DIY Outdoor Lighting and Outlet

[@wbhad83]

Direct burial tip. Sand over top of wire then run red danger tape and more sand. This way, when digging, the tape and sand help raise awareness to something they may cut into.

[@mwrslr7845]

came here to say this...but absolutely should have been done

[@AB-nu5we]

@@mwrslr7845 Agreed with both.

[@mjh5437]

Or just fill the trench with concrete on top of the cable.

[@aadishah8768]

@@mjh5437 at that point, wouldn't conduit be cheaper

[@jonathanandtrishavlogs6874]

Actually if the wire is not 24 inches deep it needs to be in conduit, THEN place the tape.

[@Demasx]

Imagine having April as a personal friend to help! ❤

[@kopriva007]

Imagine having April as a tutor so you can learn from her, first hand, and helping on her projects.

[@colbymason8054]

Pro tip, always put in conduit, makes it very easy for upgrades later.🍻

[@jimdomoradzki483]

Easy to add another circuit or pull out broken wire.

[@Dborden42]

Did you have to connect to the breaker box with different wiring or change the breaker to a GFI?

[@ZackPyle]

Plus because it is direct burial, if you ever cut it, you will have to dig up the ENTIRE thing and replace

[@adamohmmeter]

Yeah, personally I'd use RMC if the cable run is through a flowerbed where a lot of digging happens. UF cable in a flower bed is just asking for trouble no matter how deep it is.

[@im4degreesaboveu]

It's called a trenching shovel! 🤣 Good install. I like this.

[@warrenmichael918]

We call those foreman spades. Seems like the foreman on the jobs use them to lean on since they are longer. lol

[@simpson1672]

@@LaraLovesBees I thought Ditch Witch was a brand name of a power machine that digs the trench, not a human powered shovel...

[@piledriver141]

Great video, shovel is a trenching shovel. Good idea to mark with danger tape in trench also. Take photos of “ exactly “ where stuff is buried 20, 30 years go by in a hurry. Nice to be able to plant a bush and know exactly where that line is. I also like the NEW materials you used I haven’t seen these things yet

[@jtdyalEngineer]

Started using the foam instead of concrete 3yrs ago. I can't imagine going back. The time and Labor saved is amazing.

[@gkdvrcb]

I set a post in that foam 4 years ago and loved it for the ease of use, but I’ve found that post is horribly prone to frost heave even though it’s 42” deep (frost depth recommendation in this area). My other posts are just in ground sand and don’t heave yet they aren’t as secure! Science mystery! Lol

[@PhallacEye]

She says it sets hard as a rock; but then easily cuts it with a hand saw. The purpose of fixing posts with cement is to weight them into the earth. Does the foam do that? It looks light.

[@johnlaw867]

Looks great, thank you! As others may have mentioned, you may not want a pointed post top at that height, as it is a hazard to anyone falling and being impaled. Similar to an exposed piece of rebar.

[@steves7896]

"Call Before You Dig" Kudos for use of the American Flag!

[@RoyatAvalonFarms]

The narrow shovel is called a trench spade or sharpshooter and is designed and intended exactly for narrow trenches as you used it for. Good show.

[@trevorhall9524]

The first episode of "assembly required" aired here in the UK. You came across very well, relaxed in front of the camera, maybe all the hours on KZbin you have completed.

[@TimGray]

that little shovel is called a trenching shovel. It's designed exactly for what you used it for. They are awesome for many many other uses and I recommend every homeowner to have one.

[@curiousfirely]

Good to know even April gets roped into helping friends and family with projects!

[@jamesrawlings8493]

Gives her topics for videos. It not all one sided :)

[@chopprguy]

That post is the perfect height to top with a combination bird feeder / cat feeder.

[@AB-nu5we]

As others are saying, locate, locate, locate. Also, I always use HDPE innerduct or PVC jacketed steel armored 12/2 cable for direct burial. Homeowners can pick up innerduct tails (tail ends of large reels that don't get used, but are too small to take back out in the field on a job) at industrial supply houses in cities. Worth the trip.

[@sharkbyte2681]

Genuis as always! Thank you! Figures found this after i piped and pulled my switch and outlet lol

[@karenstein8261]

As expected, this job got the immediate attention of every sparky! Small wonder, as we spend far too much time fixing DIY short cuts. My first comment: Forget about “meeting” code. Experience has a aught me “code” often isn’t enough. I like pipe. For burial, PVC, buried two feet deep, Makes it deeper than a casual shovel bite. Using pipe let’s you replace the wire later, if there are problems. I hate digging twice! Use primer to mAke sure the pvc glue holds strong. GFCI protect at the house end; that way you’ll know what f the wire run is damaged. All GFCI’s need to be outdoor rated / corrosion resistant. Look for “WR” on the device.

