Running power lines up to 1000 feet is a very long distance. You can run lines properly if you follow the right rules. The matter of concern is the cost since the distance is so long. Today, we will share the required cost for installation, both overhead and underground. 

Running the power lines for 1000 feet can cost about $4,500-$20,000. It will be less in the case of overhead power lines, around $5000-$10,000, and higher for underground power lines, $10,000-$20,000. The cost may vary depending on terrain difficulty and the cable and conduit used for the same.

The costs can be either more or less based on the location, work difficulty, utility companies, discount offers, doing work yourself, etc. This article will give a detailed guide about the cost of the power line installation 1000 feet. 

What is the difference between underground and overhead power lines?

The power lines for 1000 feet can be run both overhead and underground. It depends on the house owner’s choice. 

Both have their benefits and drawbacks. 

Some people prefer underground power lines, and some go for overhead power lines.

Underground lines

Underground lines are very costly. But the benefits they provide us are worth the cost:

• The power lines cannot get bent or disturbed by any trees or debris. They will remain in their position. 
• The underground lines stay safe during heavy rains and thunderstorms. 
• Underground power lines are known to lose less power than overhead lines. So they will last longer. 
• No one can tamper with the underground lines. 

Despite these benefits, a drawback of this power line is they will not remain safe if you live in flood-prone areas like New South Wales. 

The underground power lines installation cost can also increase based on the underlying topography. 

Overhead power lines

Overhead power lines are not as beneficial as the underground, but they can still benefit you in the following ways:

• The troubles in the power lines can be easily identified and fixed anytime. 
• The lines may get affected by thunderstorms but not by floods. So you can install them in flood-prone areas. 
• The overhead power lines are cheaper than the underground lines.

Also read: Who Is Responsible For Power Line From Pole To House?

What is the cost to run power 1000 feet?

The average cost to run the power lines 1000 feet is around $4,500 to $20,000. 

The price may sometimes rise to $30,000, depending on the location or other factors. 

Many factors determine the cost of running the power lines at such distances. 

Also read: How Much Does It Cost To Run Power Lines Underground?

Below are the factors and the estimated cost:

Overhead and underground lines

You have learned that overhead power lines are cheaper than underground ones. 

As a result, the cost for the two individual procedures will hugely differ. 

The average high and low-end cost is between $4,500 and $20,000.

If you want to run the power lines 1000 feet overhead, it can cost somewhere between $4,000 to $5,000. 

But, for running the power lines underground, expect the price to be around $10,000 to $30,000. 

In some places, an approximate cost to run power lines underground at such a distance is around $8,250.  

The overhead power line installation costs $10 per foot in some areas. 

In that case, the overhead will cost $10,000 for 1000 feet. 

Since underground is costly, it will start at $30-$40 per foot. 

In that case, the underground cost would be nearly $30,000 to $40,000. 

The cost will be more if you add the other expenses like the wire, trenching, or labor per hour. 

It can stay within $30,000, too, depending on the area you live in and the work challenge. 

Labor costs

The labor costs also add to this approximate range. 

The amount will vary depending on the work duration and difficulty. 

The whole project is divided among contractors – some plan the layout, dig trenches, and install conduits for underground purposes.

Generally, you will pay the whole amount to the general contractors. 

They will further divide themselves. 

Here is an estimated breakdown of the total payable amount:

• The general contractors will take 10% to 20% of the total project cost.
• The trench specialists will charge around $400 to $1,200.
• The electricians will charge $50 to $100 per hour, based on the work difficulty. 

Equipment cost

For such large projects, you will need both smaller and larger equipment. 

They will take up at least 30% to 40% of expenses from the total project bill. 

One includes an excavating machine to create trenches for underground power lines. 

Renting the digger would cost around $300 to $550 per day. 

Trench work

Trench work payment includes both the machine and the workers.

The trenching machine you rent would require $300 to $550 daily. 

