I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had decent luck with direct-buried UF for smaller projects. Not every space needs future-proofing, especially if you’re tight on budget or just want a few lights. Sometimes overbuilding can be its own headache—ever try threading wire through a long, buried conduit after a few years? That’s no picnic either. I guess it really depends on how sure you are about your future plans... but yeah, hindsight’s always 20/20.
Honestly, I’m with you on the budget side. I used UF for my shed, and it’s held up fine—plus, digging that trench was enough of a workout without worrying about conduit. If I ever need more power, I’ll cross that bridge... or dig that ditch, I guess.
Totally get where you’re coming from—sometimes the simplest solution is the best, especially when you’re working within a budget. UF cable can be a solid choice for a shed or small outbuilding, and honestly, not having to mess with conduit saves a lot of hassle. If you ever do need more power down the line, at least you’ll know exactly what you’re in for... and maybe have some better digging tools by then.
UF cable can be a solid choice for a shed or small outbuilding, and honestly, not having to mess with conduit saves a lot of hassle.
I get the appeal of skipping conduit, but I’ve always wondered about long-term durability. Around here, the soil is full of rocks and roots—I've seen UF cable get nicked during install, and that’s a pain to fix later. Conduit might be more work upfront, but it offers better protection if you ever need to upgrade or troubleshoot. Maybe it’s just me being overly cautious, but I like knowing I won’t have to dig everything up again if something goes wrong.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve had to dig up a run before because a shovel clipped the UF cable—talk about frustrating. Conduit’s a pain at first, but it does give some peace of mind, especially if you’re worried about rocks or roots. I guess it’s one of those “pay now or pay later” situations. If you’re already putting in the effort, a little extra work upfront might save you a headache down the road.