[@Around_The_Home]

Good points. As I once heard, NEC, aka 'code', is the minimum required standard. You can always do more than the minimum.

[@johnhuggins5021]

Hi, April. That was a great project. I did something similar after building a 12' x 16' pergola in my back yard and adding a 2-outlet weather protected GFCI outlet near the top of it so I could add some hidden remote controlled rope lighting behind crown molding. Additionally after my wife and I built a large pond next to the pergola, I wanted a 4-outlet above ground GFCI outlet box that is about 2 1/2 ft above ground and has some backlighting in it so that you could see the outlets at night if you need to unplug anything. Also in line with it, I connected it via and a weather proof quick shut-off switch next to the house to shut the power off to that outlet box with one click (just a safety feature I thought would be cool). Finally after digging somewhere between 18 - 24 inches deep to lay down the wire, I added a red-colored electrical wire warning strip (it says, "Warning: buried electrical wiring!" repeating these words along the entire length of the strip), that I laid on top of the sand that I surrounded the wire with before finally covering it all up in dirt. The reason I did this is because if someday when I either sell this house or I move onto happy hunting grounds and a new owner were to simply start digging anywhere I laid the wiring underground they will hopefully uncover the red warning strip before their digging tool touches the live wiring. Great also if you forgot where the wiring was laid ...... exactly..... and you or someone else starts digging along the wiring path. While all codes everywhere may not require it, it sure is a bit of a emotional saving feeling should that person discover live wire was buried somewhere in the back yard where they happen to be digging. Can't wait to see your next project.

[@billyshumate853]

Good job April. Hope you're having a blessed Easter Sunday and I'll see you on your next video. Take care and GOD BLESS.

[@johhnybgood8413]

refreshing to see an American 🇺🇸 handy woman

[@lauraandedwardcannon8861]

When burying you should do something to indicate the live power, there is a tape that serves as a warning. Sand is also an option. You don’t want someone “finding” the wire in 10 years when doing the sprinklers or planting a tree.

[@gergemall]

April, I bought one of those red shovels and it was marketed as a trenching shovel. Before college and university grad school I dug lots of holes. I loved it and now in 67 and pace myself. I used it for a French type drain and it worked great! Much continued success

[@jasonsejkora4578]

Pressure washer def does the trick. Done it before.

[@peterbudd7118]

The pipe trick is brilliant. I have not seen that before and I love it

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@stevenrayhoward]

Just awesome! Simple back splitting, calorie burning pleasure! Thank-you. -- Woodprobie

[@tfed315]

April - Love your 216 (Cleveland) t-shirt! Also, I used the 2-part "concrete" about 5 years ago, and it's as solid as Quickrete, but faster. It doesn't need water, so I think it's used for places where water is not easily accessible.

[@salty7346]

That's a trenching shovel, always a useful tool.

[@robertmadden7536]

Just ran a cable to my shed. The rules here in Australia apparently include 500mm trench, conduit with a orange plastic tape on top warning of power line. Would also recommend some indicator above ground to warn late comers of power along path because I would be tempted to install a garden bed along said path.Great build by the way, like the post and will be looking for the foam for small retaining wall project coming up.

[@ronaldhutsonsr1535]

Your shovel is also called a sharpshooter in some regions of the country.

[@simpson1672]

As well as a trenching shovel...but we use sharpshooter mostly.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@SchysCraftCo.]

This turned out very unique and very well and I will most definitely be doing this. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Keep Making. God Bless.

[@LifeAsDane]

Wow, awesome box. You’ve given me some ideas!

[@clydecessna737]

In France we would have to lay down some brightly colored safety netting over the wire before burial so that in the future someone digging will have some warning that there is an electrical wire down there. I am surprised Texas does not have the same reg?!

[@pawpawstew]

You're supposed to place this red tape, made for this purpose, over the wire before burying the wire. Applies in Texas as well.

[@GeeZeRFroG]

Love your stuff April, but any video at all about digging in a yard to run wire or hosing should include the advice "Make sure you've contacted your local power company to make sure no wire already runs through that area." It's not always applicable, but is always a safe option and a good idea. Love the cute post though!

