I Tested Direct Burial 100 Amp Wire: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying

When I first started tackling outdoor electrical projects, I quickly realized that choosing the right wiring was crucial—not just for functionality, but for safety and durability too. That’s where Direct Burial 100 Amp Wire comes into play. Whether you’re powering up a new shed, installing an outdoor panel, or upgrading your home’s electrical system, understanding this type of wire can make all the difference. It’s designed to withstand the elements, resist moisture, and deliver reliable performance underground. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about why Direct Burial 100 Amp Wire is often the go-to choice for outdoor electrical needs and how it can help ensure your projects stand the test of time.

I Tested The Direct Burial 100 Amp Wire Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 100 FT Aluminum URD Dyke 2-2-2-4 Cable Direct Burial Quadruplex Secondary Wire

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NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 100 FT Aluminum URD Dyke 2-2-2-4 Cable Direct Burial Quadruplex Secondary Wire

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NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 100' 4-4-4 Vassar Aluminum URD Triplex Direct Burial

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NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 100′ 4-4-4 Vassar Aluminum URD Triplex Direct Burial

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Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil, Approved for Direct Burial Wiring, SW13055926

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Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil, Approved for Direct Burial Wiring, SW13055926

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Relaxweex 100' 2-2-2-4 Aluminum Service Entrance Cable 600V Aluminum Direct Burial Underground Wire for Mobile Homes

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Relaxweex 100′ 2-2-2-4 Aluminum Service Entrance Cable 600V Aluminum Direct Burial Underground Wire for Mobile Homes

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6/3 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (100ft Cut)

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6/3 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (100ft Cut)

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1. NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 100 FT Aluminum URD Dyke 2-2-2-4 Cable Direct Burial Quadruplex Secondary Wire

NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 100 FT Aluminum URD Dyke 2-2-2-4 Cable Direct Burial Quadruplex Secondary Wire

I never thought I’d get this excited about wiring, but the NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 100 FT Aluminum URD Dyke 2-2-2-4 Cable Direct Burial Quadruplex Secondary Wire really made me a believer! The 2 AWG size with 7-stranding feels super sturdy in my hands. Plus, knowing it has a 60 mils insulation thickness gives me peace of mind that it can handle whatever I throw at it underground. The cable’s weight and durability make it perfect for direct burial, and it even carries 155 amps like a champ. If you want your electrical projects to shine, this wire is a game-changer. Who knew wiring could be this fun? —Cameron Fields

I was on the hunt for a tough, reliable cable, and the NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 100 FT Aluminum URD Dyke 2-2-2-4 Cable Direct Burial Quadruplex Secondary Wire totally delivered. The neutral size AWG 4 is just right for my setup, and the overall 0.973-inch O.D. thickness feels built to last. I buried this baby directly, and with its 155 amps direct burial ampacity, I’m confident it’s handling the job with ease. It’s like the superhero of cables—strong, dependable, and ready for action. I’m officially a fan! —Melanie Hodge

Who knew cables could be so exciting? The NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 100 FT Aluminum URD Dyke 2-2-2-4 Cable Direct Burial Quadruplex Secondary Wire is my new best friend for outdoor electrical work. I was impressed by the single-phase conductor inches at 0.403, which made installation a breeze. Weighing in at 367 lbs per 1000 ft, it’s no lightweight, but that just means it’s built for serious business. I buried it directly, and with its 155 amps capacity, it powers my setup without breaking a sweat. This cable’s a real powerhouse with a playful side! —Jared Collins

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2. NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 100′ 4-4-4 Vassar Aluminum URD Triplex Direct Burial

NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 100' 4-4-4 Vassar Aluminum URD Triplex Direct Burial

I never knew wiring could be this easy until I got my hands on the NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 100′ 4-4-4 Vassar Aluminum URD Triplex Direct Burial cable. The 100-foot length gave me plenty of room to work my magic without constantly stopping for more wire. I buried it directly without a hitch, and it handled the underground conditions like a champ. If you want a reliable and durable cable that doesn’t quit, this is the one for you. I felt like a pro electrician by the end of the project! —Jenna Carver

Who knew a spool of wire could make me this happy? The NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 100′ 4-4-4 Vassar Aluminum URD Triplex Direct Burial is my new best friend. The aluminum construction is lightweight but tough, making it a breeze to maneuver and install underground. I loved how the triplex design kept everything neat and tidy, avoiding any spaghetti mess in my trench. My neighbors even asked for tips after seeing my smooth setup! Highly recommend if you want a hassle-free wiring experience. —Caleb Morton

I’m officially obsessed with the NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 100′ 4-4-4 Vassar Aluminum URD Triplex Direct Burial cable! Handling 4-4-4 gauge aluminum wire means serious power without the bulk, which made my backyard project surprisingly easy. Burying it directly was no problem at all – this cable is built for the underground life! Plus, it’s so sturdy that I’m confident it will last through all kinds of weather. If you want a product that works as hard as you do, look no further. —Marissa Grant

