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Type UF-B (Underground Feeder and Branch-Circuit Cable) is generally used in underground, direct burial installations as branch circuits and/or feeders to outside floodlights, sewer pumps and motors, electric gates and other loads typically supplied from a distribution system.
What is the difference between UF and UF-B cable?
UF-B vs. UF-B cables are often confused with UF cable, another type of underground feeder electrical wire. The regular UF cable is well-suited only to be buried in conduit. The difference between them is UF-B construction indicates a better resistance to water and corrosion, as well as a superior temperature range.
Can UF-B wire be used indoors?
Types of Direct Burial Cables Type UF cable is usually gray and comes in rolls that look like standard non-metallic (NM) sheathed cable. While standard NM cable is rated only for dry, interior applications, UF cable can be used outdoors as well as indoors.
Can I use UF-B instead of NM-B?
UF electrical wire is perfectly suitable for most NM-B applications, though it is unnecessary to use it because it is too expensive for indoor applications. When used as NM, UF-B has to comply with the standards found in NEC 2008 and NEC 2011 Article 334.
Does UF-B wire need conduit?
Bury in the Ground: Dig 24 inches At 24-in. -deep, run direct-bury UF-B wire cable. There’s one restriction: It needs a conduit where the cable is exposed on the outside of the house and to 18 inches below the ground.
Where do you use UF-B wire?
Type UF-B (Underground Feeder and Branch-Circuit Cable) is generally used in underground, direct burial installations as branch circuits and/or feeders to outside floodlights, sewer pumps and motors, electric gates and other loads typically supplied from a distribution system.
Can UF-B cable be exposed?
The use of UF cable on the exterior surface of buildings or structures is permitted by Sec. If the cable is exposed to physical damage it must be protected in accordance with Sec.
Can I use UF instead of Romex?
UF (or Underground Feed) cable is necessary any time you’re laying cable underground. The wires in UF are individually insulated. They’re then wrapped together in more insulation for further protection from weather and sunlight. On the other hand, Romex® is wire coated in plastic and is only suitable for indoor use.
Why is UF-b cheaper than NM?
Currently, many big box stores have the UF-B marked less than the NM-B cable. That’s because the price is not as inflated from demand like NM-B. NM-B is also used more frequently because it is WAY easier to work with.
Can I bury Type UF-B wire?
UF-B may be directly buried or installed where exposed to sunlight. When used as an NM cable it must comply with the requirements in NEC 2008 and NEC 2011 Article 334.
Can you sleeve UF in PVC?
Running UF cable through metal or PVC conduit. Although not commonly done, it is allowable to run UF cable (but NOT NM) cable through metal or PVC conduit in an underground application. Most electricians prefer to fish individual waterproof THWN conductors through conduit, simply because it is easier.
Can UF wire get wet?
For wet or damp locations, UF-B (underground feeder) cable is designated as acceptable for damp locations, such as when burying it directly in the earth. UF cable sheaths the individual conductors in solid, water-proof plastic vinyl, making it fully moisture-proof.
Can you run outdoor wire indoors?
While the electrical wire meant for outdoor use can be used indoors, it would be dangerous to use indoor wires outside. Indoor wire is designed for use within the house and is not prepared to handle the external factors found outdoor such as temperature, moisture and even chemicals in some cases.
Can UF wire be exposed to sunlight?
Type “UF” wire is similar to the common concealed house wiring that you probably know by its trade name “Romex” but technically called type “NM.” Type UF wire is sunlight resistant and rated for direct burial installation. Like Type NM it must be protected from physical injury.
Can you bury UF wire without conduit?
Underground feeder cables, labeled UF, can be buried without additional protection from conduits because they have a tough jacket designed for burial. Bury UF cables 24 inches below the soil surface, and 18 inches deep when protected by 2 inches of concrete.
Can type NM-B Romex be exposed to corrosive vapors?
Section 334.12(B) does not allow type NM cable to be installed in wet locations or where exposed to corrosives such as chlorine but without the revised code language, sections 334.10 and 334.12(B) were in conflict with one another.
What does nm-b mean on wire?
Type NM-B (Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable) is commonly used for residential wiring of luminaries, devices and appliances. Type NM-B ampacity limitation shall be in accordance with the 60ºC conductor temperature rating, as specified in the NEC.
What is UF electrical?
uF refers to the size of the capacitor. Capacitance is the charge that is necessary to raise the potential of a body one unit. A capacitance of 1 farad (f) requires 1 coulomb of electricity to raise its potential 1 volt (v). 1 micro farad (uF) = 0.0000001 F.
Does exposed UF need conduit?
UF cables can be installed outdoors without being in conduit unless it is somewhere where it could possibly be damaged. So no, it can’t just be run plain to a disconnect and tacked to the wall. Any decorative PVC would have to be strong enough to provide protection for the cable.