[@nickdotts5897]

She is absolutely the best & one of a kind

[@MikeDolanFliss]

A lesson from similar trenching projects to outbuildings and distant outlets - for me, always pull more amperage than you think you need! In your case if powering a little light and maybe a fountain pump, you decided on 15A - but for others, for instance if you ever wanted to plug in some beefy tools for outdoor work or daisy chain other outlets later on - I'd suggest, again, pulling more than you think you need! Way easier just not to use what you what now than to replace wire or do a whole new home run in the future. Two cents!

[@jeffjohnson8514]

Bought the fraction to decimal chart last summer and it has been a real time saver.

[@harryshaw4998]

It's a trenching shovel plumbers and sprinkler fitters use them.

[@backpocket718]

A lot of the time you can hook a water hose up to a pvc pipe and the flowing water will push the dirt away and make it move and you'll be able to basically jab the pipe under ground. I've used this to run sprinklers under side walks and down short runs. Also that skinny shovel is for laying pipe in the ground for electric or irrigation so perfect use. Tends to be my favorite shovel for alot of jobs. Precision.

[@Escalade714]

614 love for the 216!

[@donnarichardstevens3163]

Depending on local codes the steel tube under the path should be grounded as it is metallic and part of the electrical system. I have used this method before and then replaced the metal tube with plastic or tie the cable to the tube and pull the tube out.

[@Seabee_133]

One thing I didn't hear in the video is about calling local authorities concerning your digging. We have a service where I live call 811. You tell them that you want to dig up your yard. They will come out and mark all utilities, water, gas, and electricity in the area that you want to dig. If you dig without calling them and hit a utility, you are going to pay for all the repairs which can run into thousands of dollars. Please call before you dig. Don't want any angry neighbors because you didn't call.

[@vince9486]

Not required for hand digging less than 8 inches. Not in Texas, anyway. Besides, it's her yard so if she hits anything it is on her already.

[@elwinkershaw]

It seems like standards are pretty weak in Texas

[@some0ne8]

There are no utilities 12" in the ground. More like 36-48" for gas and power. I mean you might hit an improperly buried coax line, lol.

[@Odium2006]

This is quite literally a video about trenching and burying power cables... soooo

[@rgvtexas8391]

@@some0ne8 In South Texas where I live there are utilities buried anywhere from 3 inches to 12 inches deep.

[@samsen3965]

The post with the e-outlet is excellent to add a security camera on top of it.

[@jeffhenderson934]

Glad I found your channel. I’ve got to get power from the house to a lake fed irrigation pump for a sprinkler system. Straight shot, nothing but 100 feet of grass and pine tree roots. My OCD will make me run the romex thru schedule 80. Instead of bothering you, I’ll find someone I can buy off with pizza and beer to get the pump and timer wired correctly.

[@coreymarrero]

Another video explaining a little more about how you made the post would be awesome I’m actually gonna be doing something like this when I get back from working out of state and wood working ain’t my best but I’d love to replicate this. Totally awesome!

[@PieOrCake1974]

Excellent video, April. To any Aussies (like me) watching; remember that you MUST be a qualified electrician to do any projects like this, even in your own home.

[@driven01]

Yeah, here in the states, it depends on where you live. Some cities require qualified and licensed electricians. Other cities just say "have at it!".

[@andrewrobbie8102]

And bare cabling at such a shallow depth would be extremely forbidden. You can did the hole though - at least 500mm deep. But if you run low voltage DC (12/24v) you can DIY. I’d still use a conduit to allow pulling more/replacement cable. Cable underground can overheat, so you want to use a much thicker cable to reduce resistive losses.

[@Whey2010]

Looks cool except for those large rocks surrounding the post...an invitation for small scorpions and snakes!

[@abolton2718]

Know this is an older video but didn’t catch anyone mention this. To get under the side walk, if you want to avoid the mess water creates and the beating a pipe. Goto the electrical aisle and buy a flex bit. They are long enough to get across sidewalks and drilling it will have you done in seconds. You can then pull a piece of conduit back (best) or just the cable (likely get tore out if replace sidewalk). A lot of times you can find this for cheap 2nd hand and they come in useful if ever running wires inside as well.

[@jabelltulsa]

April is such a badass.

