Wiktor Wise
Underground electricity cables are an increasingly popular option for new residential areas. They are also a great choice for small backyard electrical projects. If you are served by underground power lines, you are responsible for any underground utility service cables that run from your property line up to and including your power meter socket. Homeowners are responsible for the underground power line from the property line to the meter, as well as the conduit and the wire within, and the meter box components. If you are thinking of making additions to your electrical panel or upgrading your power service, it is recommended that you speak with a qualified electrician.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is responsible for underground electricity cables? | The ownership, installation, and maintenance of underground electric service connections to individual dwellings are usually the responsibility of the customer/homeowner. EPCOR is responsible for the power meter and the service line from the transformer to the property line. |
| What to consider when burying underground electrical cables? | The type of soil, the depth of the trench, the type of conduit, wire, or cable, and the use of trenching machines. |
| When to hire an electrician? | When making additions to your electrical panel or upgrading your power service. |
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What You'll Learn
If you have underground power cables
If your home is served by underground power lines, you are responsible for the underground power cables and meter box components on your property. Specifically, you are responsible for any underground utility service cables running from your property line up to and including your power meter socket. These cables would have been installed by the builder or developer when your property was constructed. As a homeowner, you are also responsible for any underground lines connecting a detached garage or other structures to your home.
It is important to note that any modifications or upgrades to your electrical panel or power service should be done by a qualified electrician. Before undertaking any electrical work, it is recommended to consult with professionals and obtain any necessary permits and inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to avoid potential insurance issues.
The installation and maintenance of underground electric service connections are typically the responsibility of the customer or property owner. However, telephone companies have assumed responsibility for underground service within their service areas, and power companies may adopt similar policies in the future to reduce costs.
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The power company's responsibility
On the other hand, some power companies may only be responsible for the aerial service line and the power meter, leaving the customer or homeowner responsible for the underground power line from the property line to the power meter, as well as the conduit, wire, and meter box components. This is especially true for underground electric service connections, where the ownership, installation, and maintenance are typically the responsibility of the customer.
It is important to note that the planning and installation process for underground wiring can be more complex and costly than overhead power lines. Power companies and developers must carefully plan the system to ensure it is economical, maintainable, and safe.
Additionally, there may be variations in the design of underground systems due to different planning approaches taken by utilities. Overhead power lines are more flexible and can be modified more easily, whereas underground systems require more planning to ensure they meet the changing needs of the community.
To clarify the specific responsibilities of the power company and the customer, it is recommended to refer to the relevant power company's guidelines or seek advice from a qualified electrician.
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Your responsibility
If you live in a neighbourhood served by underground power cables, you are responsible for any underground utility service cables that run from your property line up to and including your power meter socket. These lines are usually installed by the builder or developer when your property is built. As a homeowner, you are responsible for the underground power line from the property line to the power meter, as well as the conduit and the wire within, and the meter box components.
If you have a detached garage, you are also responsible for any underground lines that connect your garage to your home. These lines are also typically installed by the builder or developer. It is important to note that any additions or upgrades to your electrical panel should be done by a qualified electrician.
In terms of maintenance and repairs, it is the customer's responsibility to maintain and repair underground electric service connections to their dwelling. This includes repairs to frayed service cables on the outside of the home.
When installing underground electrical wiring, there are a few options to consider. The type of soil you have will determine the amount of digging required and the depth of your trench. If you have granular soil that is easy to dig, you may be able to save on electrical materials by digging deeper and potentially avoiding the need for metal or plastic conduit to protect the wiring. On the other hand, if you have rocky soil, heavy clay, or encounter tree roots, you can minimise digging by using conduit to protect the wiring.
Overall, as the property owner, you are responsible for the underground power cables and associated components on your property, and it is important to consult qualified professionals for any installations, maintenance, or repairs.
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Underground wiring installation
If you live in a neighbourhood served by underground power cables, you are responsible for any underground utility service cables that run from your property line up to and including your power meter socket. These lines are usually installed by the builder or developer when your property is built.
Planning:
- Determine the scope of work: Identify the purpose of the underground wiring, such as powering a garage, shed, garden pond, or lamp post. This will help you understand the required voltage and distance for the wiring.
- Check local codes and regulations: Familiarize yourself with the National Electrical Code and local building codes to understand the requirements for trench depth, conduit material, and types of electrical wire. Contact your local building inspection department to find out if permits and inspections are necessary.
- Assess the soil type and digging requirements: Evaluate the soil type in your yard. If you have granular soil that is easy to dig, you may be able to save on electrical materials by digging deeper. Decide on the trench depth and determine the type of wiring and conduit needed.
Installation:
- Call before you dig: Contact local utility companies to mark existing underground utilities. This step is crucial to avoid damaging any buried water lines, electrical lines, or sewage drains.
- Dig the trench: Use a trenching shovel or rent a trencher for longer distances. Follow the depth requirements for the specific wiring and conduit you are using.
- Install the conduit and cable: Choose the appropriate conduit material, such as galvanized rigid metal electrical conduit (EMT), PVC conduit, or plastic conduit, based on your local code requirements. Feed the cable through the conduit, ensuring that the wires are rated for use in wet locations, such as Type THWN-2. Secure the conduit in place and screw the conduit outlet bodies to the exterior and interior walls.
- Make electrical connections: After feeding the cable into the building, make the final wire connections at the main electrical panel. It is recommended to have a licensed electrician handle these connections to ensure safety and compliance.
Undertaking an underground wiring installation project requires careful consideration of safety precautions and local regulations. If you have any doubts or concerns, it is always best to consult with a qualified electrician or seek guidance from resources like the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta.
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Maintenance and repairs
If you live in a neighbourhood served by underground power cables, you are responsible for the underground power line from your property line to the power meter, as well as the conduit and the wire within, and the meter box components. These lines are usually installed by the builder or developer when your property is constructed.
As the property owner, you are responsible for any underground utility service cables that run from your property line up to and including your power meter socket. This includes any underground lines that may connect your detached garage to your home.
If you are considering making additions to your electrical panel or upgrading your power service, it is recommended that you consult a qualified electrician. Repairs to frayed electrical service cables on the outside of your home are also the responsibility of the homeowner.
There are four common options for running underground electrical wiring through your yard. The best option depends on the type of soil you have. If the soil is granular and easy to dig, you may be able to save money on electrical materials by digging deep and potentially avoiding the need to install metal or plastic conduit to protect the wiring. Conversely, if the soil is rocky or heavy clay, or there are lots of tree roots, you can minimise digging and protect the wiring with metal or plastic conduit. Walk-behind trenching machines that dig down to 24 inches are available for rent at hardware stores, home centres, and equipment rental outlets.
When installing underground wiring, it is important to use the correct type of wiring and conduit. For example, galvanised rigid metal electrical conduit with individual insulated wires should be installed six inches deep, while PVC conduit with individual insulated wires should be installed 18 inches deep. Wires must be rated for use in a wet location, such as Type THWN-2 (thermoplastic/wet location/nylon jacket).
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Frequently asked questions
The responsibility for repairing underground electricity cables falls on the homeowner. This includes any underground lines that may connect a detached garage to the home.
The power company is responsible for the power meter and the service line from the transformer to the property line.
Before making any changes to your electrical panel, it is recommended that you speak with a qualified electrician.
