bloogs

joined 1 year ago
[–] bloogs@lemmy.world 9 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I figured we were well out of the window at this point, but you're right in that it doesn't hurt to ask.

[–] bloogs@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Thank you for making me aware of AFCI breakers! I will definitely be picking one up just in case. I think I'll go with the quick solution for now. I'm thinking of getting the driveway resealed and fixed up a bit in the near future (thinking maybe Spring) so I will ask about this with them as well

[–] bloogs@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago

Thanks, you pointing out the difference between romex and UF got me to go back out and specifically check the cable. It is in fact UF. I didn't realize cable could be buried directly like this without some sort of protective conduit the whole way so didn't think to check the level of cable it was.

I think I will do what you and a handful of others suggested, and disconnect the breaker then replace the pipe from the top. I think I will also get an AFCI breaker that was also mentioned just in case.

 

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I purchased a house back in May and this was originally missed in the inspections. I have no idea how long it's been like this, but I've been thinking of how I can fix this as soon as I noticed.

The detached garage gets its power from this buried romex wire that is exposed to the elements. It looks like it was originally protected by some sort of non-outdoor conduit at some point. It's now rusted through and exposed. The ~~romex~~ UF insulation still seems intact, but I'd obviously like to protect this more permanently.

The wire is powering a single outlet and light that is just above where this exits the ground and enters the garage.

I was thinking I could use some correct type of caulk (something for asphalt?) in combination with some correct conduit to make this safer. I can probably disconnect it from the outlet and pull it through to install conduit piping from the top. Or find something outdoor rated that is more U-shaped that can be bonded to the back wall to also protect this.

Anyone have any ideas? I'd very much like to avoid digging this up completely. If I were to server this wire in the process, there's nothing I can do other than digging up the driveway.

Edit: thanks for all the comments everyone! I did go back to check and it is actually UF cable. I assumed romex but went back to check. After removing all the cobwebs and actually rubbing away the dust, I could make it out. I didn't realize you could bury any cable right into the asphalt like that.

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