outdoor wiring

I have an outside outlet from which I can get electricity.

I want to run a 30 ft extension UNDERGROUND from the outlet.

I assume I cannot just dig a hole and put an extension cord
in the ground without some protection from the elements.

Is there a special type of extension for this type of installation
and do I need an electrician to have it done correctly.

 

The knowledgeable electricians will be along soon.

If this outlet is GFCI protected, you can extend from the line underground with wiring that is rated for underground use or enclosed in conduit. Wire sizes for the size of the rating of the circuit come into play. Depth of burial is important and may vary with the relevant codes in your municipality.

 

Yes, you can do it direct burial. You will need to stub in and out of the ground with plastic conduit. Use a number 12 wire buried 24 inches and the wire must be UF, which means outdoor.

 

Thank you all very much. I want this to be done right and
don't mind saving a lot of money if we can do it ourself.

I really appreciate your help.

 

Reply:

You will have to come up with a way to get out of the existing outlet, then enter into the ground headed where you are going. You could install a extension ring "bell box" to the existing outlet, This will allow you to still have the existing outlet installed in the location it is now. This would allow you to hook PVC conduit to it, giving you protection until you was in the ground with the Underground Feeder Cable[UF] "Not extension Cord". Or install a blank weather proof cover over the face of the box, and by drilling a hole into the face you could install a PVC LB that would also get you out of the box. But if There is a GFCI installed in the location that your coming from then you would need to reinstall it at another location so you have protection on the line feeding out in the yard. And not loosing any protection of outlets that it use to feed. If you remove it and don't protect the existing outlets and the underground wire then it's magnetic field will induce current into the power lines, and only in a matter of day's your local inspector will be called to investigate the induction and end up paying you a visit.

 

And Yes, The last sentence was just a joke.

 

Well, saving money is one thought, but now it seems a better
thought to pay the electrician and have it done correctly. I
would rather pay now than later. It is a bit too much for me to
take any chances. I'm a little bit afraid of electricity mistakes.



Thank you very, very much.

 

Aphares,

Maybe it was a joke and maybe it would be a joke if I tried it
myself.

 

If the receptacle you want to tap off of is a GFI or is GFCI protected you only have to bury the wire 12 inches.

 

Tasha, I think you are giving up too quick (its up to you though). One you get your feet wet you will get the hang of it and it can be very handy and rewarding. Do first things first. If there is already an outdoor box there is probably an opening on the end to screw a new fitting in to feed on to this new outlet. You can even just dig the trench, that saves a lot of money even if you hire it done. Take it one step at a time.