Can I bury electrical wire in my yard?

Yes, you can run electrical wiring underground in your yard — but it must be done by a licensed electrician, with an ESA permit, and to specific depth and conduit requirements under the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.

This is one of those projects that looks simple on the surface but has real safety and legal complexity underneath. Buried wiring done wrong can cause electrocution, fires, or failed inspections — and unpermitted work can void your home insurance and create problems when you sell.

Depth and Cable Requirements

The OESC specifies minimum burial depths depending on the wiring method used. As a general guide:

• Direct-burial cable (e.g., RWU-90 rated for direct burial) typically requires a minimum depth of 600mm (24 inches) in most residential applications
• Wiring in rigid conduit may allow shallower burial — often around 300–450mm depending on the conduit type and location
• Under driveways or areas subject to vehicle traffic, deeper burial or conduit is generally required

Because these requirements depend on your specific situation — what you're powering, where the trench runs, and what conduit method is used — confirm the exact requirements with your electrician or contact ESA directly at 1-877-372-7233 (ESA-SAFE).

What Typically Triggers This Project

Homeowners usually need underground wiring for a detached garage, garden shed, outdoor workshop, hot tub, pool equipment, landscape lighting, or an outdoor outlet. Each of these has its own load requirements — a shed with a few lights needs a very different circuit than a hot tub or EV charger.

An ESA permit is required for any new underground circuit. The electrician pulls the permit before work begins, completes the installation, and an ESA inspector verifies the burial depth and connections before the trench is backfilled. Don't let anyone skip the inspection step — you want that trench open until it passes.

Practical Considerations

Before any digging, Ontario One Call (on1call.com) must be contacted to locate buried utilities — gas lines, telecom cables, and existing electrical. This is a legal requirement and a serious safety step. Call 811 or submit online at least three business days before digging.

The electrician will also need to assess your main panel to ensure there's capacity for the new circuit. If your panel is already full or undersized, a panel upgrade may be part of the project.

For a straightforward underground run to a shed or outdoor outlet, expect costs in the $500–$1,500 range depending on trench length and circuit requirements. More complex setups (hot tubs, subpanels in a detached garage) will cost more.

If you're planning an outdoor electrical project this season, Electrical Ottawa can connect you with ESA-licensed electricians in the Ottawa area for a free estimate.