Electrical Experts

There is no National Electrical Code prohibition against running UF wire in conduit for additional protection. Some local codes may frown upon it, and some local inspectors may have a problem with it, but there's no nationwide prohibition. As a technical matter, the ampacity should be OK despite the double layer of insulation -- UF conductors (like Romex) are rated for 90 degree (C) service, but the ampacity of 10, 12, and 14 AWG a limited to those from the 60 degree (C) table by other sections of the NEC.

It would not be fun to pull a flat cable assembly through very many turns of conduit. A straight shot should be OK.

The wire guage for submersible pump wiring is usually limited by voltage drop long before the ampacity limits are approached. A pump that could be adequately served by 14 AWG wire would have to be very close to the house, not far down the well, and not of very much horsepower. Starting performance, especially, will not be good with a long run of such light wire.

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Bury it 2 feet deep and forget the pipe. Use PVC conduit where the cable enters and exits the ground, direct burial is OK elsewhere. Don't use PVC water pipe, it isn't intended for exposure to sunlight.

I just finished helping a neighbor bury a wire over to a well, to replace a piece of old Romex the neighbors late father had strung overhead to the well. We bought 10/2 w/grd UF cable and intended to bury it direct. The ground is rocky and we were afraid of problems later on so we used 3/4 bellmouth PVC elect conduit for the 60 ft run. even with pull lube it was a bear, me pulling, the neighbor feeding it in.

What you want to do, yes it will work (if the run is not too far) and yes it will last a long time. Is it per code? I'm not sure but I doubt it is. use proper electrical PVC conduit and ends, you will be better off. The bellmouths are easy to glue and you can use the 90 and 45 pre bent pieces so you go box to box with the conduit. Whether its Romex, or Individual THHN wires inside really won't matter much, but don't quote me as saying its legal.

Charles

This is a much better arraingment than what the neighbor originally had. Their now deceased father had, years ago, strung a 12/2 w/grd ROMEX overhead from the house to a pole some 60 ft away (with no supporting wire even!!!, where it went underground the last few feet to the well (actually using UF, probably installed by the well drillers).

In the case of the lamppost, Buickanddeere has it right, run a netural and two hots and install the GFCI weather proof outlet, especially if we are talking any distance, say 100 ft. where extension cords from the house are not feasable for elect trimmers, christmas lights,etc., but loads and amp capacity have to be considered too.

I am not an electrician, but have asked enough questions of two pros I know to know more than alot of so called electricians. I have a small library of references, that have distilled the huge, cumbersome NEC into the useful information for the average residential/shop/farm.

I always try to verify anything anyone tells me, especially if it doesn't seem right. I'm an aircraft mechanic by trade (airline) and rules, regulations, and policies and procedures are a way of life for me.

Charles