using sub soiler to bury direct burial wire

[Paulynuts]

Im looking at running a electrical wire 2,000 down a driveway( long I know) to operate gate, lighting and cameras. I believe direct burial cable is to be buried 24". Can a subsoiler trench this depth/ do this task.? if so what are the options of manufacturers. Anyone done this before?

 

[RickB]

24" will be a stretch for just about any Cat 1 subsoiler. Running that deep without multiple passes to attain that depth will be even more of a stretch for your L4701. Check your local code, you may well find 18" is sufficient.

https://www.google.com/search?q=plowing+in+wire+with+a+subsoiler&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#kpvalbx=_BmPYYc_0PJqrwbkP676pyAE13

 

[workinonit]

If you can find one with a 24" shank it would work. How do you plan to set it up to feed the cable? I've done a ton of water lines and electrical conduit with one but I don't think Ive ever just buried the cable with one.

 

[Diggin It]

Maybe if you have sand or other soft soil, no rocks, roots, hardpan, clay or other obstructions.

I'd be looking to rent a trencher.

 

[inpo44]

I used a King Cutter middle buster to do some of my 120v gfi protected underground circuits and it struggled to get to the required 12 inch depth. I am also looking at gate power options for my place with a distance of 1300 feet. The voltage drop considerations drive the cable size to extremely large sizes. It makes the solar/battery options look pretty good. Good luck with your project.

 

[fishdrivel]

Im looking at running a electrical wire 2,000 down a driveway( long I know) to operate gate, lighting and cameras. I believe direct burial cable is to be buried 24". Can a subsoiler trench this depth/ do this task.? if so what are the options of manufacturers. Anyone done this before?

You can rent a vibratory plow. That or a trencher are the "correct" way of installing.

If you "drag" your cable in, you are very likely to damage the cable.
I have installed miles of cable with a plow.

Vibratory Plow Rentals | Sunbelt Rentals

Sunbelt Rentals offers Vibratory Plow rentals. We offer several walk-behind models, each featuring adjustable plow blades and hydrostatic, self-propelled operation are available.

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[workinonit]

I agree with renting the proper equipment but you don't have to "drag" it in. They make feeders to go on the subsoiler shanks.

 

[mcfarmall]

I agree with renting the proper equipment but you don't have to "drag" it in. They make feeders to go on the subsoiler shanks.

And a suitable feeder is easy to make yourself!

 

[workinonit]

Absolutely. I made mine.

 

[fishdrivel]

Im looking at running a electrical wire 2,000 down a driveway( long I know) to operate gate, lighting and cameras. I believe direct burial cable is to be buried 24". Can a subsoiler trench this depth/ do this task.? if so what are the options of manufacturers. Anyone done this before?

2000 feet of cable is very expensive. A vibratory plow leaves a small tunnel that puts very little pressure on the cable. It can easily install at 24" deep and there is virtually no clean-up. You won't destroy your driveway.

2000 feet is also a lot of voltage drop. The cable must be correctly sized.
2000 feet of #4 is a lot of money. Have you considered solar?
What voltage and amps will you be drawing?

 

[jthibodeau89]

I'm on the same boat. Gate is 3000' from the house. There's a booster pump on a separate meter that is only about 1500' to the gate. Had a culvert under the driveway replaced and the track hoe operator forgot about the waterline. The good news is that there is a 2-2-2 direct bury cable laid above the water line. Repaired the cable and 2" waterline. Waterline/meter is at the gate. I plan to dig around the pump house and water meter to find the ends of the cable and see of i can use it to run 240V + neutral to the gate area from the pump house disconnect box. Don't need much current to run the battery charger and a couple LED lights. Gate is currently on solar + batteries.

Also want to add a heat tape to the backflow preventer that is at the meter. Almost froze last night with the 8° low. Letting the faucet after the BP drip until it warms up in a few days.

 

[Smokeydog]

Have some 10/2 direct bury still in service after 50 years. Nearly twice the size of the current 10/2/G now. Try to put all cable in conduit now. Trenchers are pretty cheap, fast and copper replacement is expensive. Not the time to be penny wise and a dollar foolish. Running extra conduit with pull tape might help future needs.

ATT subcontractor cleared a mule tape knot in the last 550’ conduit section of 2600’ run to the house for fiber yesterday Been a fluster buck of union vs nonunion and the 2” conduit was already installed 15 years ago.

 

[Paulynuts]

24" will be a stretch for just about any Cat 1 subsoiler. Running that deep without multiple passes to attain that depth will be even more of a stretch for your L4701. Check your local code, you may well find 18" is sufficient.

https://www.google.com/search?q=plowing+in+wire+with+a+subsoiler&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#kpvalbx=_BmPYYc_0PJqrwbkP676pyAE13

Thanks. Id figure multiple passes. Ill check local code. I thought 24 inches was minimum.

 

[Texasmark]

Im looking at running a electrical wire 2,000 down a driveway( long I know) to operate gate, lighting and cameras. I believe direct burial cable is to be buried 24". Can a subsoiler trench this depth/ do this task.? if so what are the options of manufacturers. Anyone done this before?

Go rent a trencher. The money will be spent, you will get the job done without a lot of hassle and be happier down the line for your wise decision!!!!!

 

[woody]

my gate is only 900 ft. from house and I installed solar with a deep cycle battery, I still charge the battery about once every three months it would be less but we don't want to cut more trees for more sun light to get in. I also modified a subsoiler for direct bury and to lay pex water line works well but it will not reach 24 inches.