How Much Does Underground Electrical Service Cost?

Very few improvements can improve the look of both your home and your neighborhood than removing overhead wires. Whether you’re remodeling your home or working on a different project on your property, it may make the most sense to dig a trench and bury existing wires or upgrade your current services. However, underground lines can be costly and you’ll likely end up spending thousands more on this job than overhead lines, plus the few days of labor to dig and fill the trench.

The cost to run electrical service underground varies considerably from project to project. Though, you’re looking at somewhere between $4,500 and $20,000, depending on how far and how long the wires must travel underground. In other words, the price to install conduit for utilities is $8 per foot on average, including labor, equipment, trenching, and installation. Whereas, the cost of half-inch non-metallic PVC pipe conduit will add an extra $0.25 per foot.

Many homeowners also choose to upgrade their electrical service at the same time (from 100 Amps to 200 Amps, for example) which will require a new electrical service box and some additional electrical work inside the home – adding to the overall costs. Aside from costs, there’s a lot that goes into running underground electrical service.

Before any electrical service can be run underground, it’s important that you understand the right cable to use. Underground electrical wiring can be installed in a raceway or directly buried. Experts suggest that the only cable that should be used is known as UF, or underground feeder, cable. This type of cable is outfitted with GFCI protection.

For UF cables, there are two main types of conduits that can be employed: galvanized rigid metal and Schedule 40 PVC. The latter is the most common option, as it is cost-effective and finished with a PVC cement. PVC conduit must be buried at least 18 inches deep, or 12 if it’s going to be covered by concrete.

If you must dig a shorter trench, galvanized rigid metal electrical conduit can be used, with individual conductors inside. These conductors have to be waterproof, so make sure you look out for those with a “W” on the label. THWN-2 wire, for instance, is a standard option for running through underground conduit. However, most people use PVC conduit for running electrical service underground, which may be direct-buried or encased in poured concrete for mechanical protection.

Whether you’re installing electricity, gas, water, sewer, or cable underground, a trench must be dug. This trench also provides drainage and forms the footing for the foundation. Of course, the type of conduit and the size of the trench needed will vary based on the type of project.

It’s highly recommended, however, that you hire a licensed professional for most ditch projects, especially when utilities are being installed. While you’ll spend slightly more money upfront, you avoid spending more on costly repairs down the line. Fortunately, most contractors will handle the digging of the trench for the electrical system they are installing.

To put things into perspective, the table below outlines the average costs per lot for some common home projects that require a trench. These costs include labor, equipment, support materials, and cleanup.

The cost to install conduit for electrical service averages about $8 per foot, including labor, equipment, trenching, and installation costs. Although, some claim that costs could be between $20 and $40 per foot, depending on where you live. In highly urbanized areas, the cost to run underground electrical service can be 10 to 14 times more expensive than overhead service.

While there are a couple of different types of conduit to choose from, PVC is the most commonly used and also the most affordable. Half-inch non-metallic PVC pipe will add about $0.25 per foot, bringing the total costs to install underground electrical conduit to approximately $8.25 per linear foot.

Installing electrical service underground means that a trench has to be dug from the power source, or utility pole, to your home’s electrical meter location. If you choose to handle the digging yourself, it’s crucial that you follow the technical standard established by your state jurisdiction, electrical code. The trench will also have to be inspected prior to filling it back in, to ensure that it is deep enough and that the appropriate number of conduits was installed correctly.

Before any digging can begin, it’s important that existing underground utilities are located. You can do this by calling dig-safe or dialing 811 to be connected to your local service. This service is free and they will come out to locate and mark your underground utility wires, gas, and water lines. This helps you, or your contractor, avoid damaging existing utility equipment underground while digging.

Depending on the soil type that your home sits on and the amount of power you’re planning on running, digging methods may vary. For example, if the ground is sandy and easy to dig, you can dig a deep trench. Whereas, if the ground is clay-based or especially rocky, you should keep the trench’s depth to a minimum. Regardless of the digging method you choose, it’s important that a service entrance ell be installed. This ell will feature a removable cover that allows easy access to the wires at ground level, when needed.

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In addition to locating existing underground utilities, you should always consult your local codes and contact your local utility company to discuss the project with them. For instance, if you need to run conduit under a driveway, a structure, or anywhere that may have vehicle traffic traveling, there are specific conditions you have to follow.

If you’re simply digging a trench on your residential property for your single-family dwelling, here are the main requirements to keep in mind: