60amp vs 40amp

[fitz11]

I just moved into a new house and am working on the detached garage wiring. It currently has 12-2 with ground running inside 3/4" pvc conduit. The run is a total of 20 feet from the main panel into the garage with 2- 90 degree bends and runs under the driveway/walkway.
I am looking for some advice on what I can realistically run with the current conduit. I have done lots of reading online and it seems almost split 50/50 on people saying its possible to run 3-#6 and 1-#10 ground with a 60 amp breaker.
Will I be able to get this pulled without any huge issues or should I downsize to 3-#8 and 1-#10 ground and a 40 amp breaker to make it easier?

 

[Kmt803]

I just moved into a new house and am working on the detached garage wiring. It currently has 12-2 with ground running inside 3/4" pvc conduit. The run is a total of 20 feet from the main panel into the garage with 2- 90 degree bends and runs under the driveway/walkway.
I am looking for some advice on what I can realistically run with the current conduit. I have done lots of reading online and it seems almost split 50/50 on people saying its possible to run 3-#6 and 1-#10 ground with a 60 amp breaker.
Will I be able to get this pulled without any huge issues or should I downsize to 3-#8 and 1-#10 ground and a 40 amp breaker to make it easier?

I was able to pull 3 # 6 wag in 3/4" conduit with #10 ground with no problem,code allows up to 4 #6 in 3/4 conduit go for the 60 amp panel,make sure you have a 60 amp main breaker in that panel it is required by code

 

[pattenp]

It all depends on the wire type you pull. If using THHN/THWN-2 then the 3 #6 and 1 #10 will meet NEC in 3/4" conduit. If using the same size in RHH/RHW-2 or XHHW-2 it's too large for 3/4" conduit.

 

[ddawg16]

The #6 will fit. That is what I have. But it was tough. My run is about 25' through 3/4" PVC. Well, actually, it's 1" from the house to about a 1' from the garage and then goes down to 3/4" for the last 4' of PVC. But it does fit.

You can make that ground wire bare. Gives you a bit more wiggle room. And plan on having to use soap. Lube that ***** up real well.

Also do a tapered end on your wire bundle.

Mine is protected for 50A/240....I'll never use that much....but voltage drops are not an issue.

 

[fitz11]

I was planning on using a 60 amp breaker at the main panel and thhn wire. I just don't want to start the pull and have it not possible to run the wire.

 

[Kmt803]

I was planning on using a 60 amp breaker at the main panel and thhn wire. I just don't want to start the pull and have it not possible to run the wire.

Like ddawg16 said stagger wires and use wire lube,they also make a wire called NoLube Simpull which has a very slick jacket on it that makes it easier to pull. I like to save 8 strands from each wire and cut the rest of the strands away,I then bend 4 1 way onto rope loop and 4 the other way,tape really good it makes the head skinnier,you will need a 60 amp shutoff breaker in the subpanel and make sure you remove the bonding jumper between neutral and ground it should only be bonded in the main panel,good luck.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I just moved into a new house and am working on the detached garage wiring. It currently has 12-2 with ground running inside 3/4" pvc conduit. The run is a total of 20 feet from the main panel into the garage with 2- 90 degree bends and runs under the driveway/walkway.
I am looking for some advice on what I can realistically run with the current conduit. I have done lots of reading online and it seems almost split 50/50 on people saying its possible to run 3-#6 and 1-#10 ground with a 60 amp breaker.
Will I be able to get this pulled without any huge issues or should I downsize to 3-#8 and 1-#10 ground and a 40 amp breaker to make it easier?

Good thing youre replacing the wire. NM-b is not allowed and should not be run underground.

The #6 will fit. That is what I have. But it was tough. My run is about 25' through 3/4" PVC. Well, actually, it's 1" from the house to about a 1' from the garage and then goes down to 3/4" for the last 4' of PVC. But it does fit.

You can make that ground wire bare. Gives you a bit more wiggle room. And plan on having to use soap. Lube that ***** up real well.

Also do a tapered end on your wire bundle.

Mine is protected for 50A/240....I'll never use that much....but voltage drops are not an issue.

actually, if u use Southwire's "SIM Pull" brand of wire, it will be easier to pull than a bare ground and no conduit lube is needed...