You need to pay the contractor around $400 to $1,200. 

It may vary if the contractors charge a certain amount for every foot. 

Ask your contractor about it.

You can save excavators’ expenses by trenching yourself. 

You pay only for renting the excavating machine. 

For that, you must have the experience to create trenches. 

However, I don’t recommend that since it is a large project. 

Hiring professionals is always better. 

You may end up hurting other underground lines.

If you must do it yourself, call for dig-safe to help you mark certain locations where you should not use the digging machine. 

You should have a license to do this work.

Conduit

A conduit is a tube through which you will run the conductors. 

The conduits protect the wires from all physical damage. 

The type of conduit you chose for this work can affect the price. 

Generally, the average cost of conduits is $8 per linear foot.

Most house owners use galvanized rigid metal or PVC Schedule 40 conduits. 

The galvanized metal conduits are waterproof and good for shorter trenches in the raceway or direct burial.

The PVC conduits are lighter and more expensive. 

They are topped with a concrete finish to be safe from harsh weather conditions. 

The PVC Schedule 40 conduits come in different types – the regular and the non-metallic 0.5 inches. 

The non-metallics add an extra $0.25 per foot. 

Wire cost 

The common wires are copper wires for both overhead and underground power lines. 

Copper wires are the best ones as they are good conductors of electricity. 

They can carry enough current loads for longer distances without overheating. 

Aluminum is also a good choice but only good for a short distance. 

The wires get heated up easily. 

You can negotiate with your power company and ask for their suggestions. 

The cost will vary depending on the amp service. 

For example, if you use a 150 or 200-amp circuit, which is common in most standard houses, you will require a 1-2 AWG copper wire. 

Copper would be best for such long distances.

A 2 AWG copper wire for 1000 feet would cost nearly $1,600. 

1 AWG would cost more. 

You can save some money by buying copper-clad aluminum. 

These wires have copper fittings at the end, giving some copper benefits. 

Experts suggest using pure copper due to the distance.

Amp services

Higher amp services will need low gauge numbers. 

The lower the gauge number, the higher the price. 

A 200 amp requires 2 AWG wires, and a 400 amp service will require 1,000 kcmil wire. 

For instance, if a 200 amp power line installation costs $8,000, a 400 amp service will cost nearly $15,000.

Similarly, it can cost nearly $2,000-$3,000 to install power lines for a 50 amp circuit. 

The price can change based on overhead and underground. 

You need to discuss that with your power company.

Also read:

• What Size Wire Do I Need For 125 AMP Service?
• What Size Wire Do I Use For 150 AMP Service?
• Wire Size For 100 AMP Service: Complete Table And Chart
• Wire Size For 200 AMP Service: Complete Table And Chart

Location

The surrounding condition of your living area can affect the project price, especially during the underground power line installation. 

If there are many trees, you need laborers to cut them down and pay them extra money. 

But you can save this extra expense if there aren’t any trees.

Installing power lines in urban areas will charge at least 10 to 15 times more than in rural areas.

For underground power lines, the conduit price can be nearly around $20 to $40 per foot. 

So, if you live in a very modern or provincial location, the prices might be more than those mentioned in this article. 

Utility company

Some good companies provide good offers and discounts for contacting them. 

You need to look out for those good companies and choose the right option for offers to save extra money. 

Besides, these companies will help speed up the project work and do everything correctly. 

That would help in avoiding silly mistakes and saving you from extra charges. 

What does the local code say about running power lines 1000 feet?

Before you start working on the project, you must go through the NEC and the local codes. 

You must abide by the NEC (National Electric Code) rules if your locality does not have its local codes. 

But if you have local codes which are different from what NEC mentions, you should prioritize the local codes and ignore the NEC codes. 

If you want to do any work by yourself related to the project, ensure you are experienced enough and have the license to do such jobs. 

Some people try saving money during the underground power lines by trenching. 