[@juanbartolome9744]

Wow looks awesome

[@dougc78]

Nice job. The simplest ideas are usually the best

[@tonybarkdull1199]

Hello, I did a similar trench, but ran #2 Aluminum wire to a shed. Trench was about 55' and again, 12" deep, but used a post hole digger all the way due to lots of gravel and clay in the earth. Had an electrician install and connect a box in the shed to allow me to run a generator when needed. I am adding the lights and receptacles to shed myself (it is a new shed). Thanks for your video. I will tackle running power from house to fountain and/or pond.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Awesome! Glad you found it useful. Thanks for watching.

[@bret_Lambky]

I have that same shovel! The label on mine was just called trenching shovel! Not very original, but it was pretty direct!

[@atariks1475]

It looks relative similiar to a spade. The shank is not straight but the shape of the blade is the same.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! Pretty useful little shovel

[@RustyChapman]

Cool, the horizontal "hydro drill" works well in Florida, with our sandy geology, not so much with a denser dirt. Im glad to see the "hammer drill" worked well for you.

[@poddaddy1]

Im up in cleveland ohio and using duct tape to hold a running garden hose spray nozzle to a broom stick was the only way that i could get through the heavy clay we have under our sidewalks

[@EngineerMikeF]

Maybe those friends would lend their house for a siding repair project video?

[@BrandonBurns1985]

Yea siding before a pond.

[@josephqueen1878]

That would be a trenching shovel. It is designed to clean out a trench to final depth and make it nice and make it nice and smooth on the bottom.

[@JaredCzaia]

Thanks April for showing us all how to do so many cool things!

[@lovejones7545]

Cant get enough of your videos! So cool!...You're very special!!

[@davidgleaton9073]

very cool project!, this is something I have been wanting to do for several years to accommodate an outdoor fountain in my back yard... thank you!

[@tgnwoodworking9599]

Very informative. Thank you. A change from the shop videos which is nice (not that I don't really like your vids in the shop, all your videos are awesome). In life, change is good and, at times, needed. Keep the videos coming young lady. I always look forward to the next one.

[@Silver87sc]

Erm...trenching shovel...yes...I've wanted one for years

[@AprilWilkerson]

Its a great tool!

[@Silver87sc]

@@AprilWilkerson I know, I want one SO BAD!!! I'm gonna trench shovel all the things! 😀❤ thank you for responding to my comment! Love watching your videos!

[@fltchr]

You didn't mention it but you need to call your local utility locating service before undertaking a project like this. In Texas and many other states it is the law.

[@jeffwilliams291]

Just finished doing the trench today. By hand 18” deep 120’ through the yard. Came across a lot of these same obstacles. Cheers!

[@andrewsimon5437]

that narrow shovel is called a "drain spade"

[@dr.curious5136]

The narrow shovel is often used for irrigation spray heads. I’m Sure it’s used for lots of different jobs but that’s where I see them used.

[@mikecolo2158]

Neat project. Thanks for the tip on the post foam. Love the (216) T-shirt! Greetings from Northeast Ohio!

[@jesswu0213]

Beautiful

[@jewdd1989]

I wonder if there are easy plug in converters for tools, etc. that require electricity bc this lamp post is beautiful but if not for needing an electrical outlet then why not solar instead?! I think it’s far more practical then tunneling out your yard and it’s utilizing free energy and will always be outdoor friendly!!! Amazon has really upped their game with solar panels and solar lights that aren’t expensive yet are higher quality than all the dumb little solar lights at the store.

[@paulconnolly7091]

April, nice job, but I agree with one of the other posts. Also, a few small tips for you from an electrician.... First (and especially in places that have a colder climate and ground is susceptible to frost, at the very least, a small bed of sand above and below the UF cable you are running. A small rock or boney backfill can and will penetrate UF. For the cost of small PVC, we usually run PVC especially in the northeast. Next, when you payout your wire (Whether you are running Romex or UF, do not just pull it off the reel. "Walk Out" the cable by putting the end under something heavy and roll it hand over hand out as you walk as to roll the cable off itself. It will come off the reel perfectly straight and lay in the trench much better and pull through conduit better as well. (Also really helps if you are stapling up wire). Lastly, the weakest point in the install is at the base of the post. While I cannot say 100% because the video did not show it, a better method when you either cut the post or do the install is to leave a spot where the wire comes out so that the weight of the post is not sitting on the wire. Maybe you did that. Also, lots of sand at the base helps make sure that if the post moves, the wire has some give. 99% of the time, that is where the cable failure will be. Not trying to be critical of what you do, really just trying to help. I watch and enjoy a lot of your videos. I wish I working with wood came as easy to me as working with wire. Keep up the great work.