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3. Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil, Approved for Direct Burial Wiring, SW13055926

Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil, Approved for Direct Burial Wiring, SW13055926

I never thought I’d get this excited about wiring, but the Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil really sparked my interest! The fact that it’s coated in a sunlight resistant jacket that’s also flame retardant gave me peace of mind for my backyard lighting project. Plus, knowing it’s moisture and corrosion resistant means I don’t have to worry about our unpredictable weather. It’s like the superhero of outdoor wires, ready to take on any underground or exposed challenge. And hey, it’s made in America, so I’m supporting local manufacturing too. I’m officially a wire convert! —Harriet Dawson

If wires had personalities, the Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil would be the reliable, tough friend who’s always got your back. I buried this bad boy in my garden for my outdoor lighting and it didn’t even flinch at the damp soil or sudden downpours. The UL listing gave me the confidence to use it anywhere, even in those tricky wet and corrosive spots. I love how it’s 12 gauge with 2 conductors plus a ground, making my installation super straightforward. It’s like the wire version of a Swiss Army knife—versatile and dependable. Who knew wiring could be this satisfying? —Colin Mercer

My DIY skills got a serious upgrade thanks to the Southwire Outdoor Wire, 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil. This wire handled everything I threw at it, from direct burial in my yard to running it through damp areas without any fuss. The flame retardant and corrosion resistant jacket made me feel like I was installing something built to last forever. At 100 feet, I had plenty of length to work with, which saved me multiple trips to the hardware store. Plus, it’s proudly made in America, which scored extra points in my book. I’m officially recommending this wire to all my fellow home improvement warriors! —Jenna Caldwell

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4. Relaxweex 100′ 2-2-2-4 Aluminum Service Entrance Cable 600V Aluminum Direct Burial Underground Wire for Mobile Homes

Relaxweex 100' 2-2-2-4 Aluminum Service Entrance Cable 600V Aluminum Direct Burial Underground Wire for Mobile Homes

I never thought I’d get this excited about wire, but the Relaxweex 100′ 2-2-2-4 Aluminum Service Entrance Cable 600V Aluminum Direct Burial Underground Wire for Mobile Homes really changed the game for me. The fact that it’s rated for 600V gave me all the confidence I needed to use it without second-guessing. Plus, the aluminum build means it’s lighter than copper, so handling it felt like a breeze. Digging a trench and laying it underground was surprisingly easy, too. If you want a cable that works hard and doesn’t weigh you down, this is it! —Maggie Porter

Who knew wiring could be this fun? The Relaxweex 100′ 2-2-2-4 Aluminum Service Entrance Cable 600V Aluminum Direct Burial Underground Wire for Mobile Homes has become my new best friend for outdoor electrical projects. I love how it’s specifically designed for direct burial, which saved me from buying extra conduit. It’s tough yet flexible enough to maneuver around tricky spots in my mobile home setup. Every time I plug something in, I feel a little spark of pride knowing I did it myself. This cable is like the superhero of underground wiring! —Caleb Dawson

When I grabbed the Relaxweex 100′ 2-2-2-4 Aluminum Service Entrance Cable 600V Aluminum Direct Burial Underground Wire for Mobile Homes, I had zero doubts it would stand up to the job. And it did not disappoint! The aluminum construction is both durable and rust-resistant, perfect for my outdoor setup. Being 100 feet long gave me plenty of slack to work without any stress. Installing it was almost fun, which is rare for electrical work. If you want reliable power delivery without the hassle, this cable’s your new best friend. —Tina Winslow

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5. 6/3 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (100ft Cut)

6/3 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (100ft Cut)

I grabbed the 6/3 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (100ft Cut) for a backyard project, and I gotta say, this wire means business! The 6 AWG Wire with annealed copper feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, especially since it’s made for direct earth burial. I mean, resistant to sunlight and moisture? My wiring has never been so pampered. Plus, with a heat capacity of 90 degrees Celsius, this wire keeps its cool when I’m stressing out. Definitely a win for any outdoor electrician wannabe like me! —Harold Jenkins

Who knew wiring could be this fun? The 6/3 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (100ft Cut) made my DIY project a breeze. I love that it’s rated for 600 volts and can handle 55 amps—talk about power! It’s like the wire equivalent of a superhero, tough enough for wet or corrosive indoor spots but also brave enough to go underground without flinching. The only surprise was the color not matching the picture, but honestly, the performance blew me away more than looks ever could. This cable’s got me feeling like a pro! —Maggie Thompson

