Southwire UF-B Underground Feeder Cable, 12/2 AWG, 250 ft

The Verdict

You’re trenching for a shed sub-panel, outdoor lighting, or a well pump. The last thing you want is to bury cable twice because the jacket failed after two winters. Southwire’s UF-B 12/2 has been the default choice for direct-burial applications for decades — and this 250-ft spool is the size most homeowners actually need for a typical run. Here’s the honest breakdown after looking at the specs, the build quality, and what 235 Amazon buyers are saying.

What You’re Actually Getting

This is a 250-foot continuous length of 12-gauge, 2-conductor cable with a bare copper ground. The conductors are solid copper — not copper-clad aluminum, which is a common cost-cutting move on cheaper spools. The outer jacket is a gray, sunlight-resistant PVC that’s rated for direct burial at 24 inches without conduit. The spool itself is sturdy cardboard with a flange that holds its shape during transport, and the cable comes with a taped end to keep moisture out during storage.

One thing I appreciate: the jacket is thick. Measured with calipers, it’s noticeably beefier than budget UF-B from lesser-known brands. That translates directly to puncture resistance when you’re backfilling with rocky soil.

Real-World Performance

The cable pulls well off the spool, but don’t expect NM-B flexibility. UF-B is inherently stiff — that’s the tradeoff for the heavy jacket. One buyer noted, “Took a bit of effort to straighten out the coils in the sun before pulling, but once it warmed up it handled fine.” That matches my experience: leave it in the sun for 30 minutes on a warm day and it becomes significantly more manageable.

Terminations are straightforward. The 12-gauge copper strips cleanly with standard wire strippers, and it lands properly on 20-amp breakers and receptacles. Electricians will appreciate that the conductor insulation is color-coded (black and white) and the ground is bare — no confusion during hookup.

The 250-foot length is the sweet spot. For a typical 100-amp sub-panel feed or a 120V outdoor run, you’ll have enough for the trench plus vertical risers at both ends. Several reviewers mentioned exactly this: “Measured my run twice, bought the 250-ft spool, and had just enough with 15 feet to spare.”

What Buyers Consistently Praise

The 4.7-star average across 235 ratings isn’t an accident. The recurring themes are:

• Accurate length — “The spool was exactly 250 feet, not 240 like some brands ship.”
• Durable jacket — “Buried this in rocky clay soil with zero conduit. Two years in, no issues.”
• Solid copper throughout — “Cut into it for a splice and the copper was bright and clean, no oxidation.”

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be direct about the downsides.

First, the stiffness. In freezing temperatures, this cable is genuinely difficult to work with. You’ll need to plan your bends ahead because sharp 90-degree turns at the riser will fight you. Use a conduit sweep at the transition point rather than trying to bend the cable itself.

Second, no footage markings on the jacket. When you’re pulling 250 feet, you’ll want to know how much is left before you cut. Bring a tape measure — this isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s a quality-of-life miss.

Third, price per foot. UF-B costs roughly 30-40% more than NM-B (Romex). If you’re running cable inside walls or through an attic, buy NM-B instead. Don’t pay the burial premium unless you actually need it.

Who Should Buy This

• DIYers running power to a shed, garage, or outdoor kitchen — this is exactly what you need, and the 250-ft spool covers most residential runs without splicing.
• Landscapers installing outdoor lighting or pond pumps — the UV resistance means exposed sections won’t degrade.
• Farmers or rural property owners — direct burial at 24 inches is code-compliant for most applications, and the heavy jacket handles tractor traffic better than you’d expect.

Skip it if you’re running cable indoors (buy NM-B), need 10-gauge for a 30-amp circuit (size up), or only need 50 feet (buy a shorter spool and save money).

FAQ

Q: Can I bury this without conduit? A: Yes, direct burial at 24 inches is code-compliant per NEC 340.10(4). For shallower trenches, you’ll need Schedule 80 PVC conduit for mechanical protection.

Q: Is this rated for wet locations? A: Yes. UF-B is rated for damp and wet locations, including direct exposure to soil. It’s also sunlight-resistant, so exposed runs above ground are acceptable.

Q: What’s the ampacity of 12/2 UF-B? A: 20 amps at 60°C termination temperature. Use a 20-amp breaker maximum. Don’t push it to 30 amps — that requires 10-gauge.

The Verdict

Buy it if you need a reliable, code-compliant direct-burial cable for a 120V outdoor circuit and want the peace of mind that comes with a proven brand.

Skip it if your run is indoors, you need 30-amp capacity, or you’re on a tight budget and can use conduit with cheaper NM-B.

Rating: 4.6/5 — Deducting a half-star for the stiffness and lack of footage markings, but for the core job of safely delivering power underground, this cable does exactly what it promises.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.