I've also heard it called Romex in other parts of the country, romar or romex it's the same stuff. I think both are brand names that have become common, like xerox for any copier or jetski or waverunner for any PWC.
Say you have a buried romar cable that is not in any kind of pipe, and the excavator building your new pool finds it because it's not where it was supposed to be. Never mind why it wasn't on the code enforcement department or city planning department maps, we all know why and we don't want to talk about it, besides that was two owners ago.
The romar has to be rerouted, not a problem as I have a trench shovel and plenty of spare cable from when I (legally) installed a buried electric line, in code and with permits, in a PVC pipe, in another house a few years ago. All I have to do is splice in a 20' piece in the middle.
My plan is to tie in at both ends with cap-type twist wire splices, tape up with electrical tape, then cover that with several layers of duct tape, then bury it. Will this work? Is there something else I should use also or instead? Shrink tubing is not an option.
romex makes a direct burial cable. it might be up to code. anything that includes underground and duct tape is not a good combo. resin splices are ok but you have to make sure it is done good and right. replacing the whole cable is the safest way. or you could have the slice ends come out of the ground in a junction.(put a small flower garden around it for looks)
or pretend you didn't see it and fill the hole back in, and put the poll elsewhere.
Lucas, You would have to look at local codes, but as far as the NEC is concerned, splices that haven't been sufficiently weather proofed or placed in a junction box are a no-no. Both suggestions by Scotty and Topher are right. you can do a splice job using a 3M scotchcast resin splice kit, or you can put in a "Christy" box, which is an in ground junction box. The fact that you're planning on splicing a 20 foot section in the middle of the run implies that you would actually need to install 2 boxes, one at each splice point. Personnaly, I wouldn't want 2 christy boxes in my back yard - the utility company already has two in the front. So, hopefully that will give you the info you need.
they make direct burial wire nuts, it has some type of gel substance inside that protects it. WE have used them on many light pole projects around the stations and whats not.
Thanks for all the replies. I bought a couple splice kits at the local HD. I went over the local codes with the guy at the electrical department, then checked the city website.
I found out the cable is UFB or UFWG, it was on the shelf next to the Romex and above the Romar.
