Southwire 13055922 12/2WG UF Wire 50-Foot, Copper

A 50-foot coil of 12/2 UF cable doesn’t sound exciting, but on an outdoor wiring job it can make the difference between a clean, code-compliant install and a headache. I used Southwire’s 12/2 UF cable to feed a 20A outdoor circuit across a yard and into a small shed, with a short rise up a post for receptacles and lighting. It performed exactly as I’d expect from a purpose-built underground feeder: durable jacket, predictable handling, and no surprises at termination.

What it is and where it shines

This is a 12 AWG, two-conductor cable with an equipment grounding conductor, rated for direct burial and sunlight exposure. It’s designed for outdoor circuits—think garden and pathway lighting, a run out to a shed or gazebo, or feeding outlets near a pool area. Because it’s UF (underground feeder), you can bury it without conduit, and it’s also legal in damp, wet, or dry locations, including concealed runs. It’s UL listed and made in the U.S., and the jacket markings are clear enough to keep inspectors happy.

The 50-foot coil is a useful size for small projects. It’s long enough for a typical trench from a panel or junction point to a nearby outbuilding or patio feature, but not so much that you’re paying for a remainder that will sit on a shelf.

Build quality and handling

UF cable is known for a tough outer jacket and solid conductors, and this Southwire version fits that mold. The jacket feels dense and abrasion-resistant, which is exactly what you want when you’re backfilling over rocks or pulling around the occasional root. It resists kinks better than some bargain UF I’ve used; once it’s uncoiled and relaxed in the sun for a few minutes, it lays straight in the trench without fighting you.

That durability has a trade-off: it’s stiffer than NM-B and bulkier in boxes. In conduit, I treat UF as a short protective sleeve solution rather than a long pull. For my install, I ran it directly in the trench, then sleeved it in liquid-tight flexible conduit for the vertical rises out of the ground and into boxes. Pulling through those short conduit runs was easy with a little wire lube and generous radius bends; pushing it would have been frustrating. If you plan to run long distances in conduit with multiple bends, consider switching to individual THHN/THWN conductors instead.

Installation notes from the field

• Trenching and depth: I set depth according to local amendments and the NEC table for burial, which varies depending on whether the cable is in conduit and whether the circuit is GFCI-protected. The key takeaway is to check your local code, lay the cable at a consistent depth, and use caution tape above the run before backfilling.
• Transitions: Wherever the cable emerges from the ground, I protect it with conduit up to the termination point. That keeps gardening tools and UV exposure from becoming a problem and presents a neat, inspector-friendly finish.
• Stripping and termination: The jacket is rugged. Scoring lengthwise with a sharp utility knife and peeling back the sheath works well; avoid deep cuts that could nick the insulation. A cable ripper isn’t very effective on UF. Inside boxes, the cable takes up more room than NM-B, so deeper boxes and proper UF-rated clamps/staples make life easier.
• Circuit protection: On outdoor receptacles, GFCI protection is a given. I used a weather-resistant GFCI device downline and a standard 20A breaker upstream. Follow labeling for weather-resistant and in-use covers.
• Labeling and identification: The jacket print is clear, and conductors are color-coded as expected. The equipment ground is integrated with the two insulated conductors, making termination straightforward.

Performance in use

Functionally, there’s not much drama with a simple feeder cable—either it carries power safely, or it doesn’t. Here, it does. Voltage drop was negligible at my run length on a 20A circuit with typical loads. The jacket shrugged off abrasion during backfill, and after a season of weather and irrigation, there’s no sign of movement or moisture wicking into terminations. Sunlight resistance matters on the exposed rise sections; the jacket hasn’t chalked or softened.

I also appreciate that it’s a copper 12-gauge. For small outdoor circuits with occasional heavier loads (a shop vacuum in the shed, a small heater on the patio), 12 AWG gives a little breathing room over 14 AWG, within the 20A envelope. It’s not for large fixed appliances or subpanels, but for outdoor outlets and lighting, it’s the right match.

Where it fits versus alternatives

• UF cable vs. NM-B: If the run ever sees moisture or goes underground, UF wins. NM-B is easier to strip and bend, but it’s for dry, protected interiors only.
• UF cable vs. THHN in conduit: For direct-burial simplicity and speed, UF is hard to beat. If you anticipate future upgrades or need to snake around multiple bends, individual conductors in conduit are more flexible and maintainable.
• 12/2 vs. 10/2 or 14/2: For typical 15–20A outdoor general-purpose circuits, 12/2 is the practical choice. Step up to 10/2 only if you have a specific higher-load plan and the associated breaker/termination hardware.

Quirks and limitations

• Stiffness: Expect a fight in tight boxes and sharp bends. Plan for larger boxes, gentle sweeps, and short conduit segments.
• Stripping: The sheath is tough. Take your time and use the right technique to avoid nicking insulation.
• Bulk: In multi-gang boxes or small device boxes, fill can be an issue. Do your box-fill calculations and size up as needed.
• Not a cure-all: It’s a general-purpose feeder, not a substitute for larger feeders or multi-wire branch circuits that need more conductors.

Safety and best practices

• Call before you dig, even for shallow trenches.
• Confirm burial depth and protection requirements with your local authority. Depths vary by method and location.
• Use GFCI and weather-resistant devices where required. In-use covers are a must for exposed locations.
• Protect the cable where it emerges from the ground with rigid or liquid-tight conduit, secured properly.
• Consider warning tape above the cable in the trench to prevent future accidents.
• Leave a bit of slack at endpoints for clean terminations and future service.

Value and availability

On balance, the 50-foot coil is a sensible buy for small outdoor projects. You’re not stuck with a large spool, and you avoid splicing mid-run. The fit and finish are solid, it’s UL listed, and it’s manufactured domestically. I’ve paid more for lesser-feeling UF cable; this lands in the “good value for reliable work” category.

Who it’s for

• DIYers and homeowners adding a simple outdoor circuit for lighting and receptacles.
• Pros who need a tidy, short run to an outbuilding, gate motor, or landscape feature without pulling conduit the entire way.
• Anyone who prefers a direct-burial solution with minimal components and a clean inspection.

Final thoughts and recommendation

Southwire’s 12/2 UF cable does exactly what I want from an underground feeder: it’s rugged, predictable to install, and appropriately rated for the environments it will actually see. The stiffness and thick jacket demand a bit of respect—bigger boxes, sweeping bends, and a careful stripping technique—but those same traits are what make it durable in the dirt and under sun.

I recommend this cable for small to medium outdoor runs where a 20A, two-conductor plus ground circuit is appropriate. It’s a dependable, UL-listed option that balances durability with ease of installation, especially when used as intended: direct buried with short protected rises. If your project involves long, intricate conduit paths or future expansion, you may prefer individual conductors in conduit. Otherwise, this is the straightforward, reliable choice I keep reaching for.