Best Direct Burial Electrical Wire of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Direct Burial Electrical Wire is a type of wire that is specifically designed to be buried underground without the need for conduit. It is commonly used for outdoor applications such as powering landscape lighting, irrigation systems, and underground circuits. Direct Burial Electrical Wire is typically made with a durable PVC jacket that is resistant to moisture, sunlight, and abrasion. This type of wire is also available in different gauges to accommodate the varying needs of different applications. Direct Burial Electrical Wire is a reliable and cost-effective solution for outdoor electrical needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Southwire 13055926 12/2WG UF Wire 100-Foot Cover #TOP 1
Southwire 13055926 12/2WG UF Wire 100-Foot
ftb score rating icon 9.8
FUNSOUND 10/2 UF-B Wire Cover #TOP 2
FUNSOUND 10/2 UF-B Wire
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Stock Wire 12/2 UF-B Wire Cover #TOP 3
Stock Wire 12/2 UF-B Wire
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Direct Burial Electrical Wire

#TOP 1

Southwire 13055926 12/2WG UF Wire 100-Foot

13055926
Copper
100 ft
Southwire 13055926 12/2WG UF Wire 100-Foot Cover
Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil, Approved for Direct Burial Wiring, SW# 13055926

This electrical wire is coated with a flame-retardant, moisture, and corrosion-resistant jacket that is sunlight resistant. It is suitable for direct burial applications and can be used for exposed or concealed wiring in damp, wet, dry, corrosive, and moist locations. The wire comes with 12 gauge, 2 conductors with ground, 100' per coil, UL listed, and is made in America.

What We Like
Flame-retardant, moisture, and corrosion-resistant jacket
Suitable for direct burial applications
Can be used in various locations with different moisture levels
UL listed
Made in America
#TOP 2

FUNSOUND 10/2 UF-B Wire

28794-150
Gray
150ft
FUNSOUND 10/2 UF-B Wire Cover
10/2 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (150ft Cut) c

The FUNSOUND 10/2 UF-B Wire, also known as the FUNSOUND UF-B Wire, is a high-quality underground feeder and direct earth burial cable. This cable is designed for electrical wiring applications and is suitable for use in wet locations. With its 150ft cut, it provides ample length for various installation needs. The first feature of this wire is its durability, ensuring long-lasting performance even in harsh conditions. The second feature is its flexibility, which allows for easy installation and maneuverability. The third feature is its resistance to moisture, making it ideal for outdoor and underground use. Lastly, it is rated for direct burial, providing added convenience and versatility. Overall, the FUNSOUND UF-B Wire is a reliable and convenient choice for electrical wiring projects.

What We Like
Durable
Flexible
Moisture-resistant
#TOP 3

Stock Wire 12/2 UF-B Wire

14367
Gray
200ft
Stock Wire 12/2 UF-B Wire Cover
12/2 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (200ft Cut)

Stock Wire Underground Cable features #12 AWG wire with 2 copper conductors. It can be used indoors in wet or corrosive areas, staying resistant to light and moisture. Outdoors, it's perfect for direct burial, standing strong against sunlight and moisture. With a heat capacity of 90 degreesC and a 600-volt rating, it can handle up to 20 amps. The wire's color may vary from the picture shown.

What We Like
Indoor and outdoor use
Resistant to light and moisture
Direct burial capability
#TOP 4

Stock Wire 8/3 UF-B Wire

37956-100
Gray
100 FT Cut
Stock Wire 8/3 UF-B Wire Cover
8/3 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (100 FT Cut)

The Stock Wire UF-B Cable is designed for versatile use in both indoor and outdoor environments. Its #8 AWG annealed copper conductors ensure excellent conductivity, making it ideal for wet or corrosive areas. This cable is also perfect for direct burial underground, as it resists moisture and sunlight, providing durability and long-lasting performance. With a heat capacity of up to 90 degrees Celsius and a rating of 600 volts, you can rely on this cable to handle up to 40 amps safely, offering peace of mind for your electrical projects.

