I want to run a 110V circuit from my house to the back of my property (approximately 250').?

Question

What type of wire should I use and how deep does it need to be buried?

Answer 1

you'll get much argument here, because there are more than one way to do this, and there is no one "right" way.
have an electrician give you a free estimate and explain all the options to you.

Answer 2

The long run will cause a voltage drop, so you should use a heavier gauge wire, for example if you are figuring on a 20 amp circuit - normally 12awg will be ok - but due to the length I would use 10awg. All must be suitable for direct burial. I would check the Electrical Code for depth. Around here wire not in a conduit for protection must be at least 24" deep. In conduit, you may be able to go 12 to 18 since it would be protected from your wife when she plants the roses.

Answer 3

You didn't give enough information. How much load on the circuit? Lets say you want a 20 amp circuit and will put a 16 amp load on the circuit. The minimum wire size will be a number 4 copper or number 3 aluminum. You can use type UF or URD for direct burial. The depth must be 24 inches for direct burial.

Be careful taking electrical advise from untrained and unqualified people. As you can see from all the wrong answers to your question.

For the rest of you, use this calculator instead of just guessing:

http://www.elec-toolbox.com/calculators/voltdrop.htm

Answer 4

Here is a caption from the NEC, this will answer how deep you need to bury your wires or conduit. Still check with your locality to be sure they don't have special requirements.

As far as wire size I would go one size larger due to the long distance. If you are planning on a 15 amp circuit I would use 12AWG UF wire.


"54. NEC 300.5 Direct buried cable or conduit or other raceways shall meet the
following minimum cover requirements:
Direct burial cable Rigid or intermediate metal
conduit
Non-metallic raceway (PVC)
24 inches 6 inches 18 inches

Residential branch circuits rated 20 amps or less at 120 volts or less and with GFCI
protection at their source are allowed a minimum cover of 12”.

Note: the above table does not apply to underground wiring supplying outdoor pools, spas or hot tubs

55. NEC 300.5 Underground service conductors shall have their location identified by
a warning ribbon placed in the trench at least 12” above the underground installation.

56. NEC 300.5 Where subject to movement, direct buried cables or raceways shall be
arranged to prevent damage to the enclosed conductors or connected equipment.

57. NEC 300.5 Conductors emerging from underground shall be installed in rigid metal
conduit, intermediate metal conduit, or Schedule 80 rigid nonmetallic conduit to provide
protection from physical damage. This protection shall extend from18” below grade or the
minimum cover distance to the point of termination above ground."

Answer 5

You can. Buy the wire but it must be for under ground, UF, Under ground feed. What are youn trying to run at the other end? I would thinh a 30 a circuit should cover most tools and appliances. You would have to 10-2 with ground UF wire. You will have to go online to get the depth as I think each State is different. If you have to add more wire and the splice is under ground then you have to get the under ground splicing kit

Answer 6

250' is a long way, the longer you run, the more amp's you are pulling. you can buy a standard 12-2 or 12-3 wire that can be directly buried underground, a foot or so should be sufficient. i dont know where you live so that answer is subject to change. i would check with local codes too. by the way, you are looking at about 70+ bucks now for the wire. copper is insane !

Answer 7

it really depends on what your going to plug in at the other end, you'll have some voltage drop going that far, you might want to run a 20 amp out to there, then reduce it to a standard 15 amp outlet. for this you'll need house hold number 10 wire, and a standard 15 amp outlet. make sure to use outdoor receptacle box's and covers, to keep the weather out.

Answer 8

use #10 uF its rated to put in the ground,
bury it at least 3 ft, 2 ft is ok if you dont put a garden out,
also put a red tape or string 3 inches from top of ground, in the same trench, , [its for a warning marker] part of code