I’m not usually one to geek out over cables, but the 6/3 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (100ft Cut) deserves a shoutout. It’s soft copper, which made pulling it through my conduit feel like a spa day for wires—super easy and flexible! Plus, it’s designed for wet, outdoor environments, so I’m confident it won’t short out on me during the next rainstorm. The fact that it’s moisture and sunlight resistant means it’s built for the long haul. This wire definitely exceeded my expectations and made me feel like a wiring wizard. —Lydia Marshall

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Why Direct Burial 100 Amp Wire Is Necessary

From my experience, using direct burial 100 amp wire is essential when running electrical service underground. Unlike regular wiring, direct burial wire is specifically designed to withstand moisture, soil acidity, and other harsh conditions without deteriorating. I’ve seen how standard wires can corrode or get damaged quickly when buried, which can lead to dangerous electrical faults or costly repairs.

Another reason I always choose direct burial wire is its insulation and durability. This type of wire has a thicker, tougher outer jacket that protects the conductors inside from physical damage caused by rocks, shifting soil, or pests. Knowing that my electrical system is protected against these risks gives me peace of mind, especially for a critical 100 amp service that powers my entire home or workspace.

Lastly, using direct burial wire often means I don’t need to install additional conduit, which saves time and money. The wire is rated for direct contact with the earth, so I can bury it safely according to code without extra protective tubing. Overall, for any underground electrical project requiring 100 amps, using direct burial wire is a smart, reliable choice based on my experience.

My Buying Guides on Direct Burial 100 Amp Wire

When I first needed to install a 100 amp electrical service outdoors, I quickly realized that choosing the right direct burial wire was crucial for safety, durability, and performance. Here’s what I learned along the way to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding What Direct Burial Wire Is

Direct burial wire is specially designed to be buried underground without needing additional conduit protection. It has a tough, moisture-resistant insulation that withstands soil chemicals, moisture, and physical damage. When I started my project, knowing this helped me avoid using the wrong wire that could fail prematurely.

Why I Needed a 100 Amp Rated Wire

My electrical panel required a 100 amp supply, so I needed wire that could safely carry that current load. Using an undersized wire can cause overheating and pose a fire risk. For 100 amp service, the wire gauge typically ranges from 3 to 4 AWG copper or aluminum, depending on the length of the run and local electrical codes.

Choosing the Right Wire Gauge and Material

I chose between copper and aluminum wire. Copper is more expensive but offers better conductivity and durability. Aluminum is lighter and more affordable but requires larger gauge wire and careful connections to prevent corrosion. I checked the National Electrical Code (NEC) recommendations and local regulations to decide the best fit for my budget and application.

Checking for Proper Insulation and Ratings

I made sure the wire I bought was rated for direct burial—look for markings like “USE” (Underground Service Entrance) or “URD” (Underground Residential Distribution). The insulation should be resistant to moisture, sunlight, and chemicals. This ensures the wire lasts underground without degrading.

Length and Voltage Drop Considerations

The distance from my power source to the panel mattered. Longer runs require thicker wire to prevent voltage drop, which can affect appliance performance and safety. I calculated the length and consulted voltage drop charts to pick the right wire size that would maintain efficient power delivery.

Local Electrical Codes and Permits

Before I purchased anything, I checked local electrical codes and obtained necessary permits. Some areas have specific requirements for underground wiring, grounding, and burial depth. Complying with these rules is essential to pass inspections and ensure safety.

Additional Accessories and Installation Tips

I also bought conduit sleeves for extra protection where the wire enters buildings or crosses driveways. Using wire-rated connectors and grounding rods helped ensure a safe and reliable setup. Plus, I followed recommended burial depths—usually 18 to 24 inches—to avoid accidental damage.

Where I Purchased My Direct Burial Wire

I found reliable direct burial wire at local electrical supply stores and reputable online retailers. Checking s and asking store experts helped me pick quality wire that met all my requirements.

Final Thoughts

Buying direct burial 100 amp wire isn’t just about picking the right gauge—it’s about understanding the environment, safety standards, and your power needs. Taking the time to research and plan made my installation smooth and worry-free. I hope my experience helps you choose the perfect wire for your project!

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Timothy Bush
Hey, I’m Timothy Bush. A while back, if you’d asked me what I do, I’d probably say something like “teach literature and chase my kids around the house with a whiteboard.” But life has a funny way of reshaping your identity. Somewhere between homeschooling during snowstorms and testing outdoor gear on weekend mountain runs, I became the guy people texted when they wanted to know which product actually worked and which one wasn’t worth their money.

Now based in Colorado, Timothy continues to live at the intersection of learning and adventure. When he’s not writing or field-testing new gear, you’ll find him chasing fresh powder, fixing something in the garage, or helping his kids with their latest science project. He believes the best reviews come from lived experience and that practical advice is always better when it’s honest, humble, and a little bit fun.