Ground for sub panel question

[psychob0b1977]

Hi all,

I'm going to be running a 30amp sub panel to my shed this weekend. I have a quick question about the ground wire. I will be using 10 guage stranded wire for both hots, and the neutral. Should I use the same wire for the ground, or should I use 12 guage?

thanks

Edit: I have both wire types on hand

 

[ishiboo]

Legally, #10.

 

[psychob0b1977]

Ok. Thanks!

 

[nehog]

Don't forget to drive a couple of ground rods too...

 

[mrjaw14]

code will probably want two ground rods not less than 8' apart if doing a sub panel.

Why just 30A? I don't think you can install a sub panel for anything less than 60A legally. You could do a SINGLE circuit and not put in a sub panel, or worry about ground rods. Then you'd be limited to 20A. if you're putting 110 outlets in. Given the V-drop from house to shed, all I'd run over that #10 is a single 20A anyway.

If all you're doing is lights and a few outlets, skip the sub panel and just run a single circuit.

 

[pattenp]

There is no NEC issue with feeding a sub-panel with less than 60A.

 

[psychob0b1977]

I am going with a 30amp service because it is not a garage, it's a large shed, that is my workshop. I want separate light circuit and outlets. And a sub panel allows me to do that.

Plus it allows me to also have 240v available.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

code will probably want two ground rods not less than 8' apart if doing a sub panel.

Why just 30A? I don't think you can install a sub panel for anything less than 60A legally. You could do a SINGLE circuit and not put in a sub panel, or worry about ground rods. Then you'd be limited to 20A. if you're putting 110 outlets in. Given the V-drop from house to shed, all I'd run over that #10 is a single 20A anyway.

If all you're doing is lights and a few outlets, skip the sub panel and just run a single circuit.

How do u even know that voltage drop is an issue? The OP didnt even state the distance/wire length!

 

[mrjaw14]

I don't know that voltage drop will be an issue, but it's something that if you don't know about it you won't take into account. It's better to assume it is an issue then to assume it's not an issue, especially since it doesn't take a very far run for it to come into play.

Perhaps where you are you don't have the 60A requirement, but here you do if the structure is detached. My statements are general statements, since as you pointed out, we don't know all the facts. It's up to the OP to find out local code requirements. perhaps he doesn't intend to get codes involved, and that might come to bite him later if the property is ever sold, so my point is to give him things to think about....he's here for advice after all.

 

[zcar751]

I don't know that voltage drop will be an issue, but it's something that if you don't know about it you won't take into account. It's better to assume it is an issue then to assume it's not an issue, especially since it doesn't take a very far run for it to come into play.

Perhaps where you are you don't have the 60A requirement, but here you do if the structure is detached. My statements are general statements, since as you pointed out, we don't know all the facts. It's up to the OP to find out local code requirements. perhaps he doesn't intend to get codes involved, and that might come to bite him later if the property is ever sold, so my point is to give him things to think about....he's here for advice after all.

All good points the other red flag is the OP stated he will be using stranded wire which shouldn't be used at that guage for perminent wiring.

 

[LXCam]

All good points the other red flag is the OP stated he will be using stranded wire which shouldn't be used at that guage for perminent wiring.

K I'll bite. Why not?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

All good points the other red flag is the OP stated he will be using stranded wire which shouldn't be used at that guage for perminent wiring.

Why is that?

 

[pattenp]

Okay.. I too would like to hear the reason for this.

All good points the other red flag is the OP stated he will be using stranded wire which shouldn't be used at that guage for perminent wiring.