ACWU 90 vs. TECK 90.

[Phuckin' Jim]

I am planning to run a 100 amp service out to a garage.
I was thinking of using either 2 guage aluminum teck, or aluminum ACWU wire.
Can I use either one?
Is there usually a big cost difference?
Also, do I need to use an "LB" connector where it enters the building?
I will be doing this in Manitoba.
Thanks for any info.

 

[mrb]

as long as its rated for direct burial....

does canada require an armored cable? Or can you get some other direct burial cable that is cheaper?

 

[Phuckin' Jim]

as long as its rated for direct burial....

does canada require an armored cable? Or can you get some other direct burial cable that is cheaper?

Canada doesn't require armoured cable underground. The local inspector happened to be in the Hydro office and I got to talk to him briefly, he told me I could use this stuff:

http://www.nexans.com/eservice/Cana...Triplexed_XLPE_PVC_Type_USEI90_600_V.html#top
Also I would need a #6 copper ground wire, 2 ground rods or a 2'x2' ground plate, buried 3' deep.

I forgot to ask him if it needed to be in conduit where in runs in the garage and the house. He did mention needing the conduit where it enters/exits the ground to the building.

I'm trying to figure out if using aluminum armoured cable would be much more $$$ than the triplexed wire, conduit, fittings the ground plate and wire...

 

[nate379]

My house has 125amp service and it's 4 guage aluminum wiring. They came out and buried it today actually.

 

[Phuckin' Jim]

My house has 125amp service and it's 4 guage aluminum wiring. They came out and buried it today actually.

They let you #4 wire for 125 amp?
Here they want #3 copper, or # 2 aluminum for 100 amp service.


I dug deeper into the 'net regarding the differences between "Teck" and "ACWU" wire, and found this page:
http://www.nexans.ca/egy/equip/ProdPamphlets/ArmouredCablesCSA_E.html

It looks like the TECK is a tougher cable, but it is more $$$.

If the cost difference between the 2 is huge, I will go with the ACWU.

I will keep you guys posted.

 

[tfi racing]

What's the distance,that will be the big deciding factor between Al or Cu.I have direct buried ACWU on many projects,including my own,it does need to be "protected" where it comes out of the ground,not a big deal.I'm not sure why the inspector mentioned ground rods and/or a plate,a no-no on this side of the border unless its a barn for livestock,perhaps they have more barns than shops in your area.

 

[nate379]

I was told #4 is good for 65 amps per leg, so 130amps. Dunno, I didn't do the work, the power company did.

They let you #4 wire for 125 amp?
Here they want #3 copper, or # 2 aluminum for 100 amp service.


I dug deeper into the 'net regarding the differences between "Teck" and "ACWU" wire, and found this page:
http://www.nexans.ca/egy/equip/ProdPamphlets/ArmouredCablesCSA_E.html

It looks like the TECK is a tougher cable, but it is more $$$.

If the cost difference between the 2 is huge, I will go with the ACWU.

I will keep you guys posted.

 

[Phuckin' Jim]

The garage is going to be 25' from the house, and the breaker panel in the house is on the wall closest to the garage. The garage panel is going to be on the wall closest to the house. I estimate the total length of the cable to be ~ 45 feet.

I think the inspector mentioned ground rods/plate electrode because I was asking about using the non-armored triplex wire (USEI 90) that is lacking a ground wire.
http://www.nexans.ca/egy/power/underground_secondary.htm

When you say ACWU needs protection where it comes out of the ground, do you mean 1-1/2" conduit and an "LB" fitting?
Did you choose ACWU because it was a lot cheaper than TECK?
Thanks for the info, it's coming in handy.

 

[tfi racing]

I would use the ACWU,however some are leary of aluminum and prefer copper,I see no real reason to spend the extra money,don't forget the anti-ox on the terminations.You will want to use 2" pvc and lb's,it just makes it easier to stuff the cable through.

 

[Phuckin' Jim]

Thanks. That's probably the route I'll be taking.
Another idea I'm kicking around is to pass the cable thru the cinder block basement wall, 24" below the ground level. Once inside the un-finished basement, I would head up and toward the panel.
Is that allowed? is it a bad idea?
I have lots of time to plan this, the garage isn't built yet....

 

[dodgeram2500]

Not sure about what the rules are, but I wouldn't want a hole in the ground below grade.....good place for water/critters to come in.