Electricians Please look here to help

[PatrickR]

My questions may/should help others.
For an Ag building 32 by 30 the power is 175 feet away. I plan on alum wire vs copper. Heaviest items will be frequent 220 AC wall unit, and stove once in a while for powder coating. 2hp 33 gal compressor on alot, 4 or 5 8ft ceiling lights. Wall plugs for simple desk with drill press, grinder and sewing machine.

Starting at the present meter box to my garage, again 175 ft. to subpanel, I expect a medium size one to allow the breakers.
Help me visualize the wiring.

such as #4 wire (color) from to ***, and back to meter and then another (color) size to act as. and how many runs will I be doing.'

Underground of course. One friend says to dig 18 inch deep or grass my fry and keep apart at least 4 inches or lines will pickup more power etc.

Thanks.

 

[LoneGunman]

You left out some needed information, first off, you say it's an AG building, do you have 3 phase on the property, if so were you planning on running 3 phase out to the building?

What size subpanel are you wanting to use? It would not be a smart choice to use any smaller than a 100a panel IMHO.

It sounds like you are planning on using direct burial cable? If you have to dig anyway put conduit in, IMHO this is the right way to do it (besides using the AL, I don't like it and we don't use it)

Youll need 3 wires plus a ground for a single phase panel or 4 for a 3 phase panel.

If you have more than six disconnects in the AG building youll need a main disconnect (should have one even if it is not required).

Single phase you have 3 wires the same size, one IDed with white tape as your neutral, your ground can be undersized.

Can't help you with the ampacities for AL conductors without knowing if you are using direct burial and what type of wire (type of insulation).

While you have a trench open throw in a 1" conduit for future low voltage needs (phone, cable, ETC)

 

[PatrickR]

I am jobbing out the work to a pro friend, but looking to learn about it and price wire. I have yet to learn about phase 2 or 3, I am sure it is not that hard a concept to get, I just need to get off my duff and read about it
The box I have or was there is below.

I appreciate the reply, makes sense to me, but what is wrong with AL wire. Or better, why do you not use it.
Thanks and feel free to teach me about the phase stuff.
ps, behind the door are three 20 breakers, two double pole and one single. At present one works the well, one two gf plugs on pole and one to a small camper. There are three breaker spots left in it.
Nothing else has been purchased yet, clean canvas so to speak.

 

[LoneGunman]

Okay, judging by the meter it's single phase.

AL conductors 101: AL contracts and expands differently than copper, if it's not installed correctly the connection loosens, resistance goes up, heat builds up and wires melt. It also corrodes a lot worse than copper. If it's installed correctly and maintained it's fine, 99% of people will not maintain it. When it's installed No-Ox or an equivalent MUST be used. When the lug is tightened the wire should be moved back and forth a little then retightened, loosening and retightening a few times works also.

The connection should be checked yearly and retightened.