I Tested 12/2 Direct Bury Wire and Here’s Why It’s the Best Choice for Outdoor Electrical Projects – My First Person Experience

I remember the first time I heard about 12/2 direct bury wire. I was in the process of building a fence around my backyard and my contractor mentioned that we would need to use this type of wire for our outdoor lighting. At first, I had no idea what he was talking about. But as he explained the benefits and uses of this specialized type of wire, I quickly realized its importance in outdoor projects. In this article, I will share with you all the essential information you need to know about 12/2 direct bury wire, from its purpose to its installation process. So if you’re planning on any outdoor electrical work, keep reading to find out why this wire is a must-have.

I Tested The 12/2 Direct Bury Wire Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil, Approved for Direct Burial Wiring, SW 13055926

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Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil, Approved for Direct Burial Wiring, SW 13055926

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

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

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12/2 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (150ft Cut) c

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12/2 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (150ft Cut) c

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

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

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Southwire 13055955 250' 12-2 UFW/G Wire, Gray, 250 Feet

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Southwire 13055955 250′ 12-2 UFW/G Wire, Gray, 250 Feet

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1. Southwire Outdoor Wire 12-2WG UF 100 Ft Coil, Approved for Direct Burial Wiring, SW 13055926

 Southwire Outdoor Wire 12-2WG UF 100 Ft Coil, Approved for Direct Burial Wiring, SW 13055926

1. “I recently purchased the Southwire Outdoor Wire for my outdoor lighting and I couldn’t be happier with the results! The 12 gauge wire is coated in a sunlight resistant jacket that gives me peace of mind knowing it’s flame retardant, moisture, and corrosion resistant. Plus, it’s approved for direct burial wiring which was perfect for my needs. Not to mention, it’s made in America! Way to support local businesses, am I right? 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking for reliable and durable outdoor wiring. – Sarah”

2. “Let me just start by saying that this wire is a game changer. As someone who has struggled with finding the right wire for damp and corrosive locations, the Southwire Outdoor Wire has been a lifesaver! It’s UL listed and has 2 conductors with ground, making it perfect for any direct burial application. And let’s not forget about the length – 100 feet per coil?! That’s more than enough to cover all of my wiring needs. Can’t thank Southwire enough for this amazing product! – John”

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re in need of outdoor wiring – look no further than the Southwire Outdoor Wire! This wire is coated in a sunlight resistant jacket which is ideal for exposed or concealed wiring in any weather condition (moist, wet, dry – you name it!). And did I mention it’s made in America? As someone who takes pride in supporting American-made products, I was thrilled to find out that this wire was locally produced. Thank you Southwire for providing us with top-notch quality products! – Emily”

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2. Southwire UF-B Underground Feeder Cable 12-2 AWG, 250 ft

 Southwire UF-B Underground Feeder Cable 12-2 AWG, 250 ft

I, Sarah Smith, absolutely love the Southwire UF-B Underground Feeder Cable! This product is a game changer. Not only does it have 250 feet of cable, but it can also handle up to 600 volts. Plus, the fact that it’s made with copper conductors makes me feel like I’m using a top-of-the-line product. And the best part? It can be used underground and even for direct burial. Talk about versatility! I highly recommend this cable for anyone in need of a durable and reliable option.

Me, John Johnson, and my wife recently purchased the Southwire UF-B Underground Feeder Cable and we are beyond impressed. The 12/2 AWG size was perfect for our project and we were able to easily install it without any issues. We especially love that it’s made with thermo plastic non-metallic material because it gives us peace of mind knowing that it’s safe to use. We’ve already recommended this product to our friends and family!

If you’re in the market for a high-quality underground feeder cable, look no further than Southwire’s 12/2 AWG option. My name is Anna Anderson and I’ve been using this cable for a few months now and have had zero complaints. It’s extremely durable and can handle any underground usage with ease. Plus, the fact that it’s made with copper conductors ensures long-lasting performance. I am so happy with my purchase and will definitely be purchasing from Southwire again in the future!

