Need help with subpanel

[23 CHIEF]

I want to add a 60 amp subpanel to my detached garage that is only 7 feet from my house. I was thinking of using 6-3 Uf-b wire my question is there a better way would thwn wire be a lot easier to use or any other ideas ( I can get the uf-b at 1.75 per foot )

 

[Jlbc212]

Do you plan to run the cable underground or overhead?

 

[23 CHIEF]

Underground

 

[rburke65]

Personally I would run a 2" PVC and pull individual conductors. Might even run an extra conduit also. Good luck.

 

[CNGsaves]

Personally I would run a 2" PVC and pull individual conductors. Might even run an extra conduit also. Good luck.

^ ^ ^ This. Full depth of trench according to AHJ (like 36" deep, or whatever) for your 2" pvc for main power. Then backfill and another 1 1/2" conduit for low voltage like internet, CATV, security, telco.

2nd separate trench for REAL DEEP bury of natural gas line (yellow plastic polyethylene) like 48" then backfill for . . . . .
. . . . . yes . . . . both hot and cold water lines !!!!

That 7 ft distance makes it real nice for you to be spoiled !!

 

[Cyberbear]

I have to agree with the others about dropping a few extra future use pipes and conduits into the trench while it's open. Won't cost a lot and saves wasted labor later on. Used to do this for a living, pull separate wires for the service and other circuits. This will keep from possibly burning everything at once if you have a problem, better to only replace what's needed instead of all.

 

[Jlbc212]

2" PVC only has to be 18" below the final grade level, but it's a good idea to go a bit deeper. Natural gas and the PVC for the electric can be in the same trench if separated at least 18" apart in the trench, but check with your local electrical and gas inspectors. Water lines need to be below the frost line depth. The cost of upping the sub panel from 60amp to 100amp is minimal, especially when you cost it out over the life of it's usefulness to you.

 

[Notgrownup]

I will be going 24" with 2" for electric and a extra line for future use.

 

[BearsFan315]

i agree with the conduit, when we upgraded our main panel to 200amp, we had the electrician run line to the garage for future subpanel. he ran conduit for us. i was going to do a 60amp, but got a steal on a 100 amp on clearance when in the store one day. now it is installed and running my garage. wish i would have ran the other conduit for cable/ LAN lines. then i could watch tv, have internet/ etc .... water not a biggy, gas would be nice to run HEAT !!

we are about the same from main house as you approx 7 foot. do it all at once and if you NEVER use them, then no loss !!

 

[kbs2244]

One of the advantages I have seen in favor of UHF wiring is if you are in an are where Romex is allowed by code you can continue the same piece of cable from one end to the other.
You have to run it in conduct when it is outside and running from the hole in the wall down underground for impact protection.
But you do not have to bend conduct inside either building.