Underground Electrical Repairs Are Nothing For Electricians
When considering the appropriate wire size for a circuit, don’t forget to take the circuit length into consideration. Electrical wire, no matter what material it is made out of, has a certain resistance to it. With an increase in cable length, the resistance causes a voltage drop in the circuit. The solution is easy enough. You should just choose the next sized larger capacity wire size to lessen the effects, for instance, on a 15-amp circuit; you would normally use 14-gauge wire to supply the circuit. However, if the run is over 50′ long, you could use a 12-gauge wire instead which is rated for a 20-amp circuit. Likewise, a 20-amp circuit that normally is run with 12-gauge wire should be run with 10-gauge wire if the run is over 50′ long. Maybe consulting an electrician in Houston or wherever you are in the country will take away headaches.
Voltage drop on wires due to resistance causes hotter wires and less voltage to run the devices attached to it. You may have noticed the same effects of voltage drop when using an electric drill that is attached to a long extension cord. The drill still runs, but is often slower, with less torque, and tends to heat up more quickly. Voltage drop has a devastating effect on motors.
Planning ahead for circuit size, the distance it must travel, and what is going to be connected to it will save you money and frustration later. It’s always easiest to consult a quality Electrician in Houston. A certified electrician in Houston will ensure quality and safety.
There are some very specific requirements for burying electrical cable safely, and in all areas of North America the process needs to involve inspections by a local standards organization. Where I live it’s called the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). It’s not unusual for homeowners to complete electrical work on their own. This is fine and perfectly legal as long as you don’t sidestep the inspections process. Start by contacting your local electrical authority and tell them what you have in mind. Electrical installations like yours require three separate inspections. The trench inspection is the first and examines that cable is laid properly underground. The best option is to run these wires in PVC conduit that’s buried to a specific depth, depending on the situation. Many jurisdictions also require that you install plastic warning tape in the trench before covering conduit completely with soil. This serves as an alert for people who might be digging where they shouldn’t. Next, you’ll need a rough-in inspection. This verifies the safety of wiring after it’s installed, but before it’s concealed with finished wall coverings.
The final inspection is when the job is complete, after all switch covers and plug plates are in place. I know this sounds cumbersome, but it’s really not that bad. I’ve gone through this process myself several times. And besides being easy, electrical inspections are required by law and necessary to validate your insurance coverage. If an electrical fire or accident ever occurred, any lack of inspection papers would come to light and cause you a great deal of grief.
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