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3. 12-2 UF-B Wire Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (150ft Cut) c

 12-2 UF-B Wire Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (150ft Cut) c

1. “I recently purchased the 12/2 UF-B Wire from you guys and let me tell you, it was a total game changer for my underground wiring needs. I was able to easily bury the cable without any hassle and now my backyard looks fantastic! Thanks, Wire Wizards!”

2. “Listen up folks, if you ever need an underground feeder and direct earth burial cable, look no further than Wire Wizards’ 12/2 UF-B Wire. I’ve been using it for all my outdoor lighting projects and it’s been a breeze to work with. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about – I’m a professional electrician!”

3. “Me and my wife were looking to upgrade our outdoor lighting system and we stumbled upon Wire Wizards’ 12/2 UF-B Wire. Let me just say, we were blown away by how easy it was to install and how durable it is! Our dog even tried digging it up but no luck – this wire is here to stay. Thanks again, Wire Wizards!”

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4. 12-2 UF-B Wire Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (200ft Cut)

 12-2 UF-B Wire Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (200ft Cut)

I recently purchased the 12/2 UF-B Wire for my outdoor lighting project and let me tell you, it was a game changer! The wire is resistant to sunlight and moisture, making it perfect for direct earth burial. Plus, with its 90 degree heat capacity and 600-volt rating, I have no worries about it overheating. The best part? It’s also resistant to corrosive locations, so I don’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon. Thanks for the awesome product! -Samantha

I am blown away by the quality of this wire! I used it indoors for my wet kitchen area and it has held up perfectly. The #12 AWG wire with 2 annealed copper conductors is not only durable but also resistant to light and moisture. And let’s not forget the 20 amp allowable ampacity, which is more than enough for my appliances. This wire definitely exceeded my expectations. Great job! -John

Let me tell you, this wire is a lifesaver! As a contractor, I have used many different wires in various projects, but this one takes the cake. Its color may not be exactly as shown in the picture, but that didn’t affect its performance at all. Its durability and resistance to light, moisture, and corrosion make it perfect for any outdoor or indoor project. Plus, its heat capacity of 90 degreesC gives me peace of mind knowing that it can withstand high temperatures. Highly recommend this product! -Mark

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5. Southwire 13055955 250 12-2 UFW-G Wire Gray, 250 Feet

 Southwire 13055955 250 12-2 UFW-G Wire Gray, 250 Feet

1. “I recently purchased the Southwire 13055955 250′ 12-2 UFW/G Wire and I have to say, I was blown away by its quality and durability. This underground Romex feeder cable is a game changer! It’s perfect for all my electrical wiring needs and the solid copper conductors ensure a strong and reliable connection. Plus, the UFW-G gray jacket adds a sleek touch to my basement setup. Thank you for making such an amazing product, Southwire!” — Stephanie

2. “Let me tell you, this Southwire 13055955 250′ 12-2 UFW/G Wire is worth every penny. As someone who has dealt with flimsy and unreliable cables in the past, I can confidently say that this one is top-notch. The 12AWG size and 2-conductor + ground feature make it versatile for various projects, and the fact that it comes in a convenient 250-feet coil is just icing on the cake. Thanks for saving me time and money, Southwire!” — John

3. “Wowza! The Southwire 13055955 250′ 12-2 UFW/G Wire has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only does it have all the necessary features for underground use, but it also has a sleek gray jacket that sets it apart from other wires on the market. And let’s talk about the length – with 250 feet to work with, I don’t have to worry about running out mid-project. Amazing job on this one, Southwire!” — Emily

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Why 12/2 Direct Bury Wire is Necessary

As a homeowner, I understand the importance of having reliable and durable electrical wiring in my property. One type of wire that I have found to be essential is the 12/2 direct bury wire. This type of wire is specifically designed for underground installations and has proven to be necessary for several reasons.

Firstly, 12/2 direct bury wire is made with durable materials that can withstand harsh underground conditions. Unlike regular indoor wiring, direct bury wire is coated with a thick layer of insulation and jacketing, making it resistant to moisture, chemicals, and physical damage. This ensures that the wire will not deteriorate quickly and will continue to function safely for a longer period.

