Getting power to a distant detached garage

[McKay]

Read post #19, the OP already has 400 Amp service.

I think many of us feel overkill here, but if ever needed now is certainly the time to do it. Sounds like electric heat is planned as well as a well equipped shop, and a space above the shop. For all any of us know some type of electric kiln, or heat treat device is in his future plans. (Let the 3 phase recommendations then begin).

I think the OP is looking for one consistent answer to his existing situation so he can implement and move on. Perhaps that doesn't exist.

I knew he had a 400A service. I was speaking in general terms for others who think they may need to upgrade from a 200A to a 400A.

 

[McKay]

I've done that many times myself, even 600' runs, but it was always at least aluminum pipe, and much of the time, steel. I've never used a tugger on plastic pipe, and wonder about the logic of that. But then, it's been many years since I used a tugger.

Half of all our pulling is in PVC pipe. We don't like to pull longer than 1200' unless it is quite strait, longer than that we usually need a J-box/Manhole etc to pull to. Have a crew of 4 that do nothing but pull large wire. No problem tugging through PVC.

 

[alfredeneuman]

I would love to do it this way, but no one wants to or is able to answer my actual question as to whether I can fit/pull 500 mcm aluminum through 3" conduit.

Assume this conduit is PVC Schedule 40

3-500MCMs can be pulled through 3" conduit, but you'll have to include an Equipment Ground Conductor with that (A #2 copper or a #1/0 aluminum).

It's going to be a tight fit, though. It's easier said than done.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I wasn't making myself clear... of course, wire size is important to carry the load, however insulation type must also be paid attention to....

Yes, true insulation rating is a factor that many people dont realize!

 

[VoltageDrop]

You are going overkill on this. But whatever. And yes I am an electrical contractor. Also for others wanting to know you could have easily pulled three 500's and your ground in a 3" with the proper tugging equipment. I am currently building a 13,000 square foot shop behind my 9000 square foot house. Main panel on the new shop will be 300' away and am only giving it a 200A feed. (House only has a 200A service) and I am very doubtful there will be any problems and that I will need to upgrade to a 400A main service on my house. You will be seeing $1000 plus power bills a month before you need to upgrade to a 400A service.

A 9000 sq ft house sounds more overkill than a 400A service! The 13k sq ft shop sounds just about right, though

I just wanted to chime in with one thought. I just built a 22x30 shop/garage and I'm upgrading my house to a 400A (CL320) service with a 200A panel in the shop. The main reason is because my service runs under the new driveway so it's now or never but in the back of my mind I'm also thinking if the electric car keeps gaining ground then I could see owning one in the next 5-10 years. A fast charger on a car is going to take some juice! And, that's a continuous load so it's even more of a factor.

I say throw load calculations out the window and overkill it!