What We Like
Versatile indoor and outdoor use
Resistant to moisture and sunlight
High heat capacity
Durable copper conductors
#TOP 5

Southwire UF-B Underground Feeder Cable

13055955
250 Feet
Southwire UF-B Underground Feeder Cable Cover
Southwire UF-B Underground Feeder Cable, 12/2 AWG, 250 ft

The Southwire UF-B Underground Feeder Cable comes with 2 or 3 conductors and a ground wire. The conductors are made of soft copper with PVC insulation and a color coded jacket. It is suitable for wet or corrosive indoor use and direct outdoor burial.

What We Like
Soft copper conductors
PVC insulation with color coded jacket
Suitable for indoor wet or corrosive use and direct outdoor burial
#TOP 6

Southwire 13054226 14/2 UF W/G Hundred' Wire

13054226
Gray
Southwire 13054226 14/2 UF W/G Hundred' Wire Cover
Southwire 13054226 14/2 UF W/G Hundred' Wire, Gray, Hundred Ft

The Southwire UF W/G Wire is a high-quality electrical wire that is perfect for direct burial applications. Its coated jacket is resistant to sunlight, flames, moisture, rust, and corrosion, making it ideal for use in both indoor and outdoor environments. Whether you need to install outdoor lighting or wiring in damp or wet locations, this wire has got you covered. With its UL Listing, you can trust that it meets all safety standards. The 14 gauge, 2 conductors with ground provide reliable and efficient power transmission. Plus, it is made in America, ensuring superior quality and durability.

What We Like
Sunlight resistant
Flame retardant
Moisture and corrosion resistant
#TOP 7

Wirefy 12/2 Low Voltage Landscape Wire

LW-122-250
Black
12-Gauge
Wirefy 12/2 Low Voltage Landscape Wire Cover
Wirefy 12/2 Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Copper Wire - Outdoor Direct Burial - 12-Gauge 2-Conductor 250 Feet | Landscape Lighting Wire | Low Voltage Wire 12/2 | 12/2 Landscape Wire

The Wirefy Landscape Lighting Wire is designed for easy installation of your outdoor lighting. This flexible 12-gauge wire simplifies the process of wiring your landscape, allowing you to confidently set up lights in your garden or yard. It is versatile enough to be used with various types of outdoor lighting, including path lights and underwater fixtures. Furthermore, it is built to endure outdoor conditions, making it suitable for direct burial. With compliance to North American safety standards, you can trust that this wire meets high safety and environmental requirements.

What We Like
Flexible and easy to install
Versatile for various lighting types
Durable for outdoor conditions
Meets safety standards
#TOP 8

Nassau 100' 4-4-4 Aluminum URD Wire

Nassau 100' 4-4-4 Aluminum URD Wire Cover
NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 100' 4-4-4 Vassar Aluminum URD Triplex Direct Burial

The Nassau Aluminum URD Wire is designed for efficient electrical distribution. With a maximum ampacity of 125 amps for direct burial, it ensures safe power delivery underground, making it ideal for outdoor installations. When placed in a duct, it maintains a reliable capacity of 90 amps, allowing flexibility in usage. The wire is sized at AWG 4 and features seven strands, providing both strength and flexibility for various applications. Weighing 203 lbs per 1000 feet, this wire balances durability with ease of handling, making it a practical choice for your electrical needs.

