If you’re running your ethernet connection from one house to another or maybe another place, then burning the cable can be an option.
Because it can help your cable protect from unnecessary damages and more. But, Can Ethernet Be Buried?
YES! An Ethernet cable can be buried and taken to the desired place if it is a direct burial Ethernet cable because a direct burial ethernet cable has a thick jacket to protect the wires inside of the cable. Indoor-rated ethernet cables are not suitable for outdoor running and burying.
However, this is not the end of the story; you’ve to take care of many factors. I’ve discussed every situation that may help you, so let’s check.
Issues of Running Ethernet Cable Underground
Lightning – A lightning strike is one of the main issues when you run an ethernet cable underground in an open place. Lightning goes through the underground, and the ethernet cable is like an antenna that attracts lightning.
Thus, adding a surge/lightning protector at both ends of your ethernet cable is advised. Here is a best surge protector you can find on amazon for your ethernet cable.
Digging – Digging the trench may be a tough job for you if you bury your ethernet cable. For trenching the ground, you need to rent a trenching or trencher machine.
Moreover, while digging the ground, you have to make sure about other things like powerlines, water and gas lines, and other utilities. So first, you have to ensure the best place for digging.
Ethernet near powerlines or sources can cause connection errors too, which you can read here in detail.
In many areas, you may have to take permission from local authorities before digging, so the process might be complicated for a few people.
Issues of Rodents – If you’re from an area with rodents, then it is also an issue, they usually live underground, and their teeth are very sharp, which can damage your ethernet cable.
So for areas with rodents, it is best to use a metal conduit to make sure they can not be able to damage your wire.
Water and Freezing – Your conduit might allow water to get in, and in winter, that can freeze and damage the cable. So often, it is best to bury the cable without any conduit directly.
But you can also make sure you’re using a good quality conduit and seal both ends. If you have other plans, apply them to ensure water doesn’t get inside your conduit.
Looking at all things, a metal conduit can be a better choice, but it will be expensive.
Ground Loop – When you run ethernet from one building to another, then you can have the issue called a ground loop. It happens when two buildings’ electrical mains have different grounding, and you run ethernet via different AC grounds.
Here you can read more about the ground loop and how to avoid this while running ethernet underground.
What Is The Best Way of Undergrounding the Ethernet Cable?
The best way to bury or underground an ethernet cable is to use a Conduit or pathway through which you’ll pass your ethernet out because it will save your cable from a lot of stuff like water, insects, humans, and more.
Although the direct burial ethernet cable is enough to bury and run without any conduit, a conduit provides extra protection. In the future, it will be easy to replace the cable.
You also have to ensure the conduit is solid to protect your cable from outside impacts. I’ve seen people use a thin plastic pipe as a conduit, and after a few years, it gets damaged.
Thus, you must use an outdoor-rated conduit to ensure your connection lasts long and you get a solid internet connection no matter the weather.
How Deep Should You Bury an Ethernet Cable?
An Ethernet cable should be buried at least 2 feet or 24” deep with proper conduit and grounding to make sure your cable stays unimpacted by humans, pets, and kids, and also from direct sun heat, rain, storm, and other elements.
But, as said earlier, select the place very carefully as there might be local water, gas, and electric lines. And if those utilities get damaged, you will have huge problems.
Also, take care of local guidelines, as few areas need permission before digging the ground.
If you feel everything is safe for you, then proceed further.
Which Ethernet Cable Is Best for Burying?
Direct Burial ethernet cables are best for burying underground because they have a thick jacket that protects your cable from UV rays, water, dirt, cold weather, and others. And to have a good internet speed, you should have CAT 5e or CAT 6, meaning a CAT5e/CAT6 Direct burial ethernet cable is best for burying.
Direct burial ethernet cables also have a gel inside, which prevents moisture from getting inside and damaging the wires. PE jackets make the cables weatherproof and can work in extreme weather.
Different manufacturers also offer extra jackets or layers to make the cable last longer and provide a good experience.
For instance, a CMX jacketed ethernet cable offers more protection outdoors; here, you can check more about CMX ethernet cables.
Is Direct Burial Ethernet Cable Expensive?
Yes, Direct Burial ethernet cables are more expensive than normal ones because direct-burial ethernet cables have the extra protection of good material, making your ethernet weatherproof.
Normal ethernet cables usually have PVC jackets that degrade over time, and the twisted pairs get damaged.
So it is better to invest a few extra bucks instead of changing the cable repeatedly.
