Detached garage subpanel.

[Czar]

So I've got a 200 amp main panel and was thinking I would install a 100 amp subpanel in my detached garage. The problems are two-fold. One, my main panel is on the opposite side of driveway from the detached garage. So I either have to have a pro come and tunnel under my driveway and lay conduit or run the line through the exterior garage wall, above the garage door and then outside to the detached garage... Which makes more sense? (I pretty much know the answer, but wanted to tap the knowledge base here.) Two, the run will be about 250-260' (around a shed and on the edge of the property) where I will have to trench due to the septic drain field, so what size wire will I need to account for the voltage drop?

 

[Jlbc212]

If you have the space above the garage doors, run it there. I had a similar situation, but not so far. I had to run across my basement, under the deck, and down into the ground.

 

[astroracer]

Where is the garage you want to supply in relation to the power poles? Would it be more cost effective to have the power company drop a meter at the garage? Just asking because it sounds like an expensive project to do it the way you are thinking...
Mark

 

[wyliesdiesels]

If u want 100a in the garage you will need 1/0 cu or 3/0 AL...

 

[Spyider]

im in the same boat right now. trying to figure out wires and size i was told somewhere that i need to get mobile home feeder wire..

 

[Czar]

Astro- no power poles in the neighborhood... All underground and the access is further away than my garage.
Wylies- thanks. I was thinking it would be 3/0 aluminum but wanted to check with all you guys here that have more knowledge.

It is going to be an expensive upgrade. Probably why the previous owner just strung extension cords together to get power out there.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

im in the same boat right now. trying to figure out wires and size i was told somewhere that i need to get mobile home feeder wire..

U dont HAVE to use MHF...but its easier and cheaper than running individual AL consuctors...