Is Your Underground Electrical Wiring Up To The National Electrical Code?

by Alex Sanders Internet Marketing Specialist

The national electrical code has to be adhered to by any and sundry. It pertains to all kinds of electrical fixtures, installations, inspections and replacements. The NEC also lays out the rules for maintenance and upgrades of all electrical fixtures and installations. There is a section that deals with underground electrical wiring too. You should check with your electrician to know for certain if your wiring meets the standards set by the code. If they don’t, then you need your electrician to get the underground wiring up to the code.

Here’s what you or your electrician should be looking at to determine if your underground wiring is in accordance with the code.

· Underground electrical wiring should have ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles. If those are not used then there should be ground fault circuit interrupter breakers. Either of these two should be used. These are not just for some adherence to a certain code. These are necessary for safety.

· There are specific types of receptacles and circuits that must be used depending on the requirements and the nature of the underground electrical wiring. For instance, if the underground wiring has to power a load of more than 300 watts then you should have a 20 amp circuit for the same.

The installation of underground electrical wiring cannot be done in the same manner as indoor wiring or what runs through the property above the ground. First, the switches or receptacles and anything that is installed outdoors must have weatherproofing which is achieved with electrical boxes that have weatherproof covers. They also protect the installations from water. Bubble covers are also recommendable in addition to the weatherproofing.

· Your underground wiring must run through a protective conduit. The recommended type of conduit is made of plastic or PVC and the installation should be at least eighteen inches below the surface. The plastic conduit should not be similar to those used in normal wiring as they are not sturdy or durable enough.

· There are many other statutes of the national electrical code, such as you have to call the utilities company which may have installations running underground. This must be done before your electrician starts to dig. You should also ensure that the power lines overhead have the minimum height clearance. The nice thing is that finding an electrical repair and Maintenance Company in your area is fast and simple. In most cases all that is needed is a quick search on the internet and you’ll find a certified Austin Electrician.