Outdoor overhead 110V wiring

[Mark*1]

I would like to run an overhead wire about 100 feet from my home to a chicken coop to power a light (15W CFL) and a small timer. My preference would be to tie into a junction box already in place under my deck (about 9 feet off the ground). What kind of wire is needed for this? Do I need a neutral wire rope for support, or can I use insulators on posts? Is 10 feet an adequate height for the wire? (It will not be crossing over sidewalks or any other existing structures.) Thanks for your help!

[6768rogues]

I have used UF wire on occasion. It is safe for direct burial, so it is water tight and it is also sunlight resistant. A hundred feet is a long way, so I would run something to support it.

[Charles (in GA)]

225.18 (1) and (2) cover height. Depending on how you read the code, its 10 ft or 12 ft. item (2) says 12 ft over "residential property".

Article 396 "messenger-supported wiring" covers types of cable allowed to be messenger supported and types of attachment, etc.

Article 225 covers "outside branch circuits and feeders" and pretty much governs what you want to do.

For this distance, you most certainly would need a supporting messenger wire, which needs to be grounded properly. Type UF underground/sunlight/water resistant cable is one of the types allowed by the code.

As others noted, 100 ft is a long ways.

Charles

[Mark*1]

Thanks, all. I appreciate the info.

[tfi racing]

Sounds like a good application for one of those solar powered security lights!

[kbs2244]

Amen to tfi!
Why bother with the wire when for the same cost you can do it with out the all the problems?

[precisionsc54]

if its over 100 ft you better check the voltage on the other end when your done. Might have some voltage drop issues

[mmg440]

if its over 100 ft you better check the voltage on the other end when your done. Might have some voltage drop issues

I would think a 15w cfl won't have to much load and will function even with a voltage drop. I not think voltage drop would be a issue in this case.

[Mr_fixit]

I've seen the power company run either 8 or 10 gauge aluminum wire for streetlights on private property. Around here you pay about $15 to $20 per month flat rate for a power company owned light on a power pole on your property. They run this wire up to 150 feet between poles: one wire is bare, the neutral, and one insulated. Find a friend who works for the power company and you may get a piece. And make sure to get the grips or clamps to hold it at both ends..


Or your electrical store may have some...