Real Difference Between Wet Location Cable & Direct Burial Cable
Summary: Wet location cable and direct burial cable serve different purposes in challenging environments. While wet location wire is designed for moisture-resistant applications above ground or in conduits, burial cable is specifically engineered for underground installation without additional protection. Understanding these differences is essential for proper cable selection and installation.
When it comes to electrical and communication installations in challenging environments, choosing the right cable type can mean the difference between a reliable system and potential failure. The two main types of cables designed for harsh conditions are wet location cable and direct burial cable, each with its unique characteristics and applications.
What is Wet Location Wire?
Wet location wire, also known as wet location cable, is specifically engineered to withstand environments where moisture, rain, or even direct water contact is likely. These cables feature insulation and jackets made from materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), or fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), all designed to resist water ingress and prevent corrosion of the internal conductors.
Key Features of Wet Location Cables
- Water-Resistant Insulation: Prevents moisture from penetrating and damaging the conductors.
- Durable Outer Jacket: Often made from UV-resistant materials to withstand sunlight and temperature extremes.
- Flexible Applications: Suitable for exposed outdoor environments, such as landscape lighting, irrigation, pool and spa equipment, and outdoor audio/video systems.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many of these cables are UL-listed, meeting strict safety and performance standards required by building codes.
Typical Uses of Wet Location Cables
- Landscape and walkway lighting
- Security lighting and sensors
- Irrigation and sprinkler systems
- Pool, spa, and fountain equipment
- Outdoor audio/video installations
- Data networks (outdoor)
Tip: Wet location wire is essential wherever electrical wiring is exposed to the elements but not buried directly underground.
What is Direct Burial Wire?
Direct burial wire, or direct burial cable, is designed for the most demanding installations – those where the cable is placed directly in the ground without the protection of conduit. These cables must withstand constant exposure to soil moisture, pressure from rocks and soil, and even the risk of being crushed by heavy loads above.
Key Features of these Cables
- Heavy-Duty Jacket: Usually made from rugged polyethylene (PE) or thermoset materials for superior water and crush resistance.
- Water-Blocking Technology: Includes gel, water-blocking tape, or special fillers to prevent moisture migration into the cable core.
- Crush and Impact Resistance: Built to survive underground pressures and impacts from digging or shifting soil.
- UL Direct Burial Rating: Certified to meet water absorption and crush-resistance standards, ensuring long-term reliability.
Typical Uses of Direct Burial Cables
- Underground power lines
- Buried network and communication cables
- Outdoor security systems with underground runs
- Any installation where cables are placed directly in soil, sand, or gravel
Note: Direct burial wire is your best choice for any underground installation where conduit is not used.
Difference Between Wet Location Cable and Direct Burial Cable
While both cables are designed for outdoor use and have moisture-resistant properties, their specific designs cater to different environmental stresses. Understanding these key differences is crucial for selecting the right cable for your application:
| Feature | Wet Location Cable | Direct Burial Cable |
Primary Hazard | Constant or frequent moisture exposure | Physical damage from burial, soil chemicals, and moisture |
Outer Jacket | Focus on waterproofing, may be less abrasion-resistant | Thick, abrasion-resistant, often made of HDPE |
Moisture Barrier | Robust, often integral to the jacket, and internal fillers | Typically includes a dedicated moisture barrier layer |
Mechanical Protection | May be less emphasized compared to direct burial | Highly emphasized due to direct contact with soil elements |
Burial Suitability | Suitable for wet underground conduits, not direct burial | Specifically designed for direct burial in the earth |
Cost | Generally less expensive than burial cables | Typically more expensive due to robust construction |
Common Applications | Wet conduits, damp industrial/agricultural areas, and submerged applications | Underground power to outbuildings, landscape lighting, and irrigation systems |
Still unsure which cable is right for your project?
Take a moment to ask a Remee expert for personalized guidance on choosing the ideal cable for your installation conditions.
It’s important to note that while some direct burial cables may also be suitable for wet locations, the reverse is generally not true. Using a standard wet location wire for direct burial will likely lead to premature failure due to inadequate protection against physical damage and soil conditions.
What Are the Key Differences in Installation?
Understanding the installation differences between wet location and direct burial cables is essential for safe and code-compliant work.
Installation Considerations for Wet Location Cable:
- Must be used with conduit: Especially when installed underground or in contact with soil.
- More flexible routing: Easier to route through corners and existing structures.
- Accessible: Easier to remove or replace compared to buried options.
- Lower material costs, but conduit installation adds labor.
Installation Considerations for Direct Burial Cable:
- No conduit required: Can be placed directly in trenches or ducts.
- More durable materials are required, increasing upfront costs.
- More planning needed: Once buried, access is limited – mistakes can be costly.
- Higher resistance to the environment, but less flexibility during installation.
If you’re designing a custom cable setup and want expert input, submit your custom cable request – Remee’s team is ready to help you engineer a solution that meets your project’s exact needs.
Compliance & Safety Tips: Choosing the Right Cable Type
Whether you’re installing a wet location wire or direct burial wire, follow these best practices to ensure safety, code compliance, and long-lasting performance.
Key Tips:
- Know your local electrical codes: NEC Section 310 outlines requirements for both cable types.
- Mark your installations: Especially for buried cables, to avoid accidental future damage.
- Use certified products: Always select UL-listed and NEC-compliant cables.
- Avoid mixing cable types: Choose one appropriate cable type for the entire length of the run to avoid performance issues.
How to Choose Between Wet Location Cable and Direct Burial Cable
Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:
- Is your cable going directly into the soil?
→ Choose direct burial cable - Is the cable exposed to rain or humidity, but protected by conduit?
→ Go with wet location cable - Is the cable permanent, and will it be difficult to access later?
→ Use direct burial wire for longevity - Is the route above ground or inside a structure?
→ A wet location wire may be sufficient
When in doubt, consult a qualified electrician or contact cable experts for tailored advice.
Both wet location and direct burial cables are essential for safe, efficient wiring in moisture-rich or outdoor environments. Understanding their differences – in materials, installation, and protection – is the key to a successful and compliant project.
- Use wet location wire when moisture is a factor, but conduit is available.
- Opt for direct burial wire when long-term underground durability is required.
Remee Wire & Cable offers a wide selection of both cable types, backed by decades of expertise, innovation, and performance in the field.