House connection
When building your own home, you can partially install the house connection yourself in order to save costs. When laying the cables, you can proceed as follows:1. The type of connection and cables must be determined by an electrician. They also make the connection themselves and can provide information on the type and depth of installation.
2. The trench itself can be gutted. A depth of 60 to 80 centimeters is usually sufficient for the cables. Stones, roots, and other large debris must be removed to prevent damage from them.
3. The trench is provided with a ten centimeter deep layer of sand.
4. Depending on the cable and the recommendation, the cable can now be passed through a protective cable pipe or laid directly on the sand.
5. If you choose a cable cover instead of a cable duct, the cover is placed over the cable and easily inserted into the
Pressed sand. The cover can be made of clay or PVC.6. A "warning" is placed on the cover or pipe. This can be a red and white striped construction site tape or a yellow PVC tape labeled "Erdkabel". It is important that it is immediately visible when digging, thus reducing the risk of damage.
7. Another layer of sand comes over the protective pipe or cover, which in turn should be about ten centimeters thick. After that, the trench can be filled with earth.
Even when digging the trench and laying the cable by hand, corresponding flat rates are often due. The costs usually amount to a few hundred euros. A previous cost comparison can reveal whether the personal contribution is really worthwhile in terms of price.To dig the trench, for example, not only the corresponding working hours, but also the rental of a mini excavator must be planned. Nevertheless, flat rates apply despite the personal contribution. Especially in the case of larger trenches, it may only be imperceptibly cheaper or similarly expensive to do the deed yourself.
Low voltage technology
For the light in the garden or the pump in the pond, you don't necessarily have to make a lot of effort. So-called low-voltage technology is sufficient here. A corresponding transformer is housed in the house or garage and a line is laid from here to the destination. The cables can be laid directly underground. All you have to do is ensure that they are not in the way when digging up the garden or that they are protected from damage. Again, cable cover hoods or, alternatively, a cable protection tube can be useful.The advantages of low-voltage technology are, on the one hand, the low risk and, on the other hand, the low cost of laying. Since there is little current flowing through the cables, they are less dangerous. Due to the low installation depth, the effort is kept within tight limits even with longer installation distances. However, the basic procedure does not differ significantly from the sequence of steps described above.
This means:
1. Dig a trench and remove foreign objects such as stones and roots.
2. If possible, line the trench with a layer of sand.
3. Place the cable in the cable duct or attach a cable cover after laying.
4. Mark the cover and cover it with sand.
5. Fill the trench with soil and slightly compact the soil.
Tip: For future digging or other interventions in the garden, it can help to draw the position or the course of the underground cable on a plan.Cable in the garden
The low-voltage technology is not sufficient for garden sockets or the operation of larger devices such as a sauna heater. Regular cables must be laid here as well as for house connections. The procedure is again the same as when laying the underground cable for the house connection. This also applies to the installation depth and advice from an electrician.
Correct cables, connectors and connections
Generally, when planning to run a cable underground, there are a number of factors to consider.This includes:
1. Connections and advice from professionals
An electrician makes the connection to the fuse box and installs a residual current circuit breaker. He can also advise which type of cable can be used and what the depth of the installation should be. It also provides information about applicable regulations.
2. Cable type
Not every cable is suitable for outdoor use and for underground installation. NYY-J, NYCWY or NAYY cables are suitable because they have a special sheathing.
3. links
Simple couplings that are only protected against splash water are not sufficient for routing cables underground. It is imperative to use water-protected plug connections. Other connections and connections, for example to a garden socket, are best made by an electrician.
Precautions
It goes without saying that while handling the cables, no current should flow through them. In addition, care should be taken not to damage the cables.In addition, the advice and, if necessary, some tasks should be carried out by an electrician. This prevents serious errors from occurring.
Cable costs
The costs for cables start at one euro per running meter. The thicker the cable, the higher the prices. Normally, however, they remain in the single-digit euro range per meter.At least 100 euros are due for connections and advice from the electrician. For garden sockets, 40 euros per piece must be expected. Cable ducts and covers are available from just over one euro per running meter.
