Question – Repair of in – ground wire for outdoor

My landscape guys cut my wires, with a shovel, going to my outdoor light post. It is a positive and negative wire set that are a little older but in good shape and rubber coated.

What is the best way to repair / splice this situation to avoid moisture, corrosion, failure, etc. Obviously, I could use some marine grade wire ( ) but I would like to get some input from you guys that have dealt with this situation before.

Lots of good input on problems from the guys on this board.

Thanks in advance

Dog

Menard ect have a splicing connector made for repairs under ground. Once the connections are made, they go into a tube and the tube is filled with a dielectric matirial like silicon. I have one in my yard for my septic system for over 6 years now.

Yup, what BK said. If you know anyone who has a copy of the NEC, there’s a picture of it in there that shows exactly what Brian’s talking about. If you’re able to, make sure you leave a little ‘give’ in the wires so that when it expands and contracts with the seasons, that it doesn’t pull apart. Good luck.

DBU’S – Direct Burial Units, made for underground splicing. Just what BK said, a normal splice tied together with a wire nut, shoved into a greased filled tube WILL keep moisture out and kept from corrosion.

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Obviously, I could use some marine grade wire ( ) but I would like to get some input from you guys that have dealt with this situation before.

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Marine grade wire is the best choice and like Brian said you can get connectors filled with dielectric grease, just about any hardware store should have them. They come as crimp on and twist on. And if you want to be completely at ease you could soldier the connections.

Twist the wires together and spray WD40 on them and then wrap with duct tape. What else does a real man need to fix anything. Oh and leave the power on when you do it. The jolt is better than those expensive energy drinks.

As has been stated use the underground splice kits available at Menards Home depot etc. Do not use marine grade wire to make the splice, use conductors that are the same size as the ones that are cut and make sure they are rated for underground installation. The use of solder is not the best idea and violates the NEC, a high load can melt the solder. .