But they must possess the license. 

If your local code doesn’t allow a layperson for it, you have to hire licensed contractors. 

It is always the best option because they can do the work perfectly and faster than you without committing mistakes. 

Can I save money?

As you know, installing the power lines overhead and underground is quite costly, the latter being very expensive. 

So, here are some tips to save money while running the power lines:

• Find a good company that offers you very good offers and discounts. They will also do the work much better and faster without any mistakes. 
• Research the codes, permits, and rules required for such huge projects. It helps you avoid extra charges while violating the rules and not having the required permissions.
• Use your experience in collecting the right equipment and electrical trade. Some house owners are experts and have licenses for such work as trenching.
• Since the project is large, the money to invest is a lot. So, you spend your money carefully. Avoid making mistakes, as that can demand more expenses. It is better to hire professionals than to do it yourself, no matter how experienced you are. 

Final thoughts

The exact cost to run the power lines for 1000 feet, both overhead and underground, is difficult to determine. 

However, an average cost range would be between $4,500 and $20,000. 

Sometimes, the price can rise to $30,000 and $40,000 depending on the cost of labor, work challenge, location, and other things. 

The prices in urban areas are 10-15 times higher than in rural areas. 

So, you should be ready for it. 

It is best to hire experts. 

They will do things quickly and correctly. 

Even if you have experience, you might make mistakes, like hurting the underground pipelines. 

That will increase the price. 

Data Source: National Electrical Code, NEC Wire Table,  Electrical wiring, Home wiring.

You can run power lines around 500 feet overhead and underground. But the cost will be different. The underground power lines are better than the overhead lines as they have many benefits. Today, we shall discuss the cost of the power lines running 500 feet. 

Running the power lines for 500 feet can cost about $4,500-$20,000. Underground lines cost around $10,000 to $30,000. On the contrary, overhead line installation costs between $5,000 and $10,000. The cost may vary depending on terrain difficulty and the cable and conduit used for the same.

The cost may vary depending on various factors like the location, weather conditions, time taken for installation, labor cost per hour, etc. Sometimes, you may receive a discount from the utility company. This guide will give you detailed information about the cost of running power lines 500 feet. 

Underground vs. overhead power lines 

The house owners run power lines either overhead or underground. 

Both procedures have their advantages and disadvantages. 

Some prefer underground power lines, and some have overhead power lines. 

Benefits of underground power lines

Underground power lines are better than overhead power lines because:

• These lines cannot bend downwards due to the trees or debris. Since it is underground, it will remain in its place. 
• These lines do not get affected by any rains or thunderstorms. 
• Underground power lines lose much less power than overhead power lines, and thus, they last longer. 
• The underground lines remain secure, and no one can tamper with them. 

Despite these benefits, underground power lines are not used in some places because they are more costly than overhead power lines. 

But since it has so many benefits, the cost is worth it.

Benefits of overhead power lines

The overhead power lines can benefit you in the following ways:

• Overhead power lines are cheaper than underground lines. 
• Underground lines might get affected while digging the ground. You won’t face such issues with overhead lines. 
• The overhead power lines are not affected by floods like the underground lines. 
• The problems in the overhead power lines can be easily identified and fixed. It is quite tough for the underground lines. 

Also read: Who Is Responsible For Power Line From Pole To House?

What is the cost to run power 500 feet?

You can run the power lines for 500 feet overhead and underground. 

The cost will vary as the overhead power lines are cheaper than the underground ones. 

For installing underground power lines 500 feet away, the price range would be between $10,000 and $30,000, including the labor charges. 

It will also change depending on your living area. 

The price range for installing power lines overhead will be nearly $5,000. It may increase or decrease depending on location. 

In some places, the labor cost and the work challenges can change the average cost of power line installation. 

So, there is no exact cost to share with you. 

These are the average costs, which may change based on different factors. 