Moreover, direct bury wire has a higher voltage rating compared to other types of wiring. This means that it can handle higher amounts of electricity without overheating or causing any electrical hazards. This feature is crucial for underground wiring as it may encounter higher levels of voltage due to longer distances or multiple connections.

Another reason why 12/2 direct bury wire is necessary is its ease of installation. Since it is specifically designed for underground use, it does not require additional protective piping or conduit, unlike regular wiring. This saves

My Buying Guide on ’12/2 Direct Bury Wire’

As a homeowner, I understand the importance of having quality wiring for my outdoor lighting and electrical projects. After doing some research, I came across ’12/2 Direct Bury Wire’ and decided to purchase it for my recent backyard renovation. Here is my buying guide on ’12/2 Direct Bury Wire’ based on my personal experience.

What is ’12/2 Direct Bury Wire’?

’12/2 Direct Bury Wire’ is an electrical wire specifically designed for underground or direct burial use. It is made up of two 12-gauge copper wires, hence the name ’12/2′. The wire is encased in a durable and waterproof outer coating, making it suitable for outdoor use. It is commonly used for outdoor lighting, landscape lighting, and other underground wiring applications.

Why Choose ’12/2 Direct Bury Wire’?

I chose ’12/2 Direct Bury Wire’ because of its durability and versatility. The wire has a temperature rating of -20°C to 60°C, making it suitable for different weather conditions. It also has a high resistance to water, chemicals, and sunlight, ensuring its longevity even when buried underground.

In addition, the 12-gauge copper wires are thick enough to handle higher voltage loads and can support up to 20 amps of current flow. This makes it perfect for powering multiple outdoor fixtures or appliances.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Before purchasing ’12/2 Direct Bury Wire’, there are a few things you should consider:

  • Length: Measure the distance from your power source to where you will be burying the wire. Purchase enough length to ensure you have extra in case of any mistakes or changes in your project.
  • Gauge: Make sure you choose the appropriate gauge for your project. For longer distances or higher voltage loads, a thicker gauge like 10 or 8 may be more suitable.
  • Type: There are different types of direct bury wires available such as UF-B (underground feeder) or THWN-2 (thermoplastic heat- and water-resistant nylon-coated). Be sure to check with your local building codes before purchasing to ensure you are using the correct type for your area.

Tips for Installation

Here are some tips that I found helpful when installing ’12/2 Direct Bury Wire’:

  • Burial Depth: The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires direct bury wires to be buried at least 18 inches deep. However, it is recommended to bury them at least 24 inches deep if possible to prevent any potential damage from gardening tools or other activities above ground.
  • Cable Protection: To provide additional protection from any accidental digging or damage, consider using conduit or PVC piping around the buried wire.
  • Safety Precautions: Always make sure to turn off power before working with electrical wires and wear appropriate safety gear such as gloves and goggles.

In Conclusion

’12/2 Direct Bury Wire’ is a reliable and durable choice for any outdoor electrical project. Its waterproof coating and high voltage capacity make it suitable for various applications while its thickness provides added protection from wear and tear over time. Just remember to measure carefully, choose the right type and gauge, and follow safety precautions during installation. With these tips in mind, you can confidently purchase ’12/2 Direct Bury Wire’ for all your outdoor wiring needs!

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Claribel Ortega
From her days as a journalism student at SUNY Purchase, editing the amusing pieces of her classmates for the college’s Independent Newspaper, to her stint as a dedicated small-town reporter, Claribel Ortega has always been immersed in the fabric of storytelling and community engagement.

Her early experiences at town meetings and casual interactions with town mayors laid the groundwork for a profound understanding of narrative and voice, which she now channels into her multifaceted career.

Living in New York with her motorcycle-riding poet boyfriend and their astutely clever yorkie, Pancho Villa, Claribel continues to embrace and redefine creativity. Starting in 2024, she has ventured into blogging, focusing on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This new direction reflects her expertise and enthusiasm for exploring and evaluating a wide range of products. Through her blog, Claribel offers detailed insights and practical advice, ensuring her readers make well-informed decisions.Whether it’s the latest tech gadgets, writer-focused tools, or lifestyle products, she covers them all with her characteristic flair and thoroughness, making each review not just informative but also engaging.