Conduit install for feed to subpanel

[ctgoodman]

I am getting ready to work on the electrical part of my building. I am wondering what others have done about running their feed to the building. I am planning to bring out a minimum of 100 Amps. I guess I have the option to stub up on the inside with a conduit before the floor pour. Or I could run the conduit up the outside and make an entry point through the exterior wall. What are some pros/cons of doing it either way. I have seen some of the wire is rated direct burial but I am wondering should I do conduit all the way?

 

[kd3pc]

you might want to check with your power company or AHJ, as they may have specifics for you to follow IF this install involves them...

for direct service, I stub up outside to a meter base and then close ****** to the panel - back to back. The power company handles the wiring and the install from the pole to the meter.

If this is a subpanel from your existing panel, then I might think about stubbing up inside and a direct shot to the panel. Much cleaner looking, in my opinion. More secure.

I prefer conduit, as it usually stops someone from cutting through the feed or damaging it.

Cost will dictate what I do as well, like everyone, save a bit here and there - offset by the chance of damage.

YMMV

 

[ctgoodman]

you might want to check with your power company or AHJ, as they may have specifics for you to follow IF this install involves them...

for direct service, I stub up outside to a meter base and then close ****** to the panel - back to back. The power company handles the wiring and the install from the pole to the meter.

If this is a subpanel from your existing panel, then I might think about stubbing up inside and a direct shot to the panel. Much cleaner looking, in my opinion. More secure.

I prefer conduit, as it usually stops someone from cutting through the feed or damaging it.

Cost will dictate what I do as well, like everyone, save a bit here and there - offset by the chance of damage.

YMMV

I'll add this is going to be a feed from my main panel in the house. I currently have 400 Amp service into the house. This should not involve the power company at all. Does anyone know what the burial depth for NC building code is? I am looking to rent a trencher but have a long thin stump bucket on the skid steer i thought about digging it with.

 

[pattenp]

NEC bury is 24" of cover for direct bury and 18" if in PVC conduit. I can't say if NC has different depth requirements.

Make sure you are getting the correct type of wire before you purchase, whether it is direct bury or not. I've seen too many people buy the wrong type of wire for where they are planning to run it.

 

[howpeculiar]

GOPHERS!!!! Use conduit, it is plenty cheap enough. I ran 2 inch conduit and used mobile home feeder (150') for 90Amp service. Also, I am 24 inches of fill over conduit with a caution tape at 12 inches deep.

 

[ard]

Ive run the conduit to come up IN THE WALL.

So once the wall is set onto the foundation bolts, the conduit will be fully within the wall cavity.

This is only for flush month panels- so when the panel is set into the wall, the face 'flush' with the wall.

 

[zmotorsports]

Check with local code. Even if you aren't having the utility company involved there could possibly still be a code to follow. I ran my 200-amp feed to my shop off the main service on the exterior of my house and I wanted to stub up inside to keep the exterior clean and free of conduit. I was told by the building inspector that in needed to be brought in exterior through an LB and into the panel in the shop. Not ideal but at least mine is on the far west side of the shop and almost invisible from anywhere in the yard.

Mike

 

[barnee]

Don't forget the UFER ground if you have a foundation with footers.

 

[ard]

Check with local code.


I was told by the building inspector that in needed to be brought in exterior through an LB and into the panel in the shop.

You think that was some 'code' or just the inspector being...uhhh...particular?

 

[AtlantaHank]

Greetings ctgoodman, I am in the process of building my steel 30x40 shop with 200 amp service, (soon to be added to Garage Gallery) and it's 190 feet from the house. The trench is 24" with 2" pvc, I was told I need two hots, one neutal and one ground, AWG 2 wire, is that similar to what you are planning? Thanks

 

[AtlantaHank]

Opps, my mistake, I'm going with 100 Amp service, not 200.

 

[ctgoodman]

Greetings ctgoodman, I am in the process of building my steel 30x40 shop with 200 amp service, (soon to be added to Garage Gallery) and it's 190 feet from the house. The trench is 24" with 2" pvc, I was told I need two hots, one neutal and one ground, AWG 2 wire, is that similar to what you are planning? Thanks

This is pretty much what i am imagining. I still have some load calculations and distance factors that i have to calculate out to get the proper wire size for the 100 amps.