[semichael]

Does underground wire for street lighting have to be covered?

[Clough]

Hi, semichael!

If the wire is supposed to be underground, then yes, it would need to be covered.

If it's installed according to a local code, that may be another issue.

What are specific reasons that you're asking the question, please?

Thanks!

[stanfortyman]

What do you mean by covered?

[tkrussell]

If you mean that is wire allowed to be laid on the surface of the ground for street lights, I don't think so.

Imagine all wiring to all street lights were laying on the ground. People would be tripping all over.

[semichael]

Hi, semichael!

If the wire is supposed to be underground, then yes, it would need to be covered.

If it's installed according to a local code, that may be another issue.

What are specific reasons that you're asking the question, please?

Thanks!

Two of our street lights went out. An electrician said the wires were installed without conduit and were bare. The NEC requires type UF at a minimum. Local ordinances only apply if they are stricter than the NEC of NFPA.

[tkrussell]

OK now we are getting somewhere.

There are types of insulation rated for direct burial, do not need to be installed in conduit.

One popular insulation is USE, and are individual conductors.

Perhaps the electrician should check the type of insulation.

UF is a cable assembly containing more than one conductor.

[stanfortyman]

I have also seen UF in individual conductors.

Other than that, what TK said. I have seen plenty of parking lots with direct burial cable. Dumb idea in the long run though.