[@sperreault]

I'm sure you have fun with more rocks than dirt digging in the northeast :)

[@rudyarellano3448]

Yup I go nuts when the wire is pulled like that 😆 🤣

[@DamianValentino]

Nice loved this a lot

[@wishyouwerebeer]

being from the 216, I love when you wear that shirt

[@scottfaulk9081]

Is April from 216?

[@mihir9608]

@@scottfaulk9081 i believe its an area code?

[@scottfaulk9081]

@@mihir9608 It is - it’s one of the area codes for NE Ohio.

[@deborahstahl5982]

Cute! Thank you. Always enjoy your videos.

[@jerryfrederick6610]

The post over post design makes a lot of sense. Especially while adding electrical features. This project gives me an idea for my back fence flower planting area. Maybe some low voltage lights but in the post over post style. Most of the store bought lights for this application do not look as nice or homey. Besides you can custom make to any height desired. Take Care and God Bless

[@jenky1044]

Great show. Thank you. That small spade with the long handle is ( *I believe is a telegraph shovel* ).?? for putting in long post, telephone poles, etc.

[@SandBoxJohn]

Depending on your soil condition a flat spade can be used to cut a slot in the ground that you push the direct burial cable to the bottom of. I used this method to run power to back yard shed.

[@AndyCallaway]

I like the foam idea.

[@shingabiss]

You truly have become an "April of all trades!"

[@mamaj6028]

Wow fantastic video.

[@kfc6573]

Excellent work. Don’t think I can do all that.. for now I would just do solar post..

[@DanO530.8]

Thank you

[@01arron]

Great to see a normal job April. Fab work 🤩

[@gracehakanson2253]

Damn girl boss energy for sure

[@tgray8593]

Great job

[@HowIDoThingsDIY]

Getting it done! Great work. Sometime I enjoy getting out of the shop and getting my hands dirty as well.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks!

[@cirezane]

Ha ha ha ha that’s a trenching shovel. 😊

[@wk6976]

The trenching shovel is awesome and first time I have seen one. I started to look closer at it and am going to weld one up with some angle iron and steel tube I have. Thanks for sharing and I really like all you do.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Great idea! Thanks for watching!

[@tarajones-legros3661]

My back hurts just watching this.😂

[@thelostarchivesserialvault5353]

I welded a coring bit to a length of pipe and attached a hammer drill to the other end. It too just a few minutes to bore under my walkway. You are right. Water boring is messy.

[@mikeplunkett2041]

April you are amazing.

[@nyctoya]

Awesome DIY project. I love that "YUUUT" you gave at 7:53. :)

[@canadianguy2417]

Great video, this is exactly what I was planning to do in my back yard

[@AprilWilkerson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bobbyfowler7319]

Nice project. Did they think about the pond electrical use? Pump for water fall or to keep the water agitated to keep bugs out? That's the idea for conduit. But I did electrical work, so I'm thinking to the future. Might not ever be used, but dig one time. My old house I ran water and power to the street post and misting for the flowers. Thanks for sharing! Be cool, be safe! Beach,NC

[@bigrich6750]

I love your videos.

[@AprilWilkerson]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoy my channel. Thanks for watching.

[@videotheclips]

Excellent, always

[@Bluesman57]

Hopefully that's schedule 80 PVC conduit emerging from below grade as stated by 300.50(C). Also the box wasn't grounded, there should be a wire nut with 4 ground wires in it, one from the incoming power to the GFCI, one from the load side to the post, one from the box, and one from the GFCI.

[@georgeholder5076]

Down in the 'sand hills' of So. Tx. I have seen digging with a combo of a power washer and an industrial vac on a trailer --- a 2 ft. by 3 ft. by 15ft. cutting thru thumb size roots and under a sidewalk took less than an hour ---

[@samiralbalushi4611]

Awesome thank you

[@louroberts5567]

What you were using is exactly what it's called, a trenching shovel. There are other names to it but, it is what it is.

[@edm2811]

I love your videos

[@toriahime9838]

You seriously motivate me to complete so many tasks that need done. I think I will start tomorrow with my new mailbox-post!! Gonna see if I can find that foam at ace hardware!

[@kaden2112]

I’ve been trying so hard to find a video that explains this for me. I’m 19 trying to get power to my new duck pond and every single video the guy would over complicate everything. Making it sound a lot harder than it actually is. I will be heading the store and have in by the end of the day now!!!

[@JohnJones-wo1bc]

very helpful and useful video. Many thanks April!

[@earlyriser8998]

nice little project