125 volts, 1625 watts, and a total power outlet of 3. Read our article to find out. Otherwise you can connect to an existing circuit if the circuit has enough capacity and the box youre connecting to has enough volume for the additional wires. Let's cover some of the reasons why you shouldn't bury an extension cord. The National Electric Code sets the benchmark and guidelines for safe electrical installation, design, and inspection. No. These covers are typically made of durable plastic and can be found in a variety of colors to match your homes exterior. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact us. Theres nothing as dangerous as a live extension cord with a broken insulator, whether its buried underground or lying on the surface. Its dangerous and against NECs guidelines. One thing you must do is to have the cord go through the conduits. So, the elements can easily chew through them, exposing the live wire. The use of conduit is also encouraged to add an extra layer of protection regardless of the wire type. I spent significant money on a 100' 12/3 extension cord to use building my house Should I be reading resistance at my electrical outlets between ground and neutral wires? rigid conduit with an outside diameter of 3/4-in., and a fish tape long enough to reach through the buried pipe. Underground extension cords are great tools to help homeowners spruce up their backyards with lighting and speakers or plug-in power tools when landscaping. In some places, it is perfectly legal to bury an extension cord. You can bury such wire directly. At under $20, people love how affordable this extension cord is. If youre set on burying an extension cord, the best way to do it is with conduit. Besides, I recommend that you opt for the best extension cords before planning to bury them outside. Besides, the purpose of this offering is safety, which will help prevent tripping hazards in your yard. [1]. If the plan is to bury your standard extension cord underground directly, then its illegal and dangerous. These cords are specifically designed for underground use and will be much more durable than a standard cord. When youre not using this underground extension cord, there are weather guards in place to ensure it doesnt get damaged by the elements. Extension Cords Can Damage Pumps. A better solution is to use an underground wire or cable. Yes, you can. Remove the covers from the LBs and push a fish tape through the conduit. Cover the whole extension power cord and wire together. That said, ensure you opt for a light-duty extension cord one that comes with a larger cable and is capable of powering all your outdoor devices. The LB has a removable cover that simplifies the task of pulling wire by eliminating a sharp right-angle turn. Most cords are not made to be buried, so before you start digging, its important to check the manufacturers instructions. If at all possible, avoid running the cord across areas where people will be walking or driving. If you had such an extension cord buried close to your property, you might regret your action. Answers based on the National Electrical Code. An "T" cord jacket is made from vinyl thermoplastic. The material used in making the insulator of such wire, including its thickness, is quite impressive. Sitting in the third position on this list is the Yardmaster 9940010 Outdoor Garden 120-Foot Extension Cord. If youre not sure how to install conduit, there are plenty of resources available online and in local hardware stores. Conduit protects buried wire from being damaged. Also wrap the hook on the fish tape so it cant snag. BackYardWay.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you wish to bury the cord permanently, ensure its a direct burial UF cord. A buried extension cord, for long term use, will eventually fail. As a heavy-duty extension cord, you dont need to worry about your power tools and other electronics causing issues with the cord as long as you apply it properly. They Do), Do Butterflies Like Roses? Dont take any risks with your safety.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'gardenprofy_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_9',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-gardenprofy_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); When using an extension cord, make sure to: If you must use an extension cord permanently, there are some safe practices you can follow: The options for running an extension cord outdoors are simple to understand, but theres more than one way of doing it. Remove burrs from the inside of the pipe by smoothing with a file or by inserting the bare metal handles of pliers into the pipe and twisting. Make or buy 1 or 2 bat houses and let them feed on the skeeters. Be sure to use a heavy-duty extension cord that is rated for outdoor use and bury it at least six inches underground. We advise you to use a professional on high risk jobs like these. Only use the extension cord temporarily. Cords are not legal for such use. The weight and length of your buried cables will affect how long they can stay underground.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'gardenprofy_com-box-4','ezslot_5',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-gardenprofy_com-box-4-0'); If they are too heavy or too long, it will be difficult for them to stay underground or it might be impossible. Do NOT leave even your outdoor extension cord outside more than a day or two. This cord reaches six feet and offers three outlets for you to utilize when outside. I'm thinking of running 100 ft to my shed for lighting, bench grinder and other tools. If you want to extend your network over two or more buildings on your property, wired is the way to go, although the initial installation is labor-intensive. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. That said, here are a few simple and straightforward steps to implement when burying an outdoor extension cord in your yard. Added flexibility helps ensure that this cord lasts a long time without breaking. Utilize a Cable Ramp 4. That way, you wont have a problem with the insulator. The cable is grounded and includes male-to-female connectors. Extension cords are an easy way to get power opened up in your home, but theyre not meant as a permanent solution. caniseeyourgreencard 3 yr. ago While no codes would ever tell you to do it, this sounds reasonably safe if you had it plugged it into a GFCI outlet and also had it inside some conduit. And thats not all! PLUS I wont have to coil the cord(s) for lawn cutting. The typical extension cord that you pick up at a home improvement store isn't designed for underground long-term use. link to Warm White Vs. If you must bury a wire without conduit, it should be a direct burial-rated wire. If you need something longer, you may need to look into other options. Complete the conduit run by threading on the last piece of conduit. Make sure you have a heavy guage cord. An underground cable with a conduit is the best way to add lighting, speakers or handle lawn tools in your backyard while keeping everyone safe. If possible, use garden pegs to map out the route. use 1" pvc electrical conduit (3/4" is too tight to feed the wire) and use the long sweeping 90s for it at the end to come up. If you bury them underground, make sure that they are deep enough so that people wont see them. The connection to the plug must be at least five feet from the pool, using an in-use cover. Technically speaking, nothing can stop you from tossing an extension cord into a trench in the ground. You can use a rigid galvanized metal conduit, but ensure you bury it 18 inches underground. Carelessly putting cords in a hole can result in a fire, or if someone digs up the area where you buried the cable, they can get electrocuted. Call before you dig,there might be underground cable,sewer,etc in the path you plan to run. The first thing to consider is what type of extension cord you have. Since there are no threads on the end of the pipe, screw a compression fitting into the LB and connect the conduit to it. https://yardpit.com/can-you-bury-extension-cord/, https://backyardway.com/bury-outside-extension-cord-in-yard/, https://yardsumo.com/can-you-bury-an-extension-cord-outside/. The first and most essential part is to shop for the best outdoor extension cords. But if its a UF wire, you dont need a conduit, especially if youre burying it 24 inches underground. A can i run an extension cord underground simple and straightforward steps to implement when burying an extension cord directly would be legal into... 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