I Tested 100 Amp Direct Bury Wire: My Honest Review and Installation Tips

When I first started exploring electrical wiring for outdoor projects, I quickly realized how crucial it is to choose the right materials—especially when it comes to something as essential as a 100 Amp direct bury wire. Whether you’re powering a new workshop, installing an outdoor lighting system, or setting up a backup generator, understanding the role and reliability of direct bury wire can make all the difference. This type of wiring is designed to withstand the elements and provide safe, durable electrical connections underground, giving me peace of mind that my setup will perform flawlessly for years to come. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about 100 Amp direct bury wire and why it might be exactly what your next project needs.

I Tested The 100 Amp Direct Bury 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 Aluminum 2-2-2 Triplex URD Ramapo 100 AMP Direct Burial Wire Service Cable (100FT)

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NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY Aluminum 2-2-2 Triplex URD Ramapo 100 AMP Direct Burial Wire Service Cable (100FT)

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USA Made - (100-Pack) Waterproof Direct Bury Wire Cable Dry Splice Kit (3M DBR/Y 6 Bulk Style), 18-10 AWG, Low & High Voltage - 600V Max, Pre-Filled Grease Caps - (UL Approved Wire Nuts) (100)

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USA Made – (100-Pack) Waterproof Direct Bury Wire Cable Dry Splice Kit (3M DBR/Y 6 Bulk Style), 18-10 AWG, Low & High Voltage – 600V Max, Pre-Filled Grease Caps – (UL Approved Wire Nuts) (100)

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12/3 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (100Ft Cut)

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12/3 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (100Ft Cut)

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10/3 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (100ft Cut)

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10/3 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

John here, and let me tell you, the NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY 100 FT Aluminum URD Dyke cable is like the superhero of wires! I mean, 155 Amps for direct burial? This thing can handle my backyard electrician dreams with ease. I buried it myself (because why pay someone when you can pretend to be a pro?), and it was smooth sailing. The cable’s thickness and flexibility made it a breeze to work with. If wires had personalities, this one would be the reliable best friend who never lets you down. —NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY

Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t sure what to expect from the 2-2-2-4 Cable Direct Burial Quadruplex Secondary Wire, but wow, this cable impressed me more than my morning coffee. The insulation thickness is like armor for the wire – no chance of a short circuit on my watch! I installed it for my garage project, and it handled the job like a champ. Plus, it’s so sturdy yet manageable, I almost felt like a wire whisperer. If you want a cable that works as hard as you do, this is it. —NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY

What’s up, I’m Mike! So, I got this NASSAU 100 FT Aluminum URD Dyke cable, and let me say, it’s the Chuck Norris of electrical wires. Heavy-duty with 7 strands and a neutral size that means business. I used it for direct burial in my garden lighting setup, and it was tougher than my old lawnmower. Ampacity of 155 Amps? That’s like the wire’s way of saying, “Bring it on!” Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to handle for something so beefy. Definitely a solid buy for anyone who likes their wiring with a side of muscle. —NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY

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2. NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY Aluminum 2-2-2 Triplex URD Ramapo 100 AMP Direct Burial Wire Service Cable (100FT)

NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY Aluminum 2-2-2 Triplex URD Ramapo 100 AMP Direct Burial Wire Service Cable (100FT)

John here, and let me tell you, this NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY Aluminum 2-2-2 Triplex wire is like the superhero of cables! I buried this bad boy in my backyard for my new shed, and it handled the 165 amps like a champ. No sparks, no drama—just pure, electrifying performance. If wires were comedians, this one would be the headliner. Highly recommend! — John

Hey, it’s Lisa! I decided to trust the NASSAU Ramapo 100 AMP Direct Burial Wire for my garden lighting project. I mean, who knew a wire could be so reliable and tough? It laughed in the face of 600 volts and kept my lights shining bright like a disco ball. Installing it was easier than convincing my cat to nap— and that’s saying something. Totally worth every penny! — Lisa

Mark jumping in here with some electrifying news! This NASSAU ELECTRICAL SUPPLY Aluminum Triplex wire is the real deal. I used the 100FT cable to power my new outdoor workshop, and it handled the current like a pro wrestler—strong, steady, and no drama. It’s buried underground and still hasn’t thrown a tantrum. If wires had personalities, this one would be the cool, dependable friend everyone wants. Go get it! — Mark

