"Noble Pepper" wrote in message
news
On Sat, 22 Nov 2003 01:51:02 +0000, Wade Lippman wrote:

I ran short on wire while installing an invisible fence (actually an
Innotech brand).

The wire comes on 500' spools for $26. It is PE insulated 20 gauge
wire.
HD had it for that price, but they also had regular 14 gauge wire for
$12.
The clerk said it would work just as well.
The manual says you have to use really fancy waterproof connectors for
splices. The clerk said would cheap gel-filled connectors would work
just
as well.

Any comments before I stick it in the ground? (What is normal
insulation,
PVC?)

(I only needed about 200' of wire, and I figure I might someday use the
300'
of 14 left over, but would never use the 20)

The biggest difference is going to be how long the stuff will last
underground. Nylon and PVC (yes, that is what is on most "regular" wire at
HD)has a reputation of deteriorating over time underground but it would
likely last
5-10 years, PE will hold up much longer underground, for pratical purposes
forever. That said, most USE (UL & NEC rated for underground) is PVC, so
it can't
be too bad.

You most likely will have to repair the wire because of digging or other
damage
before it deteriorates.

I would stay fairly close to the same gauge maybe 18 or 16, but 14
would probably work fine. Smaller is usually cheaper too. See if you can
find MTW, it is available in smaller sizes than THHN or other building
wire. Protecting splices is a VERY good idea underground, adhesive filled
heat shrink would be my choice.

If this is the kind of fence that is used to keep pets near the house, one
thing you need to know. It will mess up any AM radio reception that you
have. You may want to test the unit before buying it.
B