Sometimes, the charges will be less as some utility companies will give you discounts or offers for contacting them or on special occasions. 

You can also decrease the charges by doing some work yourself without anyone’s help. But that is risky, and you may delay the work. 

So, it is always better to consult contractors. 

Also read: How Much Does It Cost To Run Power Lines Underground?

Contact the utility company for a discount.

You will have to contact the power company, no matter how you want to complete this job. 

Sometimes, you will see that the company’s contractors should be doing this job. 

Sometimes, the companies give you a good discount and even work for free. 

It is possible up to a certain distance. 

You may have to give $4,000 for overhead wire installation or $12,000 for underground power line installation.

Some companies do this work for free up to a certain distance. 

If your wire installation distance exceeds that, your contractor will charge for that extra distance. 

For example, some companies work for free up to 100 feet. 

So, you will have to pay for the remaining 400 feet. 

In that way, you will be able to save money. 

You will have to find out the options and then approach for working. 

Labor costs

The labor costs are different according to installation methods and different areas. 

You deliver a payment to the general contractors, and then it gets divided among the contractors, subcontractors, and electricians:

• General contractors take 10-20% of the total project cost. 
• The excavator contractors take $400-$1,200
• The licensed electrician will take $50-$100 per hour.

Trenching costs

It is necessary for underground power lines where you need to dig trenches to run the power lines through conduits. 

You have to pay the contractors for trenching. 

Here, you will require trenching equipment and laborers for the trenching job. 

Hiring contractors for trenching would cost around $800 for every 100 linear feet. 

So, if you want to run power lines for 500 feet, trenching costs will be around $4,000. 

If you have the equipment and experience in trenching, you can save money by doing it yourself. 

Before you do it, you need to know and gather the required materials for trenching according to the project size. 

If you are experienced in trenching, you can rent only the excavator for $300 to $500 daily and trench yourself. 

Ultimately, I suggest hiring an expert to do such work. You may know digging, but a contractor will do the job better and faster. 

There are multiple lines underground. You might hurt them and end up spending more money than saving. 

You can call dig-safe to mark out these locations where digging should not be done, and then you can opt for trench digging. 

Wire cost for 500 feet

There are multiple wires to use for electrical purposes. 

But the common ones are copper wires. 

Copper wires are very expensive. 

So, getting copper wires for 500 feet is quite expensive. 

Another option is aluminum or copper-clad aluminum wires. 

Copper wires can carry more current without overheating than aluminum or copper-clad aluminum. 

Due to this confusion, you should ask your power company and negotiate with them to find the right wire type and get help with discounts. 

The wire cost will also vary depending on the gauge number and the amp service. 

For example, if you have a 200 amp service, you require a 2 AWG wire. 

Here, copper wires would be a better choice because the distance is too much. 

The aluminum wires are incapable of running 500 feet. They will get overheated easily.

A 2 AWG copper wire for 500 feet would cost around $800. 

You can save money by using copper-clad aluminum wires. 

These are not better than pure copper but better than pure aluminum. 

It contains some copper fittings at the end that give some copper benefits. 

However, experts still suggest using pure copper for such long distances. 

Also read:

• What Size Wire Do I Need For 125 AMP Service?
• What Size Wire Do I Use For 150 AMP Service?
• Wire Size For 100 AMP Service: Complete Table And Chart
• Wire Size For 200 AMP Service: Complete Table And Chart

Cost for electrical conduits

Conduits are needed to run the power lines underground. 

Conduits protect the wires from physical damage and increase their lifespan. 

It is mostly required for underground power line purposes. 

The trench is dug to run the wires through the conduit underground.

To run the conduits, you must pay around $8 per foot, including the labor cost. 

So, you will have to spend another $4,000 for 500 feet of underground power lines. 

Other costs may also appear, like for the 200 amp service. 

You might need to pay less if you power smaller services. 

Cost for power line per pole

To run wires for power lines 500 feet away, you must have a pole installed inside your property. 

