Conduit in Slab or not

[oachalon]

Hi,

My foundation and slab for my 32x48 garage should be poured probably within the next month. I have not determined my layout inside for electrical, etc, I figured I would do that down the road.

When i run the electrical i was just going to have the electrical come up through an LB and into the wall of the building, but researching I keep seeing posts saying if you do that, you cannot have the panel mounted between the studs? I am trying to determine why you cannot?

I keep going back and forth seeing if i should put conduit in the slab for the electrical when they pour or just wait till later and do it after.

I guess my question is why cant i have electrical come through an LB into the building and have my electrical panel still mounted between the studs?

Thanks for the help on this stupid question.

 

[larry4406]

I’m no sparky.

The LB has a cover on it (think junction). I believe it must remain accessible when you are done with your finishes.

Maybe this has something to do with the comments you have received?



I’ve done houses where feeders to separate structures exit a panel thru the rear, out of the structure, then LB down to the ground.

 

[brownbagg]

yes you can, that how commerical work is done, grey pvc

 

[acer66]

You can have a panel mounted between studs and like larry4406 said the LB or any box that is has to be accessible.

Good luck with your project.

 

[rancherbill]

When i run the electrical i was just going to have the electrical come up through an LB and into the wall of the building, but researching I keep seeing posts saying if you do that, you cannot have the panel mounted between the studs? I am trying to determine why you cannot?

I'm not in the US so I don't know for sure. Here I have seen them between studs on old construction garages. On my relatively new build it is surface mount because of insulation and vapor barrier.

 

[oachalon]

Yes, the LB will always be accessible. That’s what I thought but some of the old forum posts on here had me scared for a second. Thanks guys for confirming.

 

[u2slow]

I couldn't plan my shop layout at all, nevermind the electrical.

I just have liquid-proof armoured cable on the outside wall into an LB above the sill plate (stem wall).

 

[Poolshark314]

If you know where your LB would plan to be, you might as well just put the conduit in before they pour. If you have an existing meter or main panel you are tapping off off, I would just put it in the most direct spot in the new building.

 

[larry4406]

When I did my barn, I ran the electric conduit up thru the footing and the slab. Careful positioning allowed it to position between the stud bay once framed.

I also placed 20' continuous of #4 copper wire tied to the footing rebar (UFER ground) and turned up the ground wire to the panel in one continuous piece. My barn is a sub-panel with 4-wire feed from the house panel.

 

[HoosierMark]

There are some good threads on here about what to put in or under floor in a garage before you pour it. For example I put a couple of anchor points to pull a car in that can double as stand holders for a grinder or vise. I also put a couple of grey electrical conduits in big enough to allow for air and electric lines to slide thru. I put them flush with floor and in area where I expect to have a tool or a work bench. I hate cords across the floor. Have only used one so far but can see that all will get used in the future.

 

[kngelv]

You need to figure out your service size before you do anything. You also need to know if you need another meter can. Depending on the service size you might be required to have a separate meter. If you can run power from your house then it makes way more sense to do it when the slab is poured. You can even have your ground rods put in and the ground cable run at this time.

James

 

[oachalon]

If you know where your LB would plan to be, you might as well just put the conduit in before they pour. If you have an existing meter or main panel you are tapping off off, I would just put it in the most direct spot in the new building.

I will be tapping off my main in my house for the garage. Good chance it would be in the most direct spot. I am split which is the best way to go to be honest.

Thanks,

 

[mike93lx]

I am split which is the best way to go to be honest.

You mean between it being a sub or having separate service?

Separate services cost extra money every month, $15-30+ before you use any power

 

[oachalon]

You mean between it being a sub or having separate service?

Separate services cost extra money every month, $15-30+ before you use any power

No, split between using an LB to the building or putting conduit in the concrete.

 

[mike93lx]

No, split between using an LB to the building or putting conduit in the concrete.

Ah, got it. I'd put the conduit in the slab. You can always run it external later, but it isn't practical to put it in slab after the fact.

 

[oachalon]

Ok, need peoples advice on this if I want to put it in the slab. Planning on running 100A service to my garage. I would say from Main panel to garage its a good 150ft.

What size conduit should i use and what else do i need specifically? Sorry for the newbie questions just want to make sure I am doing it correctly.

Thanks,

 

[nadogail]

Ok, need peoples advice on this if I want to put it in the slab. Planning on running 100A service to my garage. I would say from Main panel to garage its a good 150ft.

What size conduit should i use and what else do i need specifically? Sorry for the newbie questions just want to make sure I am doing it correctly.

Thanks,

What will you be running for conductors? Aluminum conductors for 100 Amps will require a larger conduit than Copper ones.

I would guess that 2" will be about right.

 

[oachalon]

Aluminum is my plan, and i was thinking 2" as well from my quick search on here.

 

[larry4406]

I ran 2" conduit for my barn.

 

[brownbagg]

after pulling many time through conduit, i would use a 4 inch under ground and then reduced to what ever you need for vertical, yes all you need is a three or two, but pulling wire is a beech. I would use an eight if i could find some.

 

[Poolshark314]

after pulling many time through conduit, i would use a 4 inch under ground and then reduced to what ever you need for vertical, yes all you need is a three or two, but pulling wire is a beech. I would use an eight if i could find some.

Last time I checked, 4" pipe was over $50/10 ft stick, vs. $27 for 2"