Electric Help, I'm a bad carpenter!!

[groove grabber]

Hey, I'm a whole lot better mechanic than carpenter and I'm building a post Frame building.

I have a 180 ft run from house 200amp panel to barn. I understand and hear that because I'm running 100 amp service to garage, i'll need #2 alum, underground cable. Is this right? I'm thinking it said #2 triplex? I've got a 100 amp breaker and was considering mouting it in my panel? Or I have heard to mount it outside at the meter with a throw switch. Codes arent bad here.so whatevers the most economical way. How should I run it? Any help would be appreciated, remember to explain it because I'm a dummy

 

[LoneGunman]

Well I'm not to up on the types of AL insulation (we do not use any AL at work) so I don't know what insulation Triplex has. The insulation and other things) determines the maximum amperage.

I would use a 100a breaker in your house panel to feed the barn panel and add a 100a main in the barn panel. If you have more than 6 disconnects you HAVE to have a disconnect in the barn.

Also make sure you use No-Ox on all the AL connections and make sure they are tight. AL is notorious for loosening up and corrosion, loose connection= equals arcing which cause heat which cause melted insulation. When you tighten the lugs move the wire back and forth a little and then retighten, youll be amazed how much more youll get.