You will again have to pay money to install the pole. The price for putting a pole will vary depending on your area. 

Generally, the average cost of putting a pole in one’s property is around $1,200, including the labor and equipment.

The cost will also include the transformer and wire prices. 

You will have to get in touch with the power company to confirm whether your project will require this pole or not. 

Additional charges

You will have to pay additional charges of around $2 to $7 per 10 feet for the materials if the electrical firms do the conduit procedure. 

If you need a new amp service, you will have to pay an extra $400 to $600. 

It happens in some cases. 

Another circumstance where you will have to pay extra is for the enhancement of the panel. 

That would cost you $100-$200.

The power line upgrade can sometimes cost nearly $1,500, depending on the location and electric company.

More charges will apply if there is any hindrance while trenching. 

The cost of power lines depends on different amps.

There is no fixed or average cost depending on the different amps. It varies depending on the location. 

Suppose I consider the maximum amp to be 300 amp, and the average cost to run power lines for 500 feet is $30,000.

In that case, the cost for the lower amps will be less than $30,000 but more than $10,000. 

For a 50 amp, running power lines up to 500 feet may cost around $1,500 to $4,000, including the labor and materials. 

On the contrary, the cost to run power lines for 200 amps could be more or less than $15,000, depending on the location and utility company’s demands. 

The lower the amp, the lower the cost. 

The underground power lines will charge more than the overhead lines. 

Suppose you run power lines 500 feet in 50 amps; the overhead charges will be around $4,000. But for underground, it could nearly reach $10,000.

These are not the exact costs, but average and approximate, based on what I have experienced. 

For the perfect cost, you have to consult the utility company.

Check for the local codes.

 Before doing anything, you have to consider the NEC and local codes. 

The contractors must abide by the rules and regulations mentioned in the NEC (National Electric Code). 

However, you can ignore it if your local codes are different. 

In that case, you have to work according to the local codes. 

They are more important than NEC.

Some places will require fewer materials or other stipulations while doing the project. 

If you run the power yourself, you must hire a licensed company to do the work, and they will have to pull a permit for that. 

However, I do not suggest you do such a thing. 

It is always best to hire electricians and contractors for doing such large projects and abide by the local codes. 

Tips to save money

 As you can see, installing the power lines for 500 feet is very costly, both overhead and underground, the latter being the most expensive. 

So, I am going to share some tips to save money. 

I have already shared two, like looking for discounts or trenching yourself. 

But, sometimes, trenching yourself is not enough. 

At one point, you will require experts.

Here are the tips to save money while installing power lines for 500 feet:

Select a good company

You will have to pay money to install these services. 

So, try saving money by consulting good companies that can provide you with multiple offers and discounts. 

Good companies will provide you with offers and get your installation done faster and correctly. It will save you from spending extra charges for costly mistakes. 

Research the codes, rules, and permits before starting the work

You must research the local codes, the rules, and the permission required before you start this work. 

It will save you a lot of tension and extra costs. 

You will be able to make an approximate range to spend on this project and the loss you can face if you do not work according to the rules.

Starting a project and then getting it shut down while violating the local codes and rules is very sad and frustrating. 

Use your experience

Suppose you have expertise in gathering the right materials or electrical trade. 

In that case, you can save extra money behind it. 

For example, if you have experience in trenching, you can do it yourself. 

All you need is to get the right materials at rent. 

You can only do this if you have proper experience and license for the work. 

Otherwise, you have to consult the contractors for trenching. 

Only pay for what you require.

Such a huge amount of money is worth it if you spend it on bigger projects. 

If you opt to run the power lines for smaller appliances and do not require any power for your house, you can do that yourself. 

Besides, you can save money using aluminum or copper-clad aluminum wires, provided the distances are shorter. 

Final thoughts

The cost to run power 500 feet varies depending on various situations, like the location, condition of the weather, the work challenges, etc. 

