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    AdamD7's Avatar
    AdamD7 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jul 20, 2009, 02:08 PM
    Dummy running underground cable for outdoor outlet.
    Ok, I have a pavilion/gazebo, which is about 80 ft from my house. I apparently screwed up here... from what my friends are telling me at work.

    I ran BX-wire 14/2 cable directly underground (not in a conduit) down to the pavilon and hooked up an outdoor outlet.

    Everyone is NOW telling me that I should NOT have just put the bx wire in the ground and it MUST be in a conduit.

    I'm kind of hoping this is still OK to do (so I don't have to redo it all), but do I need to rip it all up and run it through a conduit ? What do you guys think??

    Thanks!
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Jul 20, 2009, 04:56 PM
    Sorry, not possible. BX is not rated for direct burial.

    Only UF cable, which is typically used, or several other methods, such as PVC conduit with individual THHN/THWN or XHHW conductors, rigid steel or aluminum conduit, IMC conduit, there is even a direct burial MC cable, liquidtite flexible conduit.

    But BX is not on the list.

    Thank your friends for knowing this was incorrect and gave you good advice.

    If you leave it, you do at your own peril, and any innocent visitors.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jul 20, 2009, 06:46 PM

    TK is right on the money. I'd rip it out and not use conduit, just run UF. The cost will not be prohibitive and less work.
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