Step 8. Run wiring underground

I lucked into another gorgeous sunny Fall day Saturday.  I was able to get all of my excavation work completed, and good thing too as it started snowing the following day.  I used PVC conduit to run my wires; a 1.25" run for my data cables, and a 0.5" run for the 110VAC.  I am glad I went as large as I did for the data cables as with connectors it was just large enough to string the cables through with no snags.  I ran 6 different data cables, from computer in the basement to the pier about 60' away.  The six cables include:  S-video, two Cat5's, 9-pin serial, an active USB2 extender, and an active USB3 extender.  I put the data cables in first as the large 90degree elbow that comes with this size conduit lends itself to being buried deep.  The 110AC runs across and over top the data conduit.  The PVC conduit was pretty easy to work with, simply cut with a hand saw and use the adhesive to glue together.

Once I had all the wiring done, I sealed everything up with the polyurethane expanding foam that you get for sealing around doors and windows.  It can be messy, but cleans up not too bad after it has cured.  Judging by the snowfall Sunday and Monday, I'd say I finished this step in the nick of time!