The cost includes the amp service, the wire gauge material and size, the conduits, the pole, and trenching.

But, to be approximate, the average cost to run power lines for 500 feet costs around $10,000 to $30,000. 

That is the rate for underground lines. 

For overhead, it is cheap, around $4,000-$5,000. 

It could be more depending on the factors.

You will have to pay additional charges if you want to install a new amp service, upgrade a power line, or if there is any issue while trenching. 

FAQs

How much does it cost to install a 50 amp service?

The cost for a 50 amp service will vary based on your living area. 

However, you can expect an average range between $1,500 and $2,000, including the wire, service box, and circuit breaker box. 

It is the average cost for smaller projects.

Can we have temporary power from the utility company?

Yes, sometimes you can receive temporary power from the utility company of your locality. 

It is good if you have been building a home recently and require power for some work. 

This temporary power will also help establish the connection with the power company. 

You can get a quick response from them whenever you need them.

Data Source: National Electrical Code, NEC Wire Table,  Electrical wiring, Home wiring.

Installing an underground power line requires multiple professional electricians. Since it is quite a serious and big job, you will require the best contractors to install the underground electrical lines by following the right codes.

The average cost of underground installing power lines is roughly $12,250 for a distance of 1500 feet in good terrain. However, the cost may vary from around $4,500 to $20,000 depending on the distance between the pole and home, terrain difficulty, and types of cable and conduit used for the same.

The cost includes tools, labor, the time needed for installation, improvements, etc. In this article, we will explore the benefits of underground power lines and the complete cost guide to install the underground lines.

What are the benefits of using underground power lines?

In electrical grids, different types of power lines are used. 

Some lines are overhead power lines used in the utility poles to hold the wires that deliver current to houses. 

Some are underground power lines, where the cables are buried and run under the ground. 

Having underground power lines has multiple benefits:

• It is safer than overhead power lines. The trees or debris won’t be able to bring down or damage the underground lines.
• Underground lines are more secure as no one can tamper with the lines.
• They are more reliable as they won’t get damaged easily due to harsh weather conditions like rain or thunderstorms. 
• Underground power lines lose much less power than those over the head. So they last longer. 

Is there any reason for not installing underground power lines?

The only disadvantage of underground power lines is the installation cost. 

It is more expensive than the overhead power lines. 

However, the cost is quite worth it due to the benefits they give us.

Contact your local authorities or electric utility provider if you are unsure about underground power lines. 

They can give you the best suggestions about the right thing for your house. 

Besides the cost, below are some other reasons behind not installing the underground power lines:

• Problems with aerial power lines can be identified and fixed easily. It is quite tough for underground lines. 
• The overhead lines are cheaper than the underground lines and easy to maintain. 
• The underlying topography may increase the installation cost of the underground power lines. 
• The target area can be prone to floods, like New South Wales’s coastal areas. So, underground lines can get badly affected. 
• The presence of multiple underground facilities needs to be avoided while installing the power lines. 

How much does it cost to run power lines underground?

Generally, the average cost for underground power line installation is around $12,250. 

But, the cost may vary from project to project, and how long you run the power lines. 

For example, if you wish to run underground power lines around 1,500 feet, you will need to pay an average cost of around $12,250.

Sometimes, it may be somewhere between $4,500 and $20,000. 

The price to install underground conduits for utilities per foot is around $8, including the labor cost, equipment, trenching, and installation process. 

The cost of ½-inch non-metallic PVC conduits will be extra per foot, i.e.$0.25 per foot. 

The underground power line installation cost will need multiple electricians and contractors. 

Labor costs

The labor costs will vary depending on the location and installation procedure. 

The work will need different professionals who can dig trenches, install conduits, and even run cables. 

If you call for general contractors, they will bill the payments for them to you and pay the other subcontractors themselves. 

