Electrical question about outdoor 'box cover'

Richard · Nov 22, 2009

I don't know what the box is called (nor really care

) so I looked around for a picture I knew I had.

Setup: Did a remodel, the feed from the transformer to the house was underground BUT...in the way of addition so had to be moved.

They came out, trenched new line and in picture #1 you can see on the left, a green lid. Evidently, this is where he brought the new cable to and spliced the new cable with the existing cable. At least, this is what I'm led to believe. This means that the original copper wires that were underground and connecting to my panel box are STILL the same copper wire between this junction box and my panel.

When the builder left, this green cover had ended up covered with some dirt/mud/sediment, not necessarily 'covered' by using a shovel for express intent of covering it, but it was covered, probably by no more than the construction process and dirt being moved around.

Now with fixing the sidewalk that had been previously ripped up, we still had a depression sooooooo, the wife wanted me to fill it in so she could put a plant there.

In the second photo you can see the dirt that I put in yesterday. I had totally forgotten about this junction box and when she pointed out where she wanted her plant, I started to dig.... and hit the side of the lid on the box.

Now that I remember it's down there I'm left to wonder:

1. Is it ok for it to be covered up like this?
2. Am I creating any issues by doing this?
3. I DO kind of like the idea of this plant 'marking' where the cover is for future reference however, if we ever need in this box, I don't like the idea of having to rip the plant up nor digging down to the box. The plant, if it matters, is a Nandina.

What I find curious is why there is even a box there. We never had one before and the house is 10 years old. Now all the sudden we have this yard ornament.

Am I ok burying this like it is?

dave1949 · Nov 22, 2009

Uncover it, put a nice ornamental pot on/over it, put a nice plant in the pot. I wonder if constantly soaking it with water is good or bad?
Dave.

sparker133 · Nov 22, 2009

The lid should be exposed so if you move or something happens it can be found easily. The problem is if you bury it only you know where is it is. If someone came to service in the future they might not know were it is and spends hours trying to find the box.

If you open the cover on the box you will see it has an open bottom. The electrical connections should be at the top with the connections. If the wires are long enough you can just pull the box up to grade and fill some dirt under it with out covering the connections. Be careful live wires could be a very shocking experience.

Then put a potted plant or a stone over it to cover it a little. Planting a plant over it could cause problems the root can do nasty things.

beenthere · Nov 22, 2009

Is there a disconnect (like a switch) in that box?

SPIKER · Nov 23, 2009

It is hard to say what was done in your area, usually there would be conduit run from the pole to the house that the wires were run in, the box is a junction box with what is now splices in there. at some point you will probably have to have the splices serviced as even the best splice is worst point in a wire. If the lid is there it is best to have a good knowledge as to where it is and better yet how well the splicing was done inside the box. Open bottom is one way more often than not it is a rather standard box with the bottom having some drain holes in there. It should be set on a good base of drain gravel so water will not fill up the box but drain away instead. It is fine to cover the box, (use dirt or sand) on top of some plastic, then use yellow electrical marking tape (plastic rolls that say danger electrical) on them on top of the sand/grave/dirt that covers the lid. Normal codes keep the marking tape 12" above the box and the box should be buried much deeper than shown to keep it safe. It can be buried shallower if it is encased in concrete with a min of 2" depth over the cables. that all being said, it is probably best to find out what is going on in the box. take a few pics. for future ref. and then try and seal up the top of the box lid/cover with the heavy plastic to keep surface water out, then cover with some sand and one of those patio rocks, set a planter on top of the rock, be sure to mark the rock with indication that the junction box is under there. even grind the underside of the rock with date and info stating what is there...

DONT cover the box and plant something on top...!!! that is bad, roots and the plant can cause problems as well as then you will be watering the plant and pouring water into on top of the electrical junction...

mark