Ontario Electrical code for running 100amp Service?

[cobratom]

Hi everyone!

I am looking to run a 100A subpanel from my 200A panel in my house to my new shop. The run is 390FT total from shop to panel.

Any recommendations based on that information for size of wire?

I tried to use a online calculator, and it spat out 2/0 wire size, and then I realized that I can't possibly fit that wire size into a 100A breaker (I think max is 4 Gauge)

Any recommendations or suggestions? I tried searching but it does not seem like anyone is running this sort of distance without having a separate service/meter which my electrical company does not want to do.

 

[Norcal]

I do not know if allowed by the CEC, but the use of Polaris connectors in a J-box under , near the panel to a size the breaker will accept (most likely 1/0 for 100A) to terminate in the lugs is one solution when upsizing conductors for voltage drop.

 

[pattenp]

What type of wire are you considering? Copper or Aluminum. I assume 2/0 would be Cu.

 

[cobratom]

What type of wire are you considering? Copper or Aluminum. I assume 2/0 would be Cu.

Yes 2/0 was Cu.

I am open to suggestions. I was figuring I would have to run a TECK style cable if copper and URD if aluminum

Tom

 

[manwithtools]

You need a pin adapter to convert the 2/0 to something the 100 amp breaker will accept.

They crimp onto your larger wire and provide a termination pin 2 wire sizes smaller. They are made specifically to do what you are trying to accomplish. I would say your biggest challenge will be wire bending space within you breaker panels for something as large as 2/0. The pin adapters will only make this more challenging.

For wire bending space you need to refer to NEC Table 312.6(A) and Table 312.6(B) depending on the arrangement of your entry to the panel board.

T&B part number 61935 reduces 2/0 to 1 ga. Works well to change Aluminum to Copper at the point of termination as well. These are not cheap and you will need a special crimping tool - might need to hire a commercial electrician who has the crimper due to cost. If you where closer, I'd lend you ours.

Please see the following:

http://www.tnb.ca/en/pdf-catalogues/power-connection-and-grounding/compression-connector-system/pin-connectors-for-aluminum-copper-code-conductors.pdf

In the end, a junction box with Polaris connectors might be cheaper if local codes allow it. You would need the j-box arrangement at both ends of the wire run.

 

[cobratom]

Does 2/0 seem like the right size though?

What is the acceptable voltage drop to a secondary building in Ontario? Do I measure total length from the meter, the road or just the breaker box?

Thanks!

 

[manwithtools]

Voltage drop calculator shows 390 feet with copper conductor at 240 volts and 100 amp load would actually require 3/0 to limit loss to less than 3% voltage loss (direct burial or conduit). 2/0 would result in 3.54% which is very acceptable.

If you could live with 60 amps total load you could drop back to 1 ga. Big difference in cost and much easier to pull that far.

 

[cobratom]

Voltage drop calculator shows 390 feet with copper conductor at 240 volts and 100 amp load would actually require 3/0 to limit loss to less than 3% voltage loss (direct burial or conduit). 2/0 would result in 3.54% which is very acceptable.

If you could live with 60 amps total load you could drop back to 1 ga. Big difference in cost and much easier to pull that far.

I thought for certain that code was only 5% in Ontario?

 

[manwithtools]

Very well might be 5% there. It's dependent on many things. General design practice is to limit it to as close to 3% as possible. If your incoming power stays at nominal or above; 5% may be fine. I don't know the Canadian or Ontario codes well enough to advise.

 

[Pythong]

I'm in NW Ontario, ran #2 Aluminum from my house panel which was 200amp to the garage (100amp) and the run was about 180ft.

When i pulled my permit i got the contact information from the inspector and called him to verify all is good before i pulled the trigger on my wire. He didn't even ask for the length of the run just how many amps i was planning to run into the garage.

I'm going to do my final inspection soon, i can ask him then if you want !

 

[cobratom]

I'm in NW Ontario, ran #2 Aluminum from my house panel which was 200amp to the garage (100amp) and the run was about 180ft.

When i pulled my permit i got the contact information from the inspector and called him to verify all is good before i pulled the trigger on my wire. He didn't even ask for the length of the run just how many amps i was planning to run into the garage.

I'm going to do my final inspection soon, i can ask him then if you want !

I would appreciate that. I will be talking to some electricians soon to get some bids.