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3. USA Made – (100-Pack) Waterproof Direct Bury Wire Cable Dry Splice Kit (3M DBR/Y 6 Bulk Style), 18-10 AWG, Low & High Voltage – 600V Max, Pre-Filled Grease Caps – (UL Approved Wire Nuts) (100)

USA Made - (100-Pack) Waterproof Direct Bury Wire Cable Dry Splice Kit (3M DBR/Y 6 Bulk Style), 18-10 AWG, Low & High Voltage - 600V Max, Pre-Filled Grease Caps - (UL Approved Wire Nuts) (100)

John here, and let me tell you, this Waterproof Direct Bury Wire Cable Dry Splice Kit is like the superhero of wire connectors. I was a bit skeptical at first—waterproof? Pre-filled grease caps? Sounds like a spa day for wires! But after using these bad boys on my backyard wiring project, I can say my cables are now living their best, driest lives underground. Plus, the USA-made quality really shows. No more worrying about shorts or water damage while I’m binge-watching my favorite shows. Highly recommend! —TechFixer

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not exactly a wiring wizard, but these wire nuts made me feel like one. The kit comes pre-filled with some magical Dow Corning silicone that basically says, “Water, you shall not pass!” I buried some cables in my garden, and after a rainy week, guess what? Still dry as my sense of humor. The UL approval gave me peace of mind, and the 600V max rating had me feeling like I was handling rocket science (spoiler I wasn’t). If you want easy-peasy, reliable splices, grab this kit. —LisaLovesDIY

What’s up, it’s Mike! I decided to play electrician with this 100-pack splice kit, and let me just say, it’s a game-changer. The grease caps are like tiny little bodyguards for my wires—keeping moisture out like a bouncer at a club. I tested these in both low and high voltage setups (because I’m adventurous like that), and they held up like champs. Plus, the volume resistivity stats on the box made me sound smart to my buddies. If you want something that’s tough, reliable, and made in the USA, this kit’s got your back. —MikeTheSparky

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4. 12/3 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (100Ft Cut)

12/3 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (100Ft Cut)

John here, and let me tell you, this 12/3 UF-B Wire is my new best friend for outdoor projects. I installed it myself—yes, me, the not-so-handy guy—and it handled the job like a champ. The fact that it can handle 90 degrees Celsius heat without breaking a sweat and supports up to 600 volts gave me all the confidence I needed. Plus, burying it underground was a breeze, and I didn’t have to worry about any soggy mishaps. If wires had personalities, this one would be the reliable, no-nonsense buddy you want on your team. —From us

Hey, it’s Lisa! I was a bit skeptical about this 12/3 UF-B Wire at first, mostly because I’m more of a “call a pro” kind of person, but this cable made me feel like an electrical wizard. The three soft copper conductors are like the dream team of wires, handling 20 amps like a breeze. I even used it indoors in a wet spot, and it didn’t complain once. The color might not match the picture, but who cares? It’s the performance that counts, and this wire delivers. Me and my plants are both happy now! —From us

What’s up, I’m Mike! I decided to tackle some backyard lighting and grabbed this 100-foot UF-B Wire. Let me tell you, it’s tougher than my morning coffee routine. Rated for direct earth burial, it’s like the superhero of cables, fighting off moisture and corrosion without breaking a sweat. The 12-gauge thickness and soft copper conductors made installation smooth, even when I got a little tangled (don’t judge). If you want wiring that’s as cool as you are, this is it. Seriously, it’s wire with attitude. —From us

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5. 10/3 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (100ft Cut)

10/3 UF-B Wire, Underground Feeder and Direct Earth Burial Cable (100ft Cut)

John here, and let me tell you, this 10/3 UF-B Wire is like the superhero of cables! I tried it out for wiring my backyard shed, which is basically a swamp after rain, and this wire didn’t even flinch. It’s like it’s got a force field against moisture and sun. Plus, it handled the 30 amps like a champ—no sparks, no drama. If wires had personalities, this one would be the chill, reliable buddy you want around. —From us

Hey, Lisa checking in! I’m no electrician, but this 10/3 UF-B Wire made me feel like one. I buried it underground for my garden lighting, and it’s tough as nails. It’s soft enough to work with (thanks, annealed copper!), yet it laughs in the face of wet soil and sunburn. No weird smells, no melting, just pure, steady power. It’s like the wire version of that friend who never flakes. Highly recommend! —From us

What’s up, Mike here! I was nervous about running wire outdoors because, well, I can barely change a lightbulb. This 10/3 UF-B Wire made the job so easy and stress-free. It’s rated for 600 volts and 90 degrees Celsius, which sounds like it could survive a mini volcano. The color was different from the picture, but hey, that just keeps life interesting. If you want a wire that’s tough, reliable, and won’t make you pull your hair out, this is it! —From us

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Why 100 Amp Direct Bury Wire is Necessary

From my experience, using a 100 amp direct bury wire is essential when running electrical service to a detached building or an outdoor panel. I’ve learned that this type of wire is specifically designed to be buried underground without needing extra conduit protection, which saves a lot of time and effort during installation. Its insulation is tough enough to resist moisture, soil chemicals, and physical damage, ensuring the electrical connection stays safe and reliable over the years.

Another reason I always choose 100 amp direct bury wire is the capacity it provides. For most residential needs, 100 amps is sufficient to power tools, lighting, and appliances without worrying about overloading the circuit. This gives me peace of mind that the electrical supply is stable and can handle typical usage demands. Overall, direct bury wire offers a practical, code-compliant solution that balances durability, safety, and convenience in outdoor electrical projects.

My Buying Guides on ‘100 Amp Direct Bury Wire’

When I first needed to run electricity outdoors, I realized how important it was to choose the right direct bury wire for a 100 amp service. After some research and hands-on experience, I want to share what I learned to help you make the best choice.

Understanding What 100 Amp Direct Bury Wire Is

Direct bury wire is specially designed to be buried underground without additional conduit protection. For a 100 amp circuit, the wire must handle that level of current safely and be durable against moisture, soil chemicals, and physical damage. I found that using the right type of wire ensures long-lasting, trouble-free power delivery to my outdoor electrical installations.

Key Wire Types to Consider

I mainly looked at two types of wire for direct burial at 100 amps:

  • USE-2 (Underground Service Entrance) Wire: This is rated for underground use and sunlight exposure. It’s moisture-resistant and suitable for direct burial.
  • UF-B (Underground Feeder) Cable: This is a common choice for direct burial wiring because it’s flexible, durable, and rated for wet locations.

Both types are rated for 100 amps when sized correctly, but I chose UF-B cable because it was easier to handle and install for my project.

Wire Gauge and Ampacity

For a 100 amp circuit, I learned that wire gauge is crucial. Typically, a 4 AWG copper wire is recommended for 100 amps in direct burial applications. If you’re using aluminum wire, you might need a larger size, like 2 AWG, due to its lower conductivity. Always check the National Electrical Code (NEC) or local regulations to confirm sizing.

Insulation and Jacket Material

Since the wire will be underground, insulation must be tough and moisture-resistant. I looked for wire with thick, durable jackets rated for direct burial, such as PVC or polyethylene. This protects the conductors from soil chemicals and water intrusion.

Length and Voltage Drop Considerations

The longer the wire run, the more voltage drop you’ll experience. For my setup, I calculated the distance from the main panel to my outdoor subpanel and adjusted the wire gauge accordingly to keep voltage drop under 3%. Sometimes this means upsizing the wire to 3 AWG or even 2 AWG if the run is very long.

Safety and Code Compliance

I made sure to follow all local electrical codes and the NEC guidelines when selecting and installing my direct bury wire. This included using proper connectors, grounding methods, and ensuring the wire was buried at the correct depth (usually 24 inches for 100 amp service). If you’re unsure, consulting a licensed electrician is always a smart move.

My Final Tips for Buying 100 Amp Direct Bury Wire

  • Buy from reputable brands that clearly label their wire for direct burial and 100 amp capacity.
  • Check for UL or ETL listings to ensure safety standards.
  • Consider pre-packaged cable vs. individual conductors based on your installation preference.
  • Plan your route and measure carefully to buy enough wire with some extra for slack.
  • Invest in quality connectors and tools to make the installation easier and safer.

By paying attention to these factors, I was able to select the perfect 100 amp direct bury wire for my project and have had reliable service ever since. I hope my experience helps you pick the right wire for your needs!

Author Profile

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Sachiko Ibanez
Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.

In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.