Dog Fence Wire
A question that wire and cable distribution companies will receive from customers fairly often is about wire for an electric dog fence. Now usually people will ask for THHN wire in order to get this job done in a quick and cheap manner. That kind of wire will not work. You are going to need heavier, stronger, and a more expensive cable than just a regular THHN wire. The wire or cable you are going to need for your dog’s fence is going to need to have a heavier insulation or jacket in order to be buried in the ground.
Why not?
THHN wire is usually made with PVC insulation and it is not approved for outdoor use. This wire does not have the nylon coating that would make it acceptable for outdoor use. The wire is not water or moisture resistant and will be ruined quickly if it is put outside. The only way it would work is if you used the wire in conduit above ground; however it still cannot be buried. Most wires or cables that can be buried have additional layers of insulation or jackets to withstand the environmental conditions.
Underground Cable
Cables that are intended for use underground have a special insulation around them that allows for this kind of use. These wires are generally resistant to sunlight, water, moisture, and fungus. Some of the wires that are approved for burial have an extra layer of PVC insulation on top of their nylon jacket. The PVC and the nylon jackets work together to make the wire better resistant to extreme weather conditions as well.
It is suggested that you ask the pet shop to make sure that you buy the correct wire for the job. The wire or cable needs to have an insulation that is strong enough to withstand direct burial. You want a wire that is going to last for a long time; these kinds of long lasting heavily insulated wires are going to cost more money than a THHN wire. Some of your underground cable options are UF-B cable, USE-2 wire, and Tray cable. Each is approved for outdoor and underground use because of the stronger insulation they have.
Written by: WesBell Electronics, Inc.