help me run power to my garage?

[Ron_J]

The contractors are coming in the morning to start my garage and I need to get my ducks in a row to get power to it. (I'm doing it, not the contractor)

I am planning a 100 amp sub panel that will be 120' from the main supply in the house. The new line will run through the length of the house (in the basement) for 40' and the rest will be buried (80') in 2" PVC conduit. (unless someone convinces me there is a benefit to use 1 1/2").

I have been looking at panels at Lowes and specifically the Square D (either the QO or Homeline) with 24 spaces.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Square-D-1...ug-On-Neutral-Load-Center-Value-Pack/50311189

As of now, I have a 220 welder and compressor along with the usual suspects for saws and wood working tools.

Can someone give me an idea of what I will need for wire to get from my box to the garage, and are the panels I've been looking at suitable?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Go with #2 al MHF and a 90a breaker in the main panel. You will need to run conduit inside the buildings.

Or SER inside the buildings and transition to al MHF outside.

Make sure to isolate the neutral in the sub

This same scenario is presented several times per week. Searching the forums eouldve given you answers.

 

[alfredeneuman]

As an alternative to #2MHF, you could run (3) #1THWN or XHHW Al, with a #6 green insulated Al wire as a ground and be able to increase the breaker size from 90A to 100A

 

[jeepxj]

As an alternative to #2MHF, you could run (3) #1THWN or XHHW Al, with a #6 green insulated Al wire as a ground and be able to increase the breaker size from 90A to 100A

Copper:
3 runs of #1THWN at 1.35 a foot is 4.05 per fot.
1 run #6 is 50c a foot.

total cost 4.55 a foot for 100a service.


AL:
Mobile home feeder: 2-2-2-4 is 1.17$ a foot for 90a service.


some people do just want to put copper down and thats fine but there is a serious cost to do so. is it worth it to you is the real question.

 

[dcg9381]

This.. big difference in cost spread between 90A and 100A service.
90A, for me, runs 4 tons of AC, a hot tub, refrigerator, AV gear, a 40' RV (2 more AC units), microwave.... If that gives any perspective.

 

[Bert_]

Copper:
3 runs of #1THWN at 1.35 a foot is 4.05 per fot.
1 run #6 is 50c a foot.

total cost 4.55 a foot for 100a service.


AL:
Mobile home feeder: 2-2-2-4 is 1.17$ a foot for 90a service.


some people do just want to put copper down and thats fine but there is a serious cost to do so. is it worth it to you is the real question.

Where did copper get into your head? #1 xhhw ALUMINUM is rated for 100A. And it pulls way better than twisted cable that's intended for direct burial.

Cost is almost the same.

 

[nadogail]

Sorry but you are living too far for me to come help you with out gas money. Sorry to appear to be stingy, but I have seen good advice posted by others.

 

[jeepxj]

Where did copper get into your head? #1 xhhw ALUMINUM is rated for 100A. And it pulls way better than twisted cable that's intended for direct burial.

Cost is almost the same.

whoopsie. filled in my own blanks there.

https://www.wireandcableyourway.com/1-awg-xhhw-2-aluminum-building-wire.html
2 bucks a foot total cost vs 1.36. marginal. is the extra 10a worth it is situational.

IMO i'd either be ok with 90a or jump to 200a.

 

[rburke65]

Do not use 1 1/2”.....always go 2”. AND .....don’t be afraid to toss in black poly 1” waterline and another pvc conduit for internet or cable, or...?