Southwire Outdoor Wire 12/2WG UF 100 Ft Coil - Direct Burial Ready

Our review of the Southwire Outdoor Wire 12/2WG UF 100 ft coil finds it best suited for homeowners, electricians, and contractors who need a straightforward, code-friendly solution for underground or exterior wiring. The biggest reason to buy is its direct burial approval and durable thermoplastic jacket that resists sunlight, moisture, flame, and corrosion, making it a reliable choice for outdoor feeders, landscape lighting, or power to distant sheds where long runs and exposure are concerns.

Key Features

• Direct burial approved: The cable is permitted for direct burial use so it can be installed underground without additional conduit in many applications, saving time and material cost.
• Sunlight resistant jacket: The thermoplastic outer jacket resists UV exposure so runs that are partially exposed above grade hold up better to weather and sun over time.
• Moisture and corrosion resistance: Designed for damp, moist, wet, dry, and corrosive locations, the cable maintains insulation integrity in challenging outdoor environments.
• Solid copper conductors: 12 gauge, 2 conductors with ground provide a dependable conductor material and sizing for many outdoor branch circuits and feeders.
• 100 ft coil length: The 100 ft coil is convenient for long runs to outbuildings or multiple landscape fixtures without splicing.
• UL listed and American made: UL listing plus domestic manufacture give confidence in compliance with standards and consistent quality.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at homeowners running power to detached structures, landscape or outdoor lighting installs, and electricians needing an affordable, code-compliant UF solution for direct burial and exposed outdoor wiring. Its combination of a sunlight resistant jacket and moisture resistance makes it suitable where part of the run may be exposed or in wet conditions.

Those who need specialty conductors (like individual THHN conductors for conduit runs), very long continuous runs beyond 100 ft without a voltage drop calculation, or flexible stranded cable for constant movement should look elsewhere; this is a solid, generally stiff, solid-copper UF sheathed cable intended for stationary outdoor installations.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable thermoplastic jacket provides UV, moisture, and corrosion protection for outdoor use.
• Approved for direct burial so many installations avoid additional conduit expense.
• Solid copper 12 gauge conductors offer reliable conductivity for typical outdoor circuits.
• 100 ft coil length covers most yard and outbuilding runs without splices.

Cons

• Some users report mixed impressions of durability and find stripping the jacket or conductors less smooth than expected, so proper tools and care are needed.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Southwire 12/2WG UF 100 ft coil is a practical, code-conscious choice for outdoor and underground wiring tasks, offering a robust jacket and solid copper conductors at good value. Buyers who need a straightforward direct-burial cable for lighting, outbuildings, or general branch wiring will find it reliable; just plan for careful stripping and handling during installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable rated for direct burial?
Yes, it is permitted for direct burial and for exposed or concealed wiring in damp, wet, dry, and corrosive locations as specified by the NEC.

Can I use this wire for outdoor lighting and power to a shed?
Yes, the 12/2 with ground and 100 ft length make it suitable for outdoor lighting and many shed power runs, provided you follow local code on conduit, burial depth, and load calculations.

Does the jacket resist sunlight and moisture?
The thermoplastic outer jacket is sunlight resistant and designed to resist moisture and corrosion for outdoor exposures.