What We Like
High ampacity for safety
Flexible installation options
Durable and strong design
Easy to handle
#TOP 9

SOUTHWIRE COMPANY LL 13054255 14-2 Underground Feeder Cable

13054255
Grey
250'
SOUTHWIRE COMPANY LL 13054255 14-2 Underground Feeder Cable Cover
SOUTHWIRE COMPANY LL 13054255 14-2 Underground Feeder Cable, 250'

The Southwire Underground Feeder Cable is a high-quality electrical wire designed specifically for underground use. With its durable construction, this cable is perfect for direct earth burial in branch circuits, as well as for use in wet or corrosive locations indoors. The cable is highly resistant to acids, alkalis, corrosive fumes, chemicals, lubricants, and ground water, making it a reliable choice for various applications. Additionally, it is corrosion-resistant, sunlight-resistant, and will not support combustion, ensuring long-lasting performance and safety. Whether you need to install electrical wiring in your garden or in a corrosive environment, the Southwire Underground Feeder Cable is the ideal solution.

What We Like
Durable
Highly resistant
Corrosion-resistant
#TOP 10

Stock Wire 10/3 UF-B Wire

20013-150
Black
150ft
Stock Wire 10/3 UF-B Wire Cover
10/3 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (150ft Cut)

Stock Wire UF-B Cable is a versatile electrical wire suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. With #10 AWG wire and 3 annealed bare copper conductors, it is ideal for wet or corrosive indoor locations and can be directly buried outdoors. This cable has a heat capacity of 90 degreesC, a 600-volt rating, and an allowable ampacity of 30 amps. The color of the wire may vary from the picture shown, ensuring flexibility in installation.

What We Like
Versatile indoor/outdoor use
High heat capacity
Durable copper conductors
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of wire do you use for direct bury?

The most common types of direct-burial cable used for residential projects are underground service entrance (USE) and underground feeder (UF) cables. USE cable is typically black and is used for buried lines that bring power from the utility's transformer to individual houses.

2. Is it OK to direct bury electrical wire?

Direct-burial electrical wire is generally allowed, but it must comply with electrical and building codes for safety reasons. Local codes usually require direct-burial wires to be buried at least 18 inches underground. However, it is advisable to check with the local electrical inspector to ensure compliance with the specific rules in your area.

3. How deep does direct burial electrical wire need to be?

For underground electrical wiring, direct-burial underground feeder (UF) cable should be buried at least 24 inches deep or more. No conduit is required at this depth when using UF cable. However, for vertical feeds, PVC conduit should be provided starting at 18 inches deep.

4. Is it OK to put direct burial wire in conduit?

While it is possible to install direct-burial wire in conduit, it is generally not necessary. The main benefit of using conduit is added protection against environmental conditions. However, if the wire is already designed for direct burial and meets safety standards, using conduit may not be required.

5. What is the code for burying wire?

The code for burying wire depends on the type of wire. Low-voltage landscape direct-burial wires should be buried at least 6 inches deep. All other direct-burial wires need to be buried at least 24 inches below ground to comply with regulations.

6. What are the disadvantages of direct buried cable?

Some disadvantages of direct-buried cable include high maintenance costs, difficulty in pinpointing fault locations, and challenges in making cable network alterations.

7. How long does direct bury wire last?

Typical underground installations of direct-burial wire are expected to last up to 30 years. However, it is important to note that the nylon covering of THHN wire, commonly used for direct burial, is susceptible to water and moisture, which can lead to breakdowns in adverse conditions.

8. What is the NEC code for trench depth?

According to the NEC (National Electrical Code), underground feeders and other high-voltage direct-burial cables must be buried at least 2 feet deep in a trench. The burial depth for conduits can vary depending on the type of conduit used.

9. What is the code for buried electrical wires in conduit?

The code requires PVC conduit to be buried at least 18 inches deep, while galvanized metal electrical conduits must be buried at least 6 inches deep. This ensures the proper protection and safety of the buried electrical wires.

Editor's Notes

During our direct burial electrical wire research, we found 24 direct burial electrical wire products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 23,442 customer reviews through our big data system to write the direct burial electrical wire list. We found that most customers choose direct burial electrical wire with an average price of $205.33.

The direct burial electrical wire are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of direct burial electrical wire, including Southwire, Stock Wire, Wirefy, Nassau Electrical Supply. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.