Electrical subpanel project

[magster65]

Re: Electrical subpanel project

One other thing... in Canada the province looks after the electrical permits and inspections where as the municipality looks after the rest. Also, only the home owner or a liscenced electrician can take out a permit.<br />I guess that's two things...

 

[crab bait]

Re: Electrical subpanel project

you can go with alum.. but must be 1/0 ( not #1 ) .. 1/0 is next bigger over #1.. <br /><br />2" pvc well still handle it.. but if 2 1/4 ,2 1/2 pvc don't cost much more,, i'd go bigger..<br /><br />also don't forget smaller pipe in ditch for data/com..<br /><br /><br />pre-lube the pipe.. vac/suck in a string.. ty on twisted 3/8" rope.. pull that in..<br /><br />but before you do,,, 'back-twist' the rope.. slide in a rag.. an let rope twist back to normal.. capturing the rope.. <br /><br />now wire lube the rag.. an continue to pull in rope...<br /><br />now make up 'straggered' wire head.. ty on rope .. lube wire head good an wire underway.. <br /><br />now you have lube runnin' on lube (pre lube )

 

[all thumbs]

Re: Electrical subpanel project

Just a couple of things that may help. If you go direct bury use caution when installing cable into trench. I have had to locate faults afterwards from improper installation. These develope from nicks put into the insulation from things like people pushing cable down into trench with a shovel or backfill of sharp rocks etc. If your going with pipe, make your 90's out of two 45's for an easier pull. If your not going with pipe I would still use it for crossing under driveways,sidewalks, decks, etc.

 

[briannh1234]

Re: Electrical subpanel project

Why a smaller pipe for the data/comm? Why can't the data/comm line run in the same pipe as the power? Noise?<br /><br />I will need to wire my shed this spring and only want to dig the yard up once...<br /><br />- Brian

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: Electrical subpanel project

Cannot have power and low voltage in the same pipe.<br /><br />Besides, you would not want to bring your communications cables ino your electrical panels, would you? How else could you get the wires out of the conduit without running inside the panels or having a hole in the conduit?<br /><br />Hope that makes sense.

 

[briannh1234]

Re: Electrical subpanel project

If that's code then I will follow it. Code is usually there for a safety reason.<br /><br />Don't make sense to me but I'm no electrician. Tieing into the panel will be done by a real electrician who should make sure it's up to code.<br /><br />Thanks.<br /><br />- Brian

 

[heyttown]

Re: Electrical subpanel project

If you do go with Aluminum wire(which will work) make sure you do what was mentioned with anti oxidation on the wires and make sure to retighten the wires after a few months as AL wire heats up and cools down respectivly and will eventually lead to bad/loose connections.

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Electrical subpanel project

Thank you all very much. I didn't even consider getting answers anywhere else other than here.<br />If I run into other problems or questions the best answers will always be here.

 

[--GQ--]

Re: Electrical subpanel project

Skinny since your main panel is 200 amps, by code your sub-panel has to be less than. Your next option is 150a (special order from your local electrical supply house. Will cost you more). A 120a or 100a is perfect for your applications. You will have to spit out $60 - $80. The national code allows you to down grade the load to 85%. A # 2 copper conductor is fine. One inch and a quarter (1 1/4") conduit is sufficient but since your running 210 feet, use 2" schedule 40 PVC for easy pulling. your inspector may require you to use schedule 80. Direct burrial conduit must be at least 18". The 4' of sand you mentioned is not a code requirement but if your local arthority having jurisdition said so, then you must. If there isn't a wall and or roof connecting your house to the shed, then two points of grounding shall be mad. ufer or ground rod inconjunction with cold water ground within 5 feet entering the building (shed). Use a # 6 solid wire with protect metal clad jacket. Total materials cost excluding the copper wire is about $300. #2 copper is about a dollar a foot depending on your location.