Im a little concerned...

[Dmarkland]

So I'm in the process of buying our first new (to us) home. It has a 24x60 detached garage that has been upgraded by the previous homeowners son. He's lets just say, "adaptable" in his definition of what code standards are. The garage is 30 feet from the main panel. He has somehow run a 2 wire line from the main 200 amp service partially underground to a sub panel in the garage. Its supposedly wired for 120? Anyway, i'm a little confused as to how that is possible with the given wire. Here is a picture of what the wire is. Can anyone tell me if this is correct?

 

[nehog]

You don't give enough information about the breaker in the main panel to allow an answer. Take a picture of the main panel's breaker feeding the garage and you may be able to get a good answer.

It is possible (possible!) that it is technically correct, but perhaps not going to allow much power to the garage. As 10 AWG, it would be good for about 30 amps maximum.

 

[Scott65]

Technically correct but undersized to meet any serious power demands you may have in a shop. 30 amps is the max as indicated- hardly enough for a lighting circuit and a loop of outlets. I have a 60 amp sub panel in my garage and it is fed with 4awg, might be overkill, but easier to do right the first time.

 

[Dmarkland]

Thanks for the reply! I'll see if i can get a better picture the next time i get over there.

 

[NUTTSGT]

It's not the size of the wire that scares me, it's the "partially underground" statement that does. Sounds like something half assed.

 

[Mustang51js]

Basically all you have is a 30 amp 120 volt sub panel so you can prob do two 15 amp circuits. Wire is rated for direct burial but not made to be layed on top of the ground

 

[wyliesdiesels]

So I'm in the process of buying our first new (to us) home. It has a 24x60 detached garage that has been upgraded by the previous homeowners son. He's lets just say, "adaptable" in his definition of what code standards are. The garage is 30 feet from the main panel. He has somehow run a 2 wire line from the main 200 amp service partially underground to a sub panel in the garage. Its supposedly wired for 120? Anyway, i'm a little confused as to how that is possible with the given wire. Here is a picture of what the wire is. Can anyone tell me if this is correct?

What is it that you're confused about? That is a 10/2 NM wire capable of 30a @ 120v. Did u mean its wired for 240v?

It's not the size of the wire that scares me, it's the "partially underground" statement that does. Sounds like something half assed.

The wire is UF-B so its rated for direct burial.

 

[Executive]

The wire you picture is capable of 30 amps. It is also capable of 120 volts or 240 volts. If used for 240 volts, it will not have a grounded conductor designed in the circuit and will be very limiting as to what you connect.

The most likely situation is that it is 120 volts. It should not supply a panel in the detached garage. It should originate in a single pole GFCI circuit breaker, specifically because of the limited burial depth of the cable. (NEC T300.5)

I would plan to correct this wiring if you decide to purchase the property.


Chris

 

[Norcal]

The wire you picture is capable of 30 amps. It is also capable of 120 volts or 240 volts. If used for 240 volts, it will not have a grounded conductor designed in the circuit and will be very limiting as to what you connect.

The most likely situation is that it is 120 volts. It should not supply a panel in the detached garage. It should originate in a single pole GFCI circuit breaker, specifically because of the limited burial depth of the cable. (NEC T300.5)

I would plan to correct this wiring if you decide to purchase the property.


Chris

Maximum overcurrent protection is 20 amperes, 120 volts & must be residential to be allowed to be buried 12" in addition to being GFCI protected.

See NEC table 300.5 column 4.

 

[Executive]

Maximum overcurrent protection is 20 amperes, 120 volts & must be residential to be allowed to be buried 12" in addition to being GFCI protected.

See NEC table 300.5 column 4.

100% accurate.

And your point is?


Chris