Max Usable Distance for MHF Wire

[anuccite]

Sparky's:

for 90amp at Garage, What is the Max distance I can go before I need to go to a larger wire (because of voltage drop)? I'm trying to figure out how far away I can put New garage

2-2-2-4 Alu MHF

 

[NitroGarage]

Found this:

http://www.calculator.net/voltage-d...nce=900&distanceunit=feet&amperes=90&x=69&y=1

 

[dw1]

Sparky's:

for 90amp at Garage, What is the Max distance I can go before I need to go to a larger wire (because of voltage drop)? I'm trying to figure out how far away I can put New garage

2-2-2-4 Alu MHF

Do you have any idea about where you want it? how big is your back yard?
Your # 2 alum MHF is rated for 75 amps at 100', not sure if you are talking about lengths longer than that or not?

90 amp load would require 1/0 alum at a max of 190'

 

[anuccite]

So I'm looking at right around 125'. As with most I doubt I will need the 90amps, but will breaker it that way in the house.... and 100 at garage.

buried in conduit

 

[Aceman]

125' is not an issue.

Real world experience tells me I don't even start worrying about voltage drop on 240 volt feeders until I get out past 200'.

 

[pattenp]

2-2-2-4 MHF with a full 90A load will have a VD of about 3% at 125 - 130 feet.

 

[pattenp]

Your # 2 alum MHF is rated for 75 amps at 100', ..........

Where are you getting that info from. #2 Al can be over current protected up to 90A. There is no footage rating.

 

[dw1]

Where are you getting that info from. #2 Al can be over current protected up to 90A. There is no footage rating.

I had plugged the info into the Southwire Voltage drop Calculator, using a 3% VD, I didn't know if he has a 1/4 acre back yard or a 14 acre backyard, I didn't want him trying to run across the globe and expect no consequences from it. I agree he can protect it at 90 amps.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I had plugged the info into the Southwire Voltage drop Calculator, using a 3% VD, I didn't know if he has a 1/4 acre back yard or a 14 acre backyard, I didn't want him trying to run across the globe and expect no consequences from it. I agree he can protect it at 90 amps.

The southwire calculator uses 60* c ampacities for circuits less than 100a.

Thats how u got the 75'.

That calculator is a little annoying in that regard. I suspect they do it on purpose.

Better to use a different calculator.

 

[dw1]

The southwire calculator uses 60* c ampacities for circuits less than 100a.

Thats how u got the 75'.

That calculator is a little annoying in that regard. I suspect they do it on purpose.

Better to use a different calculator.

Ahhh, my mistake, wasn't paying attention, thanks!!

 

[sberry]

I have used a couple different sized breakers. Ran a welding shop from one at 225 ft one winter with a 60A on it. I have wired a couple dozen garages this way including a couple busy ones and while we could make a change if we had to never,,,, never had one trip a 60, have never tripped a feed breaker on anything I ever fed with these and have several myself including my house on a 50.

 

[anuccite]

I want to be clear on something, In trying to source wire locally, HD, Lowes so far..... Both keep giving me URD wire..... I can't find MHF wire.....

I am assuming that if I want to have a single continuous run, that is not going to work, correct? I cannot run URD inside either structure even if in Conduit?

I can order it from wireandcableyourway.com no problem,

 

[dtrojcak]

I want to be clear on something, In trying to source wire locally, HD, Lowes so far..... Both keep giving me URD wire..... I can't find MHF wire.....

I am assuming that if I want to have a single continuous run, that is not going to work, correct? I cannot run URD inside either structure even if in Conduit?

I can order it from wireandcableyourway.com no problem,

Lowe's has MHF, but I only looked for 4/0 as that's what I needed.
Most MHs have more than 90 amp service so you may have a time trying to find it in smaller sizes.

 

[nh_yota]

Many places use the terms MHF/URD/USE to refer to the same thing. URD technically is only used outside by utility companies because it is not rated for use in NEC installations. USE is an NEC-rated version of URD. MHF is essentially USE that has a 4th conductor and is rated for burial.

 

[nh_yota]

But that's a simplified explanation.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I want to be clear on something, In trying to source wire locally, HD, Lowes so far..... Both keep giving me URD wire..... I can't find MHF wire.....

I am assuming that if I want to have a single continuous run, that is not going to work, correct? I cannot run URD inside either structure even if in Conduit?

I can order it from wireandcableyourway.com no problem,

Order from online site such as this one

or try local electrical distributor.

 

[Fordman7795]

Lowe's has MHF, but I only looked for 4/0 as that's what I needed.
Most MHs have more than 90 amp service so you may have a time trying to find it in smaller sizes.

My lowes had the 2224 mhf in stock. Believe it was just under $1.50 a foot

 

[pattenp]

Many places use the terms MHF/URD/USE to refer to the same thing. URD technically is only used outside by utility companies because it is not rated for use in NEC installations. USE is an NEC-rated version of URD. MHF is essentially USE that has a 4th conductor and is rated for burial.

You're close but no prize. URD (Underground Residential Distribution) is a type of wire and carries in most cases only a USE insulation rating, hence why it can't be installed inside. MHF (Mobile Home Feeder) type carries insulation ratings of RHH-RHW-USE, so it can also be installed inside along with being direct bury. URD and MHF are not insulation ratings.

 

[pattenp]

My lowes had the 2224 mhf in stock. Believe it was just under $1.50 a foot

Same here. $1.47 a foot for MHF 2-2-2-4 in store.