4 Reasons You Should Never Bury an Extension Cord

Extension cords are designed for temporary above-ground use only. Burying them invites moisture, ground pressure, and insulation failure, creating shock and fire risks.

Burying an extension cord violates the National Electrical Code. The code exists to prevent hazards from improper installations, including buried cords that seem “temporary.”

For outdoor power needs lasting more than a few hours, use a surface-rated outdoor cord. If you need buried power, install UF-B underground feeder cable in conduit or use direct-bury cable instead.

Saving money by burying an extension cord is not worth the risk. The extra work of proper underground wiring is the difference between a setup that works and one that fails dangerously.