Avoid Splicing if Possible

Generally, splicing is not recommended for direct bury 4-20 mA loop cables over long distances (>1000 feet) for the following reasons: Signal Degradation

Splices can introduce resistance and capacitance, which can attenuate the 4-20 mA signal. This can result in inaccurate flow measurements.

Reliability

Splices are potential failure points, especially in harsh underground environments. Water, dirt, and temperature fluctuations can damage the splice and disrupt signal transmission.

Difficulty in Maintenance

If a splice fails, it can be challenging to locate and repair it underground, especially if the conduit is not accessible.

Recommended Solution

Use a single, continuous cable without any splices. In this case, 1000' spools would be sufficient for the 1/4 mile distance. If 500' spools are used, two lengths would be needed, but it's still preferable to avoid splicing.

Cable Specifications

Two-wire shielded with drain Conductors: 16 AWG or 18 AWG stranded copper Shielding: Braid or foil Drain: Bare copper or tinned copper

Direct Bury Installation

Use conduit or direct bury cable for protection from damage. Bury the cable at a depth of at least 24 inches to prevent accidental damage from excavation. Use cable markers to indicate the location of the cable for future reference.

If Splicing is Unavoidable:

If splicing is unavoidable, follow these best practices: Use a clean and dry environment for splicing. Use high-quality, waterproof splice connectors designed for underground use. Solder the connections to ensure a good electrical contact. Use heat shrink tubing or tape to protect the splice from moisture and corrosion.* Enclose the splice in a junction box to provide additional protection. Flag for review