UF-B Cable Explained
UF-B cable stands for underground feeder – direct burial. It is made up of smaller THHN or THWN wires just like a Romex cable. The main difference between a Romex cable and the UF-B cable is their applications. The UF-B cable is approved to be used outdoors, and underground. The Romex cable is only approved for indoor use.
Conductors and Insulation
This specific kind of UF-B cable is made with either 2 or 3 conductors, and customers have the option of ordering the cable with or without a ground wire. The conductors of the UF-B cable can be made with three variations of copper, annealed, solid, or compressed stranded copper. Each of the conductors of the UF-B cable has a PVC insulation wrapped around them. The cable also has a nylon jacket and the wire is color coded for identification purposes. The grey PVC jacket on these wires is resistant to sunlight, moisture, and fungus making this wire acceptable for use both outdoors and underground.
Applications
The UF-B cables are used for outdoor electrical applications. They can go directly in the ground with or without conduit. The wires come in sizes 14, 12, 10, 8, and 6 AWG. The wire is built tough to be able to withstand the difficult outdoor weather. If you need an underground electrical cable this is generally your best option. You can use it in conduit underground but that is not necessary seeing as how the PVC insulation is resistant to water, sunlight, and fungus.
UF-B cable is made to be used underground. It is a direct burial cable and there is no need to use conduit when installing this wire. The UF-B cable only comes in the one color. That PVC insulation is resistant to a number of things such as moisture, fungus, and sunlight. The Southwire UF-B cable meets all UL standards and the requirements of the National Electric Code as well so customers can be assured they are getting a quality product.
Written by: WesBell Electronics Inc.