Here is a list of payment breakdowns:

• The general contractors will require 10-20% of the total project’s payment.
• The excavator contractors will charge around $400-$1,200.
• The licensed electricians will want ranges between $50 and $100 per hour.

Equipment costs

The materials and equipment needed for the installation will take up 30-40% of the total project cost. 

Suppose you have experience in operating high machinery. 

In that case, you can rent an excavator for around $300 to $500 daily and dig the trench independently. 

Still, it would be better to call for a pro excavator to do the job. 

They can do it correctly and faster. 

Trenching costs

The trenching costs are mostly around $600-$2,100 on average. 

The cost includes the labor and equipment costs too. 

Some house owners try saving this money by doing it on their own. 

But, it is always best to hire professionals for such work. 

You will delay the work if you don’t know what to do. 

Besides, the cost may increase if you hit any existing utility lines, dig the wrong area, or clear them poorly. 

The trenching for electrical services costs around $4 to $12 per linear foot. 

Digging the trench is not expensive, but the cost is sometimes split between the labor and equipment. 

For example:

• The labor for digging the trench costs around $5.75 per linear foot. 
• The equipment to dig the trench is around $4 per linear foot.
• The permission varies sometimes. An average range would be around $500-$2,000.

The size of the project and its layout will determine the total cost. 

It could be nearly $20,000 sometimes. 

Depending on where you live, the electricians may charge $50-$100 per hour for trenching.

Besides the underground trenching, there are other home projects where electrical trenching will be needed. 

Below are the charges accordingly:

• Installing CCTVs will cost around $1,400.
• For indoor and outdoor outlets, it is around $200.
• For an in-ground swimming pool, the cost will be an average rate of $48,500.
• In-ground hot tubs, the cost will be nearly $15,000 to $20,000, including the trenching, electrical, and plumbing works.  

Conduit installation costs

The conduit installation costs range between $4 and $8 per linear foot. 

You might have to pay additional costs of around $0.25 per linear foot while upgrading the conduit from standard PVC to non-metallic PVC ½ inches. 

So, it will total around $4.25 to $8.25 per linear foot. 

Some people claim the cost to be around $20 to $40 per foot. 

But, it highly depends on the area of your living. 

In highly urbanized areas, the price to run electrical lines underground can be 10 to 14 times more expensive than the overhead power lines. 

Trench digging considerations

Installing the power lines underground means digging a trench from the utility pole to your house’s electrical meter. 

If you do it yourself, you may delay the process and hit something important under the ground. 

Besides, it is essential to follow the electrical codes of your locality. 

The trench will require inspection before filling it back to ensure it is dug deep enough for the required number of conduits. 

Before digging, there have to be some existing underground utilities. 

For that, you can call dig-safe. 

They will help you locate the utilities, like the wires, gas, and water lines. 

It will help you avoid hitting these locations and prevent you from damaging the lines. 

The digging methods may vary depending on the soil type and the amount of power to be run. 

For example, sandy grounds are easier to dig for trenching, but clay or rocky soils are harder. 

In that case, you need to keep the trench depth shorter. 

It is also important to install service entrance ells. 

It is a removable cover that allows you to get hold of the wires at the ground level when in need. 

Conduits for underground

Before you install the power lines underground, you need to know what type of conduits would be best for underground services. 

You can install the underground power lines in a raceway or by direct burial. 

Experts suggest using only one cable type, UF or Underground Feeder Cable. 

It is good for GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) protection. 

UF cables get two main conduits – galvanized rigid metal cables and Schedule 40 PVC. 

The most commonly used cables are PVC cables, which are cheap and have a PVC cement finish.

The PVC conduits should be buried at least 18 inches deep or 12 inches if they are covered by concrete.

The burial can be direct or encased in poured concrete. 

For a shorter trench, you can use galvanized rigid electrical conduit with individual conductors. 

The conductors need to be waterproof. 

While buying, look for a ‘W’ on the label. 

For example, the THWN-2 wire is a good option for the underground running conduit. 

Local Code needs

While doing all these things, you must follow the local codes and utility companies to discuss the project and consult with them. 

You must follow certain rules to run the conduit under a driveway, structure, or place with vehicle traffic. 

If you dig the trench in your property for your neutral family, here are some rules you must follow:

• The direct burial of the cables should be around 18 inches deep.
• The rigid metal or the intermediate metal conduits must be 18 inches deep. 
• Non-metallic raceways for direct burial without concrete encasement should be 18 inches deep. 
• Residential circuits at 120 volts or less with GFCIs and the overcurrent protection for 20 amps should be 12 inches deep.
• Circuits controlling irrigation and landscape lighting of more than 30 volts are installed with UF cables or other raceway cables. They should be 6 inches deep. 
• If the soil is hard and rocky, the conduit should be around 4 inches. 
• The conduits have to be gray and PVC Schedule 40. 

How to run underground power lines?

The steps can be either simple or complicated, depending on the person’s experience. 

While describing the steps, I have considered using the PVC Schedule 40 conduit with UF cables or individual wires inside.

The process is the same for direct UF burials or rigid metal conduits. 

Here are the steps:

• Create a pathway for wiring using a garden hose or rope from the house to the garage. Always select the direct and shortest route.
• Dig a narrow channel from your house to the garage using a trenching shovel. Maintain the recommended depth of trenching. If you need a long trenching, rent a trenching machine.
• For crossing sidewalks, dig the trench at the recommended depth on both sides, and create a hole beneath the sidewalk by a pipe horizontally. Then, run the conduit through that hole.
• Set up the conduit in the trench using the PVC solvent glue and weld the joints in every section. Connect sweep fittings at each end of the vertical lengths of conduit that is extended upwards out of the trench. 
• Use fish tape through the conduit’s one end to the other end. Connect the UF cable ends to the tape’s end. Pull the wires back through the conduit. It will be easier if you have an assistant to feed the wire on one end while you pull the other side’s tape. 
• Allow plenty of excess cable at every end of the conduit run. The electrician can continue other necessary work in your house and garage.
• Before filling up the trench, an inspection will take place, especially consulting the local codes. An inspector will come to verify the conduit burial at the proper depth and give you permission to fill up the trench and install the circuit.

After you pass the inspection, it is time to extend the cable in your house and garage and complete the remaining hookups. 

Can I extend old circuits or add new ones?

It is possible to extend the existing circuits of your house by fixing another cable and running it to the garage or outer building. 

But, most local codes suggest running one or more new circuits, provided you keep the following things in mind:

• For overhead light fixtures and 1-2 wall outlets in the outbuilding, you can install one 15 or 20-amp circuit with 120 volts. 
• Install two 20 amp circuits for a small workshop with 120-volt tools. 
• For running multiple tools carrying 240 volts, you will need a subpanel in your outbuilding.

For extending the existing circuit to the garage or outbuilding, the current circuit must be able to serve a deck or outdoor outlets. 

So, you have to check that the light fixtures and outlets in the garage do not exceed the circuit capacity, follow the 80% rule, and the local codes have permission for this. 

Final thoughts

Most people favor underground power lines as it has a lot of advantages. But, still, they have some demerits, like costly installation and flood issues.

The average cost of installing power lines underground is around $12,250. But sometimes, it ranges between $4,500 and $20,000. 

The costs include labor, materials, tools, trenching, and conduit installment. The cost may vary depending on the work challenge, the time required for installation, the locality, and the soil and weather.

It also varies depending on how far you want to install the power lines.

Also read:

• What Size Wire Do I Need For 125 AMP Service?
• What Size Wire Do I Use For 150 AMP Service?
• Wire Size For 100 AMP Service: Complete Table And Chart

Data Source: National Electrical Code, NEC Wire Table,  Electrical wiring, Home wiring.