Open neutral going to shop!

[HiTech]

Need to replace my service going to my wood shop. I have direct burial triplex I got from the electric company 30 years ago. Since that time a pool has been installed, so now I have to go around the pool to get to the garage. The total length is about 225 ft. I'm fused at 60 amps at the house panel, and the same at the sub panel. I'm planning to trench 24 inches and install 1.5" pvc conduit box to box. My question is will #6 THWN 4 conductor be good to go for 60 amps that distance, with little voltage drop, or go with # 4 THWN?

Thanks in advance!

Thanks to all of you that gave your suggestions.

Russ from Pa.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Too far for #6.

Charles

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Even #4 is too small.

What all do u have in the shop? Any big equipment?

And what is with the title?

 

[HiTech]

Thanks.... What size do you think I need?
As far as equipment goes 90% is all 240vac. as in shaper, planer ,jointer, cabinet saw , jointer,60 gal air compressor and central air. I use only small electric hand tools. I have been good all these years with the 60amp service. I never have more then 2 of the big guys running at once.

 

[pattenp]

If only 60A feed then you can get by with aluminum 2-2-2-4 Mobile Home Feeder in 1.5 inch PVC. I suggest to install 2 inch PVC.

Edit: I assume you're in the US. If the feed is coming from your main service panel it should be 4 wires.



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[Walty]

If your trench is 24" deep, why even use pvc? just go direct bury.

 

[pattenp]

Using PVC conduit is just a better/quality install. The Mobile Home Feeder is a direct bury cable and if the trench is prepared correctly then direct bury is okay. Using PVC conduit the depth needs to be only 18 inches.

If your trench is 24" deep, why even use pvc? just go direct bury.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

If your trench is 24" deep, why even use pvc? just go direct bury.

If using direct burial cable such as MHF, it needs to be in conduit when inside a building. Also, if the cable ever needs to be replaced, u dont have to redig the trench, which is one of the reasons its a better quality job.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

OP- U said the utility gave u triplex? From where?

Also, what is with the title? Do u have an open wire on the existing feed?

 

[HiTech]

OP- U said the utility gave u triplex? From where?

Also, what is with the title? Do u have an open wire on the existing feed?

To clear up (Gave Me) triplex. it was a friend who work for the PECO about 30 years ago. At that time is was about a 75' run now its about 225+ run. As far as the title OPEN NEUTRAL, the cable went open between the two panels.

Russ

 

[Gary S]

If your trench is 24" deep, why even use pvc? just go direct bury.

If the old wire was in PVC, he wouldn't be digging a new trench this time. All he would have to do is pull out the bad wire and pull in new wire.
If you do it right the first time, you don't keep doing it over again and again.

 

[pattenp]

Don't use Triplex or Quadruplex unless terminated outside the structure. It is a secondary distribution cable or listed as URD which is not approved for interior use. The MHF I referred to above can be used inside because it has an approved fire resistant rated insulation. But MHF does need to be in conduit where inside and also where exposed above ground.




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[wyliesdiesels]

To clear up (Gave Me) triplex. it was a friend who work for the PECO about 30 years ago. At that time is was about a 75' run now its about 225+ run. As far as the title OPEN NEUTRAL, the cable went open between the two panels.

Russ

Did the wire get cut? I wonder how it went open. URD is made for underground use....

 

[Aceman]

Direct burial cable fails all the time. We do several repairs a year.

That's why I push for conduit....

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Direct burial cable fails all the time. We do several repairs a year.

That's why I push for conduit....

Interesting. I think ive only seen one failed direct burial cable before. And i dont hear about it too often!

 

[Gary S]

My Brother had a direct burial fail. The city had 3 failures just on my block with their street light wiring within the last 5 years. It isn't uncommon at all.

Yet, I've never known anyone who had wire fail when in conduit. I'm sure it happens too, but is extremely rare.

 

[Speedy Petey]

Direct burial cable fails all the time. We do several repairs a year.

That's why I push for conduit....

Same here.

 

[Norcal]

Direct burial cable fails all the time. We do several repairs a year.

That's why I push for conduit....

Same here.

Conduit is cheap insurance, IMO.

 

[walrus]

My Brother had a direct burial fail. The city had 3 failures just on my block with their street light wiring within the last 5 years. It isn't uncommon at all.

Yet, I've never known anyone who had wire fail when in conduit. I'm sure it happens too, but is extremely rare.

Underground wiring in conduit fails also, see it all the time. Tough environment, sometimes you can pull the wires out, sometimes you can't.