Splicing wire underground

[Oggie]

We are relocating our well house. I'm not sure yet, but the wires to our submersible pump might not be long enough to reach the controls in the new location. Is there a good way to splice pump wires?

The splice would probably be underground, not in the well. I plan on running the wire through rigid gray pvc pipe. The line is 220 volts.

[Bret]

Oggie,

There is a splice kit that includes a plastic mold that goes around the wire splice. Then there is resin type material in the kit that you pour into the mold that seals the splice. It may be a Schotch brand.

Bret

[Oggie]

Would I be able to pull the splice through the PVC conduit?

[Bret]

That could be a problem. I really doubt it unless it is a large straight conduit.

[kmaproperties]

not sure where the line will be in your yard, but you could glue on a 90 deg elbow and then bring the line above grade. glue on a weather tight junction box, then take the new wire back down and elbow to where you need to go.
They make boxes with 2 connections on the bottom.

[Oggie]

I'm hoping that the existing wire will reach to at least the corner of the shed that will house the controls. Then I can just splice it in an above-ground and sheltered electrical box and run it to the on/off pressure-activated switch. But, I'm still working on the trenching and the pilings/floor for the new shed. I don't want to be at the mercy of the existing wire. And I sure as heck don't want to pull a pump 140' out of the well.

[Fire-Man]

Originally Posted by Oggie

We are relocating our well house. I'm not sure yet, but the wires to our submersible pump might not be long enough to reach the controls in the new location. Is there a good way to splice pump wires?

The splice would probably be underground, not in the well. I plan on running the wire through rigid gray pvc pipe. The line is 220 volts.

Lowes has several type's of splicing kits, not sure you have a Lowes in your area, if you do the kits are in the area of the wire nuts/electrical. I have made connection by using a pvc T larger than the wire--make the connection with wire nuts or what ever, then slide the T over the connection---tape up the ends then pour a epoxy or I have used roof tar into the top of the T--Tape it off-- then bury-------never had a problem. Good Luck!! Randy

[danb98577]

Most good hardware stores and probably Lowe's/Home Despot carry a kit consisting of brass barrel connectors with setscrews and heatshrink tubing. Also comes with a large piece of heat shrink to enclose the whole splice in a waterproof jacket. It rains up here more than you can imagine and I have never heard of one of these splicer kits failing. Hope this helps-Dan

[paden]

I would recommend talking to a local electrical supply house or your local electrical company if they sell parts and such on the side. If it's just a 12ga. wire you can get simple crimp on connectors with good shrink tubing over them. Same connection used underwater where the pump hooks up to the wire. No need for all sorts of fancy connections. Should slide easily through conduit if you plan out where the actual connections will end up (Not all in one place so the outside diameter is increased, make it so the splices are in a row over a foot or so of wire length)

[tyusclan]

You can also get what's known as a "pull box". It's pvc, and is designed to be below ground level with a weather-tite lid that sits at ground level. It comes with no holes, so you would have to drill the two holes for your pvc conduit wherever you need them. You can then make your splice in the box, and you can always get to it simply by taking the lid off the box.

[Gideon]

My irrigation buddy uses the Scotch brand kits that he fills with epoxy. Even pvc tubing eventually gets water in it. You can make a homeade conection using most any plastic bottle bottom. Use as small as posible,place the connected-taped-sealed wires into it, pour in your epoxy(bondo-fiberglass resin-whatever),let it cure, and turn it upside down. The bottle forms a trap that keeps any water out. Not as fancy as the Scotch kit but works when in a pinch.

[DaleK]

I'd go with the heat shrinks too. They're fairly cheap, reliable, and easy to use. Should be able to pull them through conduit easily too.

[tiogacounty]

Originally Posted by DaleK

I'd go with the heat shrinks too. They're fairly cheap, reliable, and easy to use. Should be able to pull them through conduit easily too.

As an electrician for the last 24 years I can say that if you don't want to dig it up and redo it, the scotch splice kit is the only choice. Crimps and heat shrink will not last. The buried T isn't legal, but.... it's a